In general, you should consider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. You can represent yourself, but working with a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery and spend time with your loved ones. Getting an early start with an attorney has some advantages, and you can always learn about your options by reaching out for a free consultation.
Many crash victims work with car accident lawyers who can build their cases and negotiate settlements or take their cases to trial. A lawyer can explain complex legal concepts and manage all the details of your claim or lawsuit.
Why You Should Consider Contacting an Attorney Right Away
Sometimes, insurance companies contact crash victims in the first days or weeks after a crash to offer a settlement. When this occurs, it is almost always a lowball offer. Usually, the victim rarely knows what treatment they will need, much less the full cost of their accident-related damages. The insurance adjuster hopes the offer sounds like a lot of money and that victims will accept it without thinking twice.
When you have an attorney on your side from the beginning, this will not be a problem. The law firm handles all communication with the insurer, protecting your rights and ensuring you do not fall victim to any of their tactics to reduce the value of your case.
Not only can an attorney protect your rights from day one, but they also gather evidence. Some evidence they can use to document fault and liability in a crash disappears quickly. The sooner your attorney can identify and preserve this evidence, the better. Time-sensitive evidence could include:
- Eyewitness accounts of what happened that fade or are forgotten over time
- Video of the crash from surveillance cameras
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?
When you hire an attorney, you will see many benefits to having legal representation. This includes:
They Know How Cases Like Yours Work
When a victim handles their case, they often have to learn the applicable laws and understand how to navigate the legal process before they can begin. Car accident attorneys handle these cases daily, so they know how the process works. They know the tactics insurers use, how to protect your rights, and how to seek compensation.
They Will Manage Your Investigation
Investigating what happened and gathering the necessary evidence to tell a compelling story is often one of the most time-consuming parts of a car accident case. Your legal team will take care of all these tasks, so you do not have to.
They Identify and Document Damages
Identifying, documenting, and quantifying accident-related damages is often one of the most difficult parts of handling a case on your own. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you do not have to worry about this. They know how to determine the recoverable damages in your case and assign an appropriate case value. Your recoverable damages could include:
- Economic expenses such as medical bills and car repairs
- Future medical care costs
- Income losses, often from time missed at work
- Diminished earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if the client’s loved one died from their injuries
They Handle Every Legal Aspect of Your Case
When you trust a car accident attorney with your case, you do not have to worry about any of the legal details. You can focus solely on your treatment and physical recovery. Your lawyer will know how to navigate any hiccups that occur and pursue fair compensation, whether through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
When the time comes to decide whether to accept an offer or try other options for pursuing compensation, they will provide guidance and ensure you have the information you need to decide what is right for you.
They Won’t Charge You Anything Upfront
Car accident lawyers generally work on a contingency-fee basis. They do not get paid until you do, and they do not charge a retainer or hourly fee. Instead, they work for a percentage of the recovery in your case.
Most personal injury firms also offer free consultations, so you can ask questions and discuss your case for free.
What Is the Time Limit for Seeking Compensation in Your Case?
If you plan to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation, you generally have a limited amount of time to do so. Each state sets a statute of limitations that outlines the amount of time you have to file. Compensation may not be available if you do not file a lawsuit by the expiration date of the statute of limitations.
In some states, you may have up to three years to file. In other states, however, you may only have one year to submit your case. Exceptions to the statute of limitations could give you even less time. The sooner you speak with an attorney and determine the deadline in your case, the better.
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Discuss Your Case With a Car Accident Lawyer from Our Team for Free
The auto accident lawyers at the Morris Bart law firm represent clients hurt in crashes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. We’re ready to guide you through the legal process immediately after your accident.
You can get started on your case today with a no-obligation, no-cost consultation. These initial conversations allow crash victims to ask questions, learn about their options, and get to know our team. Contact us via telephone to start your free initial case assessment today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
