Hit by an irresponsible driver? Wondering what your car accident claim is worth?
The difference between filing your claim without an attorney and hiring a car accident lawyer is significant. Settlements are 3-4x higher when you have an attorney who knows the ropes.
That’s not just a little extra cash. That’s the difference between getting your medical bills paid and going bankrupt.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Why car accident lawyers help you receive more money
- How to maximize compensation with an attorney
- Common mistakes that cost accident victims money
What Is a Car Accident Attorney?
A car accident attorney is a lawyer who helps victims of motor vehicle collisions recover compensation. Car accident lawyers handle the insurance claims process, lawsuits and negotiations with insurance companies.
They’re well-versed in personal injury law, insurance policies, liability and the steps necessary to file a claim. They also have experience gathering evidence, building a case and getting results.
Picture this: You’re already stressed after getting injured and dealing with medical bills. Filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies requires even more work.
Insurance companies have entire teams of lawyers defending their bottom line. A single attorney versus a team. How do you think that battle will end?
Why Legal Representation Matters
Did you know the statistics are as follows?
- About 91% of people with an attorney receive a settlement payout, versus only 51% of those without legal representation. That means nearly half of unrepresented accident victims receive nothing.
The average car accident injury settlement is about $30,416 based on the latest data available. However, each case is different based on a variety of factors.
So where do you find a great attorney to represent you? Search for a proven car accident attorney oklahoma residents trust. They know the local laws, have insight into the insurance companies that cover the area and are connected with medical experts who can strengthen your case.
Legal representation makes a difference for these reasons:
Insurance companies are well aware that the typical victim isn’t familiar with the ins and outs of the claims process. They offer lowball settlements with the hopes of people accepting them and going away. Skilled attorneys can see their tricks for what they are.
Not only that, but legal filings, paperwork, court deadlines and state legal requirements can be overwhelming for most people. Missing a single deadline could kill a claim.
How Does a Lawyer Maximize Compensation?
Let’s answer the question:
How exactly does a car accident lawyer help you get more compensation for your claim?
First, they investigate your accident. Evidence gathering can include police reports, witness interviews, traffic camera footage and sometimes hiring accident reconstruction specialists. This information strengthens your case.
Second, they thoroughly calculate your damages. Most people only consider immediate medical expenses and property damage. Experienced attorneys will also factor in future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and other damages you might not know you’re entitled to.
Third, they aggressively negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who make a living getting their companies out of paying as much as possible. Your attorney’s job is to get you every last dollar you deserve.
Hiring a lawyer immediately tells the insurance company you’re serious. Seeing a professional representing you sends a message their lowball offers won’t fly.
Behind The Scenes of Settlements
Most folks assume filing a claim and getting a check is simple.
Wrong.
The settlement process can take months. It starts with an investigation phase to gather evidence and obtain medical records. Then they calculate the full value of your claim and issue a demand letter to the insurance company.
Negotiations then begin. The insurance company usually makes a lowball first offer. The attorney will respond with a higher demand backed by evidence.
Approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle outside of court. However, having an attorney ready to take it to trial gives you a lot of leverage. Insurance companies know if they don’t make a fair offer, they risk a jury verdict.
Mistakes to Avoid that Drain Your Wallet
Accident victims make a lot of mistakes that sabotage their cases. Here are the biggest ones that cost people money…
Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They will use anything you say to justify reducing or denying your claim.
Accepting the first settlement offer is another mistake that costs accident victims. Those who wait for a better deal get significantly higher settlements than those who take the first one.
Posting anything on social media is another bad idea. Insurance companies check your accounts for evidence that contradicts your injury claims. Something as simple as one smiling photo can be used against you to argue you’re not really injured.
Waiting too long to hire an attorney is another mistake that costs accident victims money. Evidence can disappear, witnesses become harder to locate and medical records are difficult to obtain over time. The sooner you get legal help, the better.
Settling your case before you reach maximum medical improvement is a huge mistake. If you settle and later realize your injuries are worse than previously thought, you can’t go back to the insurance company to ask for more money.
What Makes a Great Car Accident Attorney?
Not all lawyers are equal. So how do you know you’re working with a good one?
Years of experience in car accident cases is a big factor. You want an attorney who’s handled hundreds of car accident cases and is familiar with all the insurance companies’ tricks. Proven track record is key.
Communication is another important factor. Your attorney should keep you updated and be available to answer your questions. You’re not just a case file to them.
Look for attorneys who work on contingency. That means they only get paid if you win your case. You don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. Your attorney takes a percentage of your settlement. So they are motivated to get you the most money possible.
How Long Does The Car Accident Claim Process Take?
Everyone wants to know: How long will it take before I receive my money?
Cases with straightforward minor injuries might settle within a few months. If there are serious injuries or complex disputed fault issues, the process can take a year or more.
The problem is that most people want to rush to settlement and end the whole process as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, settling too soon usually means leaving money on the table. Your attorney needs time to understand your injuries and properly calculate damages.
Once a settlement agreement is reached, it usually takes 30-60 days before you receive payment.
Conclusion: Do You Do It Alone or Hire A Lawyer?
The decision is yours: Do you want to take on insurance companies alone? Or do you want someone in your corner who knows how to maximize your compensation?
The statistics speak for themselves. People who hire an attorney get significantly higher settlements. They’re more likely to receive compensation. They don’t have to deal with the stress and hassle of the claims process alone.
Don’t take too long to make this decision. You only have a couple of years to file a claim in most states. Missing that deadline means you lose the right to compensation.
Getting fair compensation after a car accident shouldn’t be a gamble. With the right legal representation, you can level the playing field and recover what you need to.
A skilled attorney thoroughly investigates, calculates accurate damages, negotiates aggressively and is prepared to go to trial if needed. This comprehensive approach is why they typically secure higher settlements.
Don’t try to navigate this process by yourself. The insurance company has a team of attorneys fighting for them. You deserve someone fighting for you.
Focus on your recovery and leave the legal work to an experienced attorney who will fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
