Do You Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Wasn't Your Fault?
If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may wonder whether hiring an auto accident lawyer is necessary. After all, you didn't cause the accident, so you assume everything will proceed in your favor.
Unfortunately, that's not always the case. The driver at fault may dispute liability, while the insurance company may refuse to pay or present an offer that does not match the severity of your injuries. Read on to learn what auto accident lawyers can do for you.
Gather Evidence
When it comes to car accident cases, simply knowing the other driver was responsible for the accident is not enough to get you the compensation benefits. You need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they were at fault.
Auto accident lawyers know what evidence is needed to win car accident claims. Some of the evidence they can present include photos and videos, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and statements made by the at-fault party.
Prove Negligence
After gathering evidence, your car accident attorney will prove the other party's liability. They will show how the driver's actions violated the duty of care and how they would have acted to keep you safe. They will also prove that you have suffered physical, emotional, and financial losses from the accident.
Once it is established the accident was preventable, you will be a step closer to getting the benefits you deserve.
Get You a Larger Settlement
Many car accident victims mistakenly settle cases with their insurers before knowing the true nature of their injuries. Like all businesses, insurance companies want to minimize their liabilities. Often, they will present a preliminary settlement that is insultingly low but good enough to tempt you. If you accept it, you waive your rights to take further legal action.
Your auto accident lawyer has handled multiple car accident cases. They can calculate how much is needed to cover your medical costs and other ongoing issues. They will also help you pursue other compensation routes like punitive damages, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
Represent You in Court
If the other party or insurer refuses to pay your benefits or is unwilling to match your desired compensation amount, the other option is to take the case to court. Your auto accident attorney will file the lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Most insurance companies will want to avoid trials due to their bad publicity. Besides, they would end up incurring more expenses with a trial than they would have with a pretrial settlement.
Contact a firm like Lawson Law, P.C. to learn more.