Thousands of car accident victims file claims annually, and their success depends on their legal representation. True to that, the average pay for a car accident claim is an impressive $25,000, while minor crashes or personal injury cases range between $10,000 and $15,000.
Car accident lawyers can help you get higher compensation while handling the intricate litigation process. This article highlights the need for lawyers in car accident cases and illustrates specific things they handle in your case.
Why You Need a Lawyer in a Car Accident Case
Here are various reasons and situations where you might need a car accident attorney
Evidence Collection Can be Challenging
Imagine waking up in a hospital after a car accident and having no clues about how the accident occurred. Hiring a lawyer can help you unravel the incident and highlight factors like the cause of the accident. Here are situations in which an attorney can help with evidence collection and analysis:
- Lawyers assist in evaluating personal evidence, like videos and photos collected
- Retrieving the at-fault party’s accident or criminal records
- They can find and interrogate witnesses for more evidence
- Advocates can reach and communicate with the at-fault party to confirm or compare evidence
Build a Strong Case for the Defendant
A good advocate can collect evidence to prove your case and ensure a fair hearing. Usually, being partially liable can have an impact on the compensation you receive. An experienced car accident lawyer can help secure compensation even in cases where liability is shared.
Handling the Negotiation Process
Lawyers are good negotiators, especially when settling matters outside court. They can conveniently handle stubborn or witty insurance companies wanting to extort or undervalue the value of your car accident claim.
Help Attain Full Compensation
Car accident lawyers also ensure you attain total compensation during litigation processes. This includes coverage of the following factors:
- Lost wages or job opportunities
- Compensation for extra expenses like medications
- Negotiating for future medical coverage like therapy or physiotherapy
- Cover for total asset damages
Handle Complex Legal Procedures. Lawyers have the legal knowledge to guide you through various intricate court requirements. They also have the skills to access individuals, details, or documents in your case, including medical records or police statements. Additionally, an advocate can handle the legal processes in your absence and give prompt feedback. This is crucial if you’re bedridden in the hospital.
How to Select the Right Car Accident Lawyer
So, what should you do to get a lawyer with the above requirements? Below are some tips to consider:
Hire a Lawyer from a Reputable Law Firm
Reputable firms have a long list of reliable attorneys who adhere to strict ethics. Great law firms tend to be expensive, but quality service is worth the additional expense. A quick Google search or recommendation can direct you to the best law firm.
Consider their Track Record
You should hire an advocate with a good reputation in car accident lawsuits. This guarantees confidence when handling your case, including going against strong legal battles. Also, experience influences the possibility of fair compensation.
Work Ethic
A good lawyer should have a good work strategy, like being transparent with their clients. Therefore, ensure your attorney has good communication patterns, especially when handling a case in your absence. Additionally, they should adhere to all laws, including court appearances, to avoid jeopardizing your winning chances.
Conclusion
The need for legal representation cannot be undermined. As highlighted, lawyers are the link between losing a case and getting fair compensation. Ensure you hire the right advocate to get great service. If it’s your first time hiring an attorney, consider factors like experience or reputation in your selection strategy.
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And people wonder why their private auto insurance premiums are through the roof?
We have a public insurer here in BC, and the claims process recently changed to no fault. There are set compensation rates for each injury category and any disputes are handled by a panel. The lawyers went ballistic to try and get these changes stopped as this was a cash cow for the legal industry for decades.. After the change my yearly auto insurance premiums dropped by double digits and we now receive premium rebates back per each policy if the cash reserves climb too high. It costs me $721 per year for a $30K valued van, with 2 million dollars liability, collision, and comprehensive. Several years ago a defrost motor seized in my 43 year old VW, the breaker did not trip, and I had a fire in the dash. It cost $13,000 to repair including some body work etc etc. My deductible was $300 and my next premium charge did not rise as a result of the claim. It was estimated that removing the lawsuits from the industry saved everyone 30% on their premiums. When I had my fire, I went to the nearest ICBC claims office and told them which repair shop I wanted to use as they specialize in VW Westfalias.There was no haggling whatsoever about who I chose. And when the van was in pieces I had some improvements made and the shop made note of every detail and ensured no extra charges were inserted into the original claim which would have simply been theft from other policy holders. I just paid cash for the extra work completed.
The only people who complain about no fault insurance are those in the legal industry. In the past the policy holder had to find their own lawyer, the insurer had in house lawyers, and claims were often settled to simply avoid a costly court date. Everyone made money and the policy holders en masse got to pay for it all.