Published in Personal Injury by Chris Eskew on November 29, 2019.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Insurance Claim
If you’re facing injuries from a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you have rights.
You need to be sure to protect those rights.
While compensation won’t take away your injuries, it will reduce your financial burden.
After you get medical attention, one of the first things you should consider is hiring a personal injury attorney.
An experienced car accident attorney can help secure compensation for the injuries and damages that you have endured.
Many people ask, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?”, but most people don’t know when they really need to hire an attorney. Below are some of the most common reasons why you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.
The Insurance Company Isn’t On Your Side
While we like to think that insurance companies have our best interests in mind, their first aim is to keep their own costs down and reduce overhead.
This means that your interests and those of insurance companies may not always align. Hiring an attorney is one way to ensure that you have an advocate on your side to protect your rights.
You May Not Understand All the Damages You’re Entitled To
There are a wide array of damages that you might deserve. Not only will you be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, but you should be able to recover your lost wages.
Pain and suffering and emotional distress are other damages you might be able to claim. If the accident left you incapacitated, family members may be able to receive compensation for the loss of your companionship.
Proving Liability Can Be Difficult
Determining the party that was responsible for the accident can be hard. You will also have to prove that they breached the duty of care and that their breach resulted in your injuries.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the law will increase your chances of being able to prove the necessary things in order to win your case.
The Settlement Options Can be Confusing
A lot of cases settle out of court, which means that the insurance company will likely make you an offer.
Having an attorney who can help you understand if the offer they make is acceptable or not can make a big difference in the amount of the final settlement. Once you agree to and accept a settlement, you give up your right to sue.
Filing a Lawsuit is Very Complex
If you decide that your best option is to sue the other party for compensation, it isn’t as easy as it may sound. There are complex rules that you must follow and deadlines that you must meet.
Having a personal injury lawyer on your side will ensure that you are following all the rules and deadlines so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to file your lawsuit.
Failing to Hire an Attorney Could Result in Financial Loss
If you don’t sue in time, or you don’t follow the specific rules of the state you live in for filing a lawsuit, you could lose your right to ever file such a case.
This could result in complete loss of compensation, or you having to accept any offer that your insurance throws your direction. That offer will likely be much less than what you would get in court if you had an attorney representing your rights.
Having an Attorney on Your Side Can Provide You Will a Piece of Mind
Because the laws are so complex and complicated, it is common for people to doubt the validity of their claims.
A consultation with an attorney could reassure you that taking your case to the next level is the right thing to do. They will evaluate your case and determine what your best options are according to the law.
Insurance Companies Take Advantage of the Stress You Are Facing
After an accident, especially if you are struggling to heal from serious injuries, you are likely under a great deal of personal and even financial stress.
Insurance companies may attempt to settle the case as soon as possible after the accident because they know you are more likely to settle while you are under a lot of stress.
If you feel like your insurance company may be trying to take advantage of you because of the stressful situation, you may need to consider hiring an attorney.
Your Injuries Could be Severe
One of the first things that will determine how much compensation you deserve is the severity of your injuries.
If you have suffered significant bodily injury and have extensive medical bills, your insurance company will likely fight harder against your claim for compensation because they have more money at stake.
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to develop a strategy to ensure compensation for all your injuries.
Multiple Parties Being Involved in the Accident
If the accident involved more than two vehicles, this can complicate the insurance claims and negotiation process. Some accidents could result in litigation involving more than one defendant.
If the driver of a commercial vehicle is in a crash, this can make the process even more complex. A car accident attorney will be able to determine which parties may be liable for your injuries and therefore be responsible for compensating you for the damages you endured.
Should I get an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident?
The laws for filing a lawsuit for compensation after a car accident can be extremely complex and confusing.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident.
There are certain situations that can change that time period and an experienced Indiana car accident attorney can help you be certain you are meeting all the deadlines and following all the rules if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit.
The attorneys at Eskew Law have experience helping clients injured due to another driver’s negligence receive the compensation that they deserve.
If you are finding yourself asking “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?”, contact us online or call (317) 210-4728 today. We can schedule you a free consultation at our conveniently located Indianapolis office location.
