You never thought it’d happen to you. You’re driving along and suddenly—boom—you’re in a car accident. The good news? It wasn’t your fault. But what happens after that? Many people believe that because they aren't at fault, handling the case on their own is easy.
Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies and proving you’re not liable isn't always so clear-cut. This is where a car accident lawyer can help tremendously. From handling the convoluted insurance process to ensuring you’re fully compensated for your injuries and damages, a car accident lawyer can be your greatest ally. Let’s look at the reasons why you need a car accident lawyer even though you’re not at fault.
Car Accident Lawyers Know the Insurance Companies' Tactics
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident that wasn't your fault can be overwhelming. Even if you’re not at fault, insurance companies use a myriad of tactics to minimize payouts. They’ll seem friendly and cooperative at first, but make no mistake, their goal is to protect their bottom line. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask probing questions designed to get responses from you, which can damage your case.
For instance, an insurance adjuster may urge you to give a recorded statement or quickly offer a settlement that appears reasonable but, in reality, doesn’t cover your long-term needs. Accepting that offer can (and likely will) waive your rights to future compensation if your injuries or damages turn out to be more severe than you thought. A car accident lawyer can ensure you don’t fall victim to insurance company tactics.
Car Accident Lawyers Know How to Prove Negligence
At the core of every personal injury case is the need to establish the negligence of the other party. In a car accident case, this requires you to show the other driver breached their duty of care, such as the New York Vehicle and Traffic laws, and that negligent breach caused your injuries and losses. This is where the expertise of a car accident lawyer is worth every penny.
A car accident lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to prove negligence, including police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and expert opinions. They have the legal experience to connect the various parts of your case, showing how the sequence of events and the actions of the other driver caused your accident. This strengthens your case significantly.
Proving negligence isn't just helpful for your case—it’s a requirement to hold the other party liable. With a car accident lawyer’s guidance, the web of evidence and legal jargon becomes manageable so you can focus on your recovery from the car accident.
Car Accident Lawyers Will Maximize Compensation
Obtaining the compensation you deserve means accurately and thoroughly accounting for the impact of your injuries and damages. This includes costs like medical bills and vehicle repairs, but also factors in long-term needs such as rehabilitation, loss of wages, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
A car accident lawyer has the experience needed to tell you how much your case is worth. They understand the subtleties involved in calculating economic and non-economic damages, so you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Moreover, a car accident lawyer is ready to counter lowball offers from insurance companies with meaningful responses to help increase the odds of obtaining a substantial settlement in your favor.
Car Accident Lawyers Know How to Gather Evidence
Once an accident occurs, collecting the right evidence is crucial. This involves taking photographs and videos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Witnesses’ statements can also be valuable, and a lawyer will know how to track them down to preserve their testimony for later use. Securing a certified copy of the police report is important, as it provides an official account of what happened immediately after the crash.
Equally important is obtaining and organizing medical records related to any treatments for injuries sustained during an accident. An attorney can help facilitate this process by coordinating with your medical providers to ensure all necessary documentation is promptly gathered and properly filed.
Car Accident Lawyers Know How to Navigate a Lawsuit
Sometimes, negotiations with insurance providers do not result in an adequate settlement. In those cases, filing a lawsuit might be necessary to ensure fair compensation. A lawsuit involves not only filing the correct paperwork but also navigating the complex legal system. This includes meeting statutory deadlines and effectively arguing your case in front of a judge or jury down the road.
When you have a car accident lawyer, they will manage all aspects of the litigation process. They will represent your interests in all aspects, from initiating the lawsuit to presenting the evidence and witnesses. This expertise is crucial not just for increasing your chances of success but also for alleviating the stress associated with legal proceedings. By allowing an attorney to oversee this process, you can focus on your personal recovery while they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Conclusion
While you may feel confident about handling your car accident case alone, even if the accident wasn’t your fault, having a legal ally can be reassuring. A car accident lawyer can navigate the intricacies of insurance negotiations, gather critical evidence, and stand firm against the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim.
At Horn Wright, LLP, our car accident lawyers deal with all of these issues day in and day out. With one simple phone call, you can speak with one of our car accident lawyers to move your case closer to resolution. Call (585) 245-0255 today to talk to a car accident lawyer.