A motor vehicle accident can be a stressful event, not just because of the trauma of the actual collision, but also because of the events that follow. Many victims of accidents find it harder to deal with the consequences of the accident than the accident itself. Not only do you have to recover from painful injuries, you also must deal with the expense of the medical treatment. In addition, you may have to miss work as you recover causing you to lose income during this period.
When you’re faced with a mounting stack of bills following an accident, the best course of action to take is to get in touch with an accident injury attorney.
Do I need an attorney?
When you or your loved one is involved in an accident, it can be a trying time for you as well as the family. You may be wondering whether you have a case for compensation. It is not unusual to be confused, particularly since the insurance adjuster will be pushing you for a quick settlement. However, you should consider contacting an accident injury attorney in the following situations.
1 – The at-fault party denies responsibility
Not many people readily admit when they are wrong. This is especially true if their mistakes resulted in an injury to another person. Insurance providers also aren’t likely to give compensation easily as they are in business and want to make as high a profit as possible.
Unfortunately, the burden of proof in personal injury cases lies on the victim. An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove fault and establish a strong case. However, it is important to hire a lawyer early in the process so that he can gather the evidence before it is lost or forgotten. This is the first and most important step in securing compensation for the victim.
2 – You have received an initial settlement offer
The insurance provider of the at-fault party may contact you after the accident and offer you some money to settle your claim. However tempting the offer may seem, it is important seek the counsel of a lawyer first, before signing any papers. These initial offers are often lower than what the case is worth and accepting this money could mean the end of your case even if you subsequently determine that you suffered additional injuries or losses.
Don’t be in a rush to settle. Seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. Victims who use attorneys often get much more in compensation compared to those who don’t.
3 – Your injuries are extensive
If your accident has resulted in extensive or life-altering injuries, it is important to seek compensation. Many times, these injuries can go unnoticed for a long time, e.g. traumatic brain injuries. However, their effects can last for the rest of your life. An experienced attorney reviewing your case will recommend the best action to take in order to secure a just settlement for your injuries.