The internet is filled with resources that allow us to quickly find answers, which makes it seem like we can be experts at anything. But “Googling” has its limits, especially when the question deals with a complex subject.
Most people do not understand all the different laws that can affect a car accident claim. They may also have questions about filing a claim, submitting a demand letter, negotiating, and going to trial. If you do not fully understand your legal rights, it is difficult to know when those rights are being violated. The insurance company may use your ignorance of the law to minimize your compensation.
Soon after an accident, you may be faced with the question of whether to hire a lawyer or go it alone and handle a car accident claim without a lawyer. While hiring a lawyer is never strictly necessary, they are invaluable to the claims process for a number of reasons.
Knowing What Your Case Is Worth
The car accident claims process may appear relatively simple. And it can be, as long as the insurance company treats you fairly.
But how do you know if you are being treated fairly? To determine that, you first need to know what your case is worth. This isn’t as simple as it seems. Your injuries might last well into the future and have ongoing costs. You might also have “non-economic” losses that are difficult to calculate, such as mental anguish and a diminished quality of life.
What you don’t know can hurt you. A car accident lawyer knows how to assess all potential damages and accurately calculate them with help from experts.
Taking On The Insurance Company
Assuming that you are able to make a full and accurate assessment of your accident losses—and provide evidence to back up your claims—your negotiations could still hit the proverbial brick wall at the insurance company. The settlement offer from the insurance adjuster could be well below what you expect to be paid. They might make a deliberately low offer and hope you accept it. Negotiations can help to move their number up. But what if they aren’t budging?
At Morgan & Morgan, the answer is simple: if the insurance company low-balls our client and refuses to provide a fair settlement during negotiations, we take them to court. Our reputation precedes us and gives us more leverage at the negotiating table. Filing a lawsuit is definitely something you don’t want to do without a lawyer. Not all law firms are the same.
Focusing on Recovery
Even if you are able to represent yourself as well as a lawyer, doing so could hinder your recovery. High levels of stress and anxiety can impact physical health and make recovery longer and more difficult.
By hiring a lawyer, you’re letting somebody else handle your case while you focus on healing. You don’t have to deal with deadlines, paperwork, phone calls, or negotiations. Your lawyer deals with all of that while you deal with getting better.
Find Out Why There’s Only One Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan has been protecting the rights of car accident victims since 1988. Let us put our resources, experience, and reputation to work for you. It costs nothing to talk to a lawyer, and if we don’t win, you owe nothing.
Fill out a free case evaluation to discover how we can help you.