Car Accident Law Firm: Hire Them or Pursue the Claim on Your Own?
If another driver causes a car accident that injures you, you have the right to seek compensation from that driver. There are two ways to do it, you can either file a claim on your own or hire a professional law firm to represent your case. If it is a minor case, you can handle it on your own. However, to file the claim, it is necessary to conduct thorough research and understand all the legal terms and requirements. This is why it is best to hire an experienced car accident attorney if you don’t know how to navigate the case. Keep reading to find out whether you should pursue a claim without a car accident law firm.
Can You Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
The answer is yes! You can handle a personal injury claim on your own without hiring a lawyer. Some personal injury claims don’t necessarily require a lawyer, but not many attorneys will mention this. Typically, we’re talking about cases with no or minor injuries, especially those with subjective injuries that get better within a few months. If the injuries aren’t major and the medical treatment is minimal, settling without a lawyer is often possible.
Should You Process With or Without the Car Accident Law Firm?
Deciding whether to involve a car accident law firm depends on various factors. Here are some things you need to take into account:
- Seriousness of your injuries: For minor injuries, your insurance may handle settlements smoothly. But if you’ve faced significant injuries like pain and suffering, consulting a personal injury law firm for a case evaluation is wise.
- Sufficiency of Evidence: To make a successful claim, you’ll need evidence such as witnesses or documents. If you’re struggling to gather proof, seeking assistance from a lawyer can be beneficial.
- Proof of other driver’s fault: If it’s clear the other driver caused the accident and their insurance accepts fault, you may proceed without a lawyer. However, if the fault is disputed or the other driver counters, consulting an experienced attorney is advisable before moving forward.
- Calculation of damages: Quantifying damages can be tricky. If you find it challenging to determine a specific amount, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer is a good idea.
Risks of Setting the Claim on Your Own
Here are some significant risks if you try to handle your claim alone:
- Possibly less compensation: People with lawyers tend to get more from insurance companies than those without. Going solo might mean settling for less than what you truly deserve.
- Mistakes could cost you: Timing is critical. Waiting too long due to the statute of limitations could result in losing your chance to claim. A simple mistake might jeopardize your compensation.
- Giving up rights too soon: Signing a settlement early, before fully understanding your damages, could mean forfeiting rights without the option to change your mind later.
- Missing key evidence: Lawyers help find expert witnesses, gather police reports, and collect medical records for a robust case. Doing these tasks alone is tough and might result in missing important evidence.
Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Law Firm?
Getting a lawyer to help with your car accident claim is usually a smart move for several reasons:
- Higher settlement chances: Hiring a car accident law firm increases the likelihood of settling instead of going to court. They can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, making the process smoother.
- Knowing your case’s worth: Your lawyer can determine the true value of your case, ensuring you don’t settle for an unfairly low amount.
- Gaining credibility with insurers: Insurers take you more seriously when you have legal representation. Having a lawyer signals that your rights should be respected, adding weight to your case.
- Securing larger compensation: Studies show that people with lawyers tend to receive more significant insurance payouts following car accidents. Your lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion: When you’re dealing with significant losses from a car accident, especially if your injuries are severe, taking the risk of handling your claim alone might not be the best idea. Instead, think about setting up a free consultation with a trusted car accident law firm. It will help you to explore the legal assistance options that could be beneficial for you in the long run.