Car accidents can cause serious physical and emotional damage to those involved. If you have been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should hire a personal injury lawyer.
While not all car accidents require legal assistance, there are certain situations where hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial. In this blog post, we will provide guidance on hiring a personal injury lawyer after a car accident.
Determining Liability
One reason to hire a personal injury lawyer after a car accident is to thoroughly investigate what happened and determine liability. Liability is the legal term used to describe who is responsible for the accident and the resulting damages.
In some cases, liability is straightforward (like when a driver runs a red light). However, liability is not always clear-cut, and insurance companies often do everything they can to limit their financial responsibility.
An experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine and prove liability. Evidence can be extensive, including, but not limited to:
- Witness statements;
- Police reports;
- Photos of the scene and vehicles involved in the crash;
- Video footage from nearby cameras, police dash cameras and body cams;
- Drone aerial footage of the scene;
- Weather data;
- Data downloaded vehicle EDRs (electronic data recorders).
After investigating and gathering evidence, it is often necessary to hire a qualified technical expert to thoroughly analyze the evidence and reconstruct what occurred at the time of the crash. This information goes a long way in helping an attorney determine who is liable for the injuries and damages suffered by accident victims.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After a car accident, drivers must file a claim with their insurance company. It is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making a profit and will try to limit their financial responsibility by making a low settlement offer.
After an accident, injured parties are often vulnerable and may feel intimidated by insurance companies who pressure victims into accepting a quick, low and unfair settlement. This is when a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference.
Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive a fair settlement. Before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company, it is always wise to consult with an attorney who can advise you of your rights and protect your best interests.
Filing a Lawsuit
In the event that a car accident case cannot be resolved through negotiations, the next step is to file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit and litigating the case can be a complicated process and requires a thorough understanding of the law.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will advocate fiercely for their clients and handle all aspects of the lawsuit, from drafting and filing the proper documents with the court to representing clients at trial.
Statute of Limitations
When considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is critically important to keep in mind the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the time limit set by the law within which a lawsuit must be filed. If a case is not filed within the time allowed by law, the action is forever barred.
In many states, including Alabama, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is two years. Hiring a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible ensures that the attorney has enough time to gather and analyze the evidence, build a solid case and file a lawsuit, if necessary.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney Quickly
If you are injured in a car accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is a wise decision. Personal injury lawyers can help determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies and protect your rights.
If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is critical to hire an experienced attorney with proven results. And, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that evidence is gathered and preserved and that your case is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options after a serious accident by calling (844) 417-0930. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers looks forward to helping you receive the representation and compensation you deserve.