We received a request to identify the key reasons why an auto accident attorney was needed to help with an accident claim and – more importantly – whether a self-represented litigant could do the job.
Bryan Marks* If you have been in a car accident, you may wonder if you need an attorney, which is obviously a personal choice, but also one that can have a significant effect on your future, depending upon the severity of the injury.
State laws differ regarding how auto injury cases proceed with issues like the statute of limitation time limits.
Some states have a “no-fault” system in which each driver’s own insurance company pays for their injuries and damages, while others have a “fault” system in which the driver who caused the accident is held liable.
State laws also differ in terms of the types and amounts of damages that can be recovered in an auto accident lawsuit. For example, some states allow for the recovery of non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, while others do not.
State laws also differ in terms of the minimum amount of insurance that drivers are required to carry, which can have a significant effect on outcomes.
Some states also follow the comparative negligence rule which means that the damages awarded to the plaintiff will be reduced in proportion to the degree of fault attributed to them.
It seems clear therefore that legal help is something of a necessity in most cases and we have previously outlined the best questions to ask an injury attorney when finding out which lawyer is best to handle your case.
For instance, in Illinois, there are complex procedures and rules involving the above and other matters that can affect any claim.
An Illinois auto accident attorney or any attorney experienced in these matters can help you in many ways, including helping to understand the particular laws related to the accident and their rights to compensation.
Be aware of what you need to do after an accident and whether you should use an experienced attorney or trust your luck with your own efforts alone.
Help Collect the Necessary Documentation and Evidence
Auto accident attorneys will contact the other party’s insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement.
Through the process, they will collect all the necessary documentation and evidence related to your claim, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Photographs of injuries
- Photos of the damage caused by the accident
The attorney will use this evidence to prove that the other party is liable for your damages to gain a favorable settlement for you in court proceedings or negotiations with their insurance company.
Help You Communicate Effectively With Your Insurance Company
Your attorney will initiate a dialogue with both parties involved in the accident and their respective insurance companies.
They will use the evidence they gathered to prove that the other party is liable for your damages and present it to both insurance companies to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Your attorney will work to streamline this process so that it is handled promptly and efficiently, ensuring that all of your needs are met promptly.
Help You Understand Your Rights
A car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and the limits of your liability in a car accident case by reviewing your claim and ensuring you’re filing for all the damages to which you are entitled. For many, there is compensation for more than just the damage to your vehicle. Knowing what you can get and the rights that pertain to you is helpful to the process.
Help You Evaluate the Severity of Your Injuries
An attorney can help you evaluate the severity of your injuries by serving as a legal advocate and providing insight into how much compensation you may be eligible for.
An experienced car accident injury lawyer can assess your medical needs, review medical records, interview witnesses, and gather other relevant evidence to calculate the total amount you may need accurately.
Help You Navigate the Complex Legal System
Your attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure you receive a fair and just settlement by advocating on your behalf. An experienced attorney will help you understand the law. Additionally, an attorney will be able to explain the ins and outs of the law to you and help you understand your rights.
The Chicago legal system can be overwhelming to conquer on your own. With various departments and points of contact, having an Illinois auto accident attorney in your corner to guide the process on your behalf is helpful.
Help You Understand Any Benefits You May Be Entitled To After An Auto Accident
An auto accident lawyer can help you understand the types of benefits you may be eligible for, including:
- Medical costs: These damages can pay for doctor’s appointments, medical procedures, surgeries, prescription drugs, and assistive devices related to your injury.
- Lost wages: If you miss work because of your injury, these damages can compensate for the salaries you couldn’t earn.
- Decreased earning ability: Long-term injuries can prevent car accident victims from performing their workplace duties; an attorney can secure compensation to compensate for this loss in earnings potential.
- Vehicle repair bill: If your vehicle was damaged in the collision that caused your injuries and requires repairs/replacement parts, the other party may be responsible for covering these costs.
Conclusion
An experienced auto accident attorney can be invaluable when seeking compensation for your injuries. If you have been in an accident, protecting your rights and interests should be at the forefront of your mind. Take the necessary steps to advocate for yourself in this time of need.
- Assessing the legal rights:
- Gathering evidence: An attorney can help gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support the individual’s claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: An attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on behalf of the individual to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the individual is not satisfied with the settlement offered by the insurance company, an attorney can file a lawsuit on their behalf.
- Representation in court: An attorney can represent the individual in court, if the case goes to trial.
- Handling the paperwork: An attorney can help the individual with all the paperwork and legal procedures, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Overall, an auto accident attorney can help anyone involved in an accident to navigate the legal process, protect their rights, and fight for fair compensation after an automobile crash.
Bryan Marks is a freelance writer who has written for legal blogs and other publications on public law, personal injury and access to justice issues facing clients. He may be contacted via LawFuel at: news@lawfuel.com
