There are many different types of law. Lawyers who defend those who have suffered injuries and make sure they get the compensation they deserve are known as personal injury attorneys. They work on a wide variety of cases, from car accidents, to dog bites, to slip-and-fall cases. If you are injured and believe the injury was caused by someone else's negligence, this is the type of lawyer you call: a personal injury lawyer.
It is our hope that the posts on this blog serve to educate you and our other readers about personal injury lawyers and the work that they do.
A serious car accident can be a frightening experience, and if you have recently been involved in one, you may be at a loss when thinking about what to do next. While everyone's circumstances vary, it is advisable to consider retaining the services of an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. There are many ways in which an auto accident lawyer can assist you; keep reading to discover just three of the most important ones.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
One of the first big headaches you'll face after an accident is dealing with a third party's insurance company. One of the reasons this can be so frustrating is that the insurance representatives are more than likely to present a settlement offer amount that is significantly lower than it should be. In order to get the compensation you deserve, you'll need an attorney who can place your settlement offer in a larger legal context, and who has experience negotiating with insurance providers.
Filing a Claim
After an accident, you may be hospitalized for an extended period of time, or otherwise largely restricted to your home because of injuries. As such, you may be unable to perform some of the essential tasks necessary in order to file a claim. Without an attorney, you can expect to take several trips to your local courthouse on your own. You will also be expected to gather evidence that supports your claim, which can include everything from medical records to eyewitness testimony. You may also be asked to meet with insurance representatives in person. Regardless of the specifics that your claim entails, having an attorney accomplish all these tasks for you saves both time and energy.
Representing You in Court
Very few auto accident claims end up in court, but there are certainly instances in which a claim can and should go to trial. Not only can an attorney advise you on when going to trial is a good idea, but they can represent you during the hearing once it has begun. Without an attorney to advocate your case, you will be forced to represent yourself and substantiate arguments with legal precedent. Lacking the proper knowledge and experience, this can prove difficult — if not outright impossible — to do. There is an invaluable peace of mind in retaining the services of an attorney who can, if need be, take your auto accident case all the way to trial. Contact an auto accident attorney for more information.