It’s extremely important that you hire an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible if you or someone close to you has been hurt in a car wreck. Not only will an attorney work to help you obtain compensation for the suffering you have experienced, he or she will also protect you from the often-predatory practices of insurance company adjusters. Here are just some of the benefits of hiring an attorney as quickly as possible.
Knowledge of the Law
A qualified, experienced auto accident lawyer will know how the law applies to your case, and also have knowledge of all the procedural rules of the court. He or she will let you know, for example, whether or not your state’s statute of limitations applies in your case. In many instances, a car wreck victim will have to take legal action within two years. An attorney will also know how to combat whatever defense strategy might be employed to defeat you in court.
Having to deal with the fallout of an automobile accident can be incredibly complex. Having someone on your side that has the experience and knowledge to represent you will be an invaluable help.
Investigations
When a car wreck occurs that results in an injury or fatality, obtaining evidence will be crucial in order to obtain compensation. Evidence needs to be gathered quickly, and sorted by your legal representative. You can bet the other side will be working feverishly to gather the proof needed to defeat your case – you need to have someone working on your behalf to build the strongest possible argument.
Legwork
People who choose to represent themselves in these kinds of matters often grossly underestimate the amount of work involved. You have to gather a tremendous amount of paperwork, including medical records, police reports and much, much more. In addition, you also have to know the procedures of the court in which your case will be tried if you and the other party cannot reach a settlement agreement. Making even a seemingly insignificant procedural mistake can result in your case being thrown out.
Acting as an Advocate
Your auto accident lawyer will work as your advocate through each step of the process, shielding you from the efforts of the insurance company adjuster to get you to settle for far less than you deserve. He or she will handle all of the negotiations and go to court if necessary.
Most attorneys will provide you a consultation free of charge, and will not collect any money unless you either receive a fair settlement or win in court. Talk to an auto accident lawyer today to learn more about how he or she can be of assistance.