Car crashes are the leading cause of injury in the United States. More than 2.5 million Americans require medical attention due to auto accidents each year. Of that number, about ten percent, or 250,000 people, are hospitalized. On average, hospitalization costs amount to nearly $60,000 over a lifetime for these patients. In addition to the more than $18 billion in total medical costs related to car crashes, these accidents also result in an estimated $33 billion in lost work hours.
Legal Action
As devastating as those losses may be for the nation, they can be almost insurmountable for the average accident victim. The inability to work while hospital bills mount can put nearly anyone in debt in a matter of months. Even if the crash was not your fault, you may find yourself at the mercy of powerful auto insurance providers who want to pay you as little as humanly possible to cover your injuries. The best way to recoup those expenses is often to hire a reputable auto accident attorney.
When To Call
If you have been hurt in a car crash that was not your fault, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Whether the collision caused broken bones, a head injury, or internal damage, it is important to explore your legal options as soon as possible. Failure to do so in a timely matter could make it harder for you to recover the money you are owed. The reason for this is simple: the other side is probably already exploring their legal options. In most cases, that other side will be the insurance provider for the at-fault driver. Because their goal is always to pay as little as possible on claims, they won’t make it easy for you to recover the money you rightly deserve.
The Benefits
Like most potential lawsuits, the overwhelming majority of car crash injury claims are settled before they go to court. While it is possible for victims to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance provider, it rarely works out well. Why? Because attorneys who work for insurers are some of the best negotiators in the legal field. Only a reputable auto accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to confront them directly. He or she can often use the threat of a lawsuit to force a favorable settlement.
A good attorney may even be able to arrange compensation for general damages such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Many people with claims simply accept the first settlement offer they receive because they don’t have the confidence or experience needed to haggle with a seasoned attorney. That is why reputable lawyers consistently receive much higher settlements than ordinary citizens who foolishly try to deal with insurance providers on their own. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you get the money you deserve for your injuries.