Can You Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit Without a Lawyer?
These days, the country is overflowing with do-it-yourselfers.
People are searching for ways to save money now more than ever, and there's no better way to do so than by taking on a project without paying a professional.
Or is that actually the case?
While painting a room in your house is a good DIY project, many people prefer to save money by managing their own accident claim.
The thought process is sound.
Why would you need to engage an attorney simply so they can take a part of your settlement if your insurance company pays you $10,000 to settle a claim?
Why would you engage an Atlanta car accident attorney if you can get $10,000 in a hurry?
However, settling a personal injury claim is not as simple as painting a room or putting together a new coffee table.
Medical bills, property damage, and a variety of other factors all play a role in personal injury claims, which can quickly become complicated.
So, can you settle a vehicle accident case without hiring an attorney, or is it better to engage one?
We'll look at that question further down.
Maybe You Can Settle Your Accident Claim Without a Lawyer
If your car accident was minor, such as a fender collision at a stop sign, you might be able to settle your claim with your insurance adjuster on your own.
If the other driver acknowledges fault, you aren't seriously hurt, and you aren't out of work for an extended period of time, you may be able to negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company on your own.
However, there is no such thing as a "open and shut" case, and there are several factors you should be aware of before beginning the claims process.
First and foremost, do not wait.
Your insurance company is aware that there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a case.
You should call an accident attorney as soon as possible if the insurance company starts delaying or denying your claim in an attempt to force you to go over the time limit.
Before you contact your claims adjuster to start negotiating a settlement, make sure all of your paperwork is in order.
This includes copies of your medical records, documents from your employer indicating lost earnings, and any eyewitness evidence you have.
You should also have a copy of the official police report as well as information on the appropriate insurance plans.
You should also avoid making a recorded statement, especially if you are not represented by a car accident lawyer.
Most of the time, a recorded statement isn't required.
An exception to this rule would be if the driver was uninsured or underinsured, but you should consult an attorney before making this declaration, as it could jeopardize your claim.
Also, never take the first offer that comes your way.
In order to avoid paying you the money you deserve, your insurance company will never open with their greatest offer.
Even in a little collision, as you can see, things can rapidly become problematic.
That is why, after an accident, it is always a good idea to talk with an attorney.
Here are a few reasons why you should hire an accident lawyer to help you get a better settlement offer.
They Know How to Identify and Hold the Negligent Parties Responsible
Even in a rear-end crash at a traffic signal with witnesses present and the driver's fault clearly obvious, the negligent driver will rarely accept fault openly.
It's not as simple as blaming the other motorist in an auto collision to prove that someone was at fault.
Everyone has a responsibility of care when they get behind the wheel, but proving someone broke that duty isn't always as simple as it sounds.
It's possible that the accident included many automobiles, making it difficult to establish who was at fault.
Perhaps the car at the red light attempted to stop but their brakes failed. This could indicate that the brake pad manufacturer or the mechanic who installed them erroneously were both negligent.
If a traffic signal malfunctioned, the local government may share some of the blame for the accident.
If necessary, your legal team can retain detectives, medical experts, and even accident reenactment specialists.
This will ensure that whoever caused your injury is held accountable.
Injury Lawyers Know Insurance Company Tactics
Your insurance company is in the business of profit.
And in order to do so, companies must pay as little as possible in injury claims.
Insurance companies know how to use fear to persuade injury victims to reduce the amount they must pay and increase your out-of-pocket costs.
Your insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company will try to persuade you that you were at fault for the accident or that you can't show the full extent of your injury's long-term physical and mental effects.
They may even try to persuade you that your doctor's diagnosis is inadequate.
To have your medical bills reimbursed, they'll try to persuade you to agree to an examination by one of their certified healthcare specialists.
Insurance companies will use every instrument at their disposal to stall the settlement of your claim.
They want you to be so anxious for money to cover your medical costs and replace your lost salary that you will accept a considerably lower payment than you deserve.
You will have a much higher chance of collecting the money you deserve if you use a law practice with considerable experience handling accident claims.
The insurance company will realize that fighting an experienced, proven personal injury attorney during the bargaining process would end up costing them more in legal fees than the claim is worth.
An Accident Attorney Can Calculate the Full Value of Your Insurance Settlement
To receive just compensation, you must first determine how much financial compensation you are entitled to.
After a car accident, calculating your economic and non-economic damages can be difficult.
Because an insurance settlement is regarded as complete and final payment for your expenses and losses, you must be certain that your estimates are correct.
It's exceedingly tough to do this without the help of a lawyer, especially if you're simultaneously recovering from an injury.
You'll need to think about topics like:
The entire cost of all of your medical expenditures, including chiropractic care.
Required medical aids, such as crutches, a neck brace, or a wheelchair.
The amount of money you'll have to pay if your property is damaged.
Wages lost in the past, present, and future
Monetary compensation for your hardship
And, because no two vehicle accident situations are the same, you may be able to recover additional costs from the at-fault motorist or their insurer.
Before the bargaining process begins, your accident lawyer will assist you in appropriately assigning a monetary value to your compensation claim.
This will ensure that the at-fault driver's insurance company does not undervalue your claim and that liability for the collision is correctly assigned.
Consult An Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney
If you've been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it's recommended not to try to settle your claim on your own.
Instead, you should obtain legal counsel from a qualified vehicle accident attorney.
Auto accident attorneys can make a significant difference in the result of an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
You will be reimbursed for your medical care and any property damage if you have sufficient legal representation.
It will also help ensure that your claim is not undervalued by an insurance adjuster.
Contacting The Mabra Law Firm's Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers will ensure that you are completely compensated for your injuries following your vehicle accident.
Your accident damage claim is far more likely to result in a favorable outcome.
To schedule a free consultation with The Mabra Law Firm, contact us today at (404) 344-5255.