An automobile accident raises a lot of questions.
Who’s at fault? Who’s paying for the damage to my car. Who’s paying my medical bills? How much do I ask for due to pain and suffering? Will the insurance company reimburse me for lost wages?
When should I hire an attorney?
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney right away can be extremely helpful. They can help you navigate the chaotic and confusing world of insurance claims and settlements.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. This means they only get paid if there is a successful resolution for your claim.
That means you should call one right away. There is little incentive to handle these types of claims on your own.
Even if you don’t have severe injuries or serious property damage, a personal injury attorney in Atlanta can still get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’re injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer as soon as possible ensures a much better outcome.
In the article below, we will discuss why you should never wait to contact a car accident attorney after an accident.
Knowledge of Law and Procedural Rules
After a car accident, hiring a personal injury attorney ensures you will have a professional on your side.
Experienced attorneys are incredibly knowledgeable about laws and procedures that will affect your case.
They can advise you of any time limits that can bar you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
For instance, in Georgia, you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident or lose any chance at compensation.
There are also special exceptions to the statute of limitations that your attorney will also inform you about.
Your attorney will also file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how to stand up to any defenses raised by the defendant.
Once your case gets started, your lawyer will play an invaluable role in preparing your case for trial and eventually going to trial, if your case makes it that far.
Even though lawsuits are rare, the threat of legal action offers substantial leverage when negotiating a fair settlement.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, having a knowledgeable attorney evens the playing field. This is especially true when you are going up against a large insurance company’s experience and vast resources.
Lawyers Do The Legwork
A lot of work goes into negotiating an insurance settlement and filing a personal injury lawsuit.
After being in a car accident, trying to do it all yourself is the last thing you want to do. This is especially if you’re recovering from injuries.
Your car accident attorney will do it all for you, allowing you to rest and recover.
This might be your first time dealing with the ins and outs of an accident claim. However, your attorneys have done it so often it has become almost second nature to them.
Your attorney will have experience obtaining the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Evidence can include things such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and employment and lost wage information.
Your attorney will also organize the evidence and prepare a settlement demand letter for the insurance company.
If you cannot settle your accident case, your attorney can take care of filing the necessary paperwork to start a court case and deal with the defense attorneys on your behalf.
Having someone knowledgeable handling your case’s hard work will ease the burden on you, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
An Attorney Advocates for You
Perhaps the most crucial way an attorney can help you with your car accident case is by being your advocate.
This means your attorney acts on your behalf and for your benefit throughout the entire claims process. They will even go with you to court if you have to file a lawsuit.
Your attorney will make sure that your side of the story is heard and you are compensated for your losses.
Having an experienced and articulate advocate working for you is essential in obtaining a fair resolution in your car accident case.
Still unsure when you should hire a lawyer? Read our blog post “When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?”
Contact The Angell Law Firm Today
Laws for filing a lawsuit after a car accident are often complicated and confusing.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia is two years from the accident date.
Certain situations can change that period.
An experienced car accident attorney can help meet all the deadlines and follow all the rules if you decide to file a lawsuit.
The attorneys at the Angell Law Firm are experienced in helping clients injured in car accidents receive the compensation they deserve.
If you ask, “When do I need to contact a lawyer?” the answer is today.
Bryce is considered a highly esteemed trial lawyer and a passionate client advocate amongst his peers in the Atlanta legal community. Never afraid to go the extra mile for his clients, Bryce Angell works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s personal injury case gets the attention that it deserves.
