7 cases when it is crucial to hire a car accident attorney
Car accidents can occur suddenly, but they can result in severe injuries with a lifelong impact. While it is impossible to predict and accordingly avoid accidents, one can still seek compensation for the losses occurred. From healthcare expenses to lost wages and property damage, all of these can be obtained through legal means. However, the legal process can be a hassle, so hiring a car accident attorney is advisable, especially in the following cases.
One has no prior legal experience
For those who don’t have any legal experience, filing a car accident settlement claim may seem simple enough at first glance. But, it can quickly become quite challenging due to the amount of paperwork and legalities to be waded through. Besides, if one has undergone severe injuries or loss due to the accident, the entire process of claiming compensation can be emotionally draining and stressful too. As a result, mistakes can be easily committed, causing the case to be dismissed without any hearing or positive results. In such a situation, it is best to hire a car accident attorney who can provide all the necessary assistance and ensure the right compensation is received.
It has become difficult to establish a fault to seek compensation
One of the first steps to filing an accident settlement claim is establishing and determining fault. But, determining fault can become difficult in cases where the cause of the accident is complex and confusing. For example, in a collision involving multiple cars on the freeway, it is hard to figure out which of the drivers was at fault. Due to such confusion, insurance companies often resort to tactics that pin the blame on the one seeking the compensation. It is necessary to hire a car accident lawyer who can strategically deal with such tactics. They will cut through the red tape and ensure proper compensation is received.
Serious or unusual injuries have occurred
One of the most common causes of serious brain injuries is car accidents. The injuries sustained in such cases usually have long-term effects on the person’s behavior, cognition, and memory. Yet, getting appropriate compensation and going through the claims process is quite challenging. This is because the long-term effects and prognosis of brain injuries due to car accidents are generally unpredictable. But an attorney can help in navigating through the hurdles and obtaining the right compensation.
Furthermore, a car accident attorney can help get appropriate compensation in the case of injuries that have delayed onsets. For example, internal bleeding, concussion, and whiplash injuries may not be immediately evident following the car accident. The effect of these may manifest later on, making it harder to claim compensation. Therefore, having someone with legal knowledge and experience can be extremely helpful in these cases.
The accident involves professional drivers
Another common situation when one should consider hiring a car accident attorney is when the accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as a large truck. This is because the drivers of such vehicles usually have to comply with stringent regulations such as number of hours worked, maintenance of the maintenance, vehicle loading, and so on. Therefore, with the assistance of an attorney, it becomes easy to prove that a commercial driver was at fault in the accident. The attorney has the necessary knowledge about the regulations that the commercial driver is supposed to follow and hence, can develop a strong case against them.
The accident involves employee/employees of the government
An accident victim seeking compensation involving a car collision with an employee or employees of the government may do well with the assistance of an attorney. This is because a government employee, such as a firefighter or a police officer, has to prioritize their professional training, duty, and observance of the law. Besides, most federal laws provide specific exemptions and immunities to government employees, especially when they are on duty. Consequently, a car accident attorney will be capable of providing the appropriate advice related to such cases and developing a good strategy to get the maximum compensation.
There are deadlines and timing issues involved
When the statute of limitation for a claim due to a car accident is approaching, hiring an attorney can be quite useful. This is particularly important when certain states impose deadlines on the time period within which a car accident victim must file their claim. An attorney can provide the necessary assistance in cases when the time limit is too short, and the victim has endured severe injuries, making it difficult to pursue the case without legal help. With the attorney’s help, the process of filing the claim within the deadline becomes easier.
The case is going to trial
Most car accident insurance claims are usually settled before any lawsuit is filed. Besides, most of the lawsuits that are filed get settled out of court. But sometimes, the settlement case may get stuck without any resolution. For instance, when the multiple parties involved in the accident do not agree on who caused the collision. Or the insurer refuses to compensate the victim. In such situations, the case goes into trial. Since trials are quite complicated, hiring a car accident attorney is the best option to ensure everything goes smoothly and in one’s favor.