If you’ve recently been involved in a serious car accident, you’re probably pursuing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Some will advise you to hire a car accident attorney to assist with this process, but is it really necessary? In many cases, yes. Explore the ways an attorney can help with car accident claims.
Speaks With the Insurance Company and All Parties on Your Behalf
Filing an insurance claim involves a lot of back-and-forth with insurance adjusters and other parties involved. You may need to call the police station to request a copy of the police report, contact your medical provider for an itemized statement, and even speak with the at-fault party directly for more information about the claim. These communications can feel stressful and exhausting during your recovery process.
Instead, your attorney can speak with many of these parties on your behalf. They will ensure you don’t say the wrong thing when speaking with the insurer, protecting your case. They can also file paperwork for you and complete other administrative tasks so you can rest after your accident.
Gathers Evidence To Support Your Claim
Some car accident claims are cut and dry, and the insurance company instantly believes you were in no way responsible for the accident. But more often than not, the details of the accident can be fuzzy. You need evidence to show the other driver’s negligence and prove your need for damages.
An experienced car accident attorney can assist with this liability determination by providing compelling evidence in your favor. Such evidence may include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Dashcam footage of the accident
- Witness testimonies
- Testimony from accident reconstructionists
- Black box data (if your accident involved a commercial vehicle)
Attorneys have access to special resources and use their wealth of experience to gather more evidence than the average layperson could.
Negotiates With the Insurer for a Higher Offer
Insurance companies often low-ball accident victims to protect their bottom lines. The first offer an insurer gives you may not fully cover your medical expenses and property damage, let alone the other expenses you’re facing from the accident.
Skilled car accident attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies for a higher offer. Yours can use effective negotiation tactics to raise your offer and help you secure adequate compensation.
Represents You In Court
If the insurance company refuses to provide an adequate payout for your claim, your attorney can help you pursue legal action. They will serve as your legal representation in court and guide you through the entire process.
Many car accident claims settle outside of court. Your attorney can help you reach a fair compensation settlement that covers your economic expenses along with your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Takes the Burden of Your Car Accident Claim Off Your Shoulders
Overall, working with a car accident attorney allows you to pass the burden of your car accident claim to a professional. You can focus on your physical recovery while your attorney focuses on your monetary one.
Car accident attorneys often follow a contingency fee structure, so you won’t need to pay them out of pocket and can use part of your settlement to pay their fees.
McLaurin Law PLLC: Your Dedicated Car Accident Attorneys
Are you looking for an experienced car accident attorney in the greater Houston, TX, area? McLaurin Law PLLC provides compassionate, skilled legal representation for car accident claims. We can assist you with all of the above tasks and more. Contact us today at 713-461-6500 to schedule a consultation with our skilled attorneys.