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The main reason why car accident attorney services are so common is that there are many car accidents happening on a daily basis that result in bodily injury to one or more individuals. While advancements in automotive safety and safety belt usage have contributed to reducing the severity of injuries in traffic collisions, even minor injuries can result in costly medical bills and time off work for the affected individual.
As a general rule, the party found to be at-fault for a car accident will be legally liable for the injuries they've caused. Most injury compensation cases are resolved by negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party's insurance company. Some people opt to do this themselves, while others hire a specialized accident lawyer. This is recommended, especially if the amounts the injured party may be entitled to are significant or if the circumstances surrounding the accident are complex. However, there are times when negotiations aren't successful and a lawsuit has to be filed.
When Should a Lawsuit Be Filed?
It's a good idea to avoid delays in filing suit, even if negotiations with the insurance company are still ongoing. States have a statute of limitations that can vary from 1 to 4 years. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Get?
Every traffic accident case will be unique, so the amount of compensation that can be awarded will vary greatly. The severity of the injuries sustained in the accident will play a major role in determining the value of a personal injury case. Obviously, someone who was seriously hurt in an accident and spent weeks in a hospital can expect a much higher amount than someone who was simply treated at the scene by paramedics and didn't require a trip to the ER. Having your case evaluated by an experienced car accident attorney can give you an idea of what you can realistically expect to get based on all the unique factors of your case.
Is a Lawyer Needed to Sue the Party Responsible For the Accident?
While you may have the right to represent yourself in court, choosing to hire an accident lawyer is the best choice in the majority of cases. Some insurance companies may try to pressure accident victims into settling by telling them that hiring a lawyer to file suit will be too expensive. In reality, nearly every lawyer specializing in personal injury cases doesn't charge anything upfront. You will receive a free consultation to discuss your case and ask any questions that you may have about it.
Sometimes, a car accident lawyer will be able to negotiate a better settlement with the insurer without filing a lawsuit. Personal injury lawyers have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies and will use the right strategies to get you the highest amount of compensation possible. You will only have to pay your lawyer once you obtain a settlement or they win at trial.
