Getting involved in a auto accident is always stressful. From injuries to talking to the other driver and explaining the situation to the cops, a lot needs to be taken care of. And, on top of all of that, you may be worried about being held liable for the accident, which can come with some serious consequences. If you’re found to be at fault for the accident, you may not be able to get the compensation you deserve, and you may even have to pay for the damages yourself.
But, if you’re not at fault for the accident, you may still have difficulty getting compensation. The other driver’s insurance company may try to blame you for the auto accident, complicating the compensation process. That’s where a personal injury lawyer can help. Read on to know six ways a personal injury attorney can assist you in such cases.
Gather Evidence
In addition to evidence that proves liability, your personal injury lawyer will also gather evidence of your damages. This may include medical records, bills, pay stubs, and more. This evidence will be used to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
Prove Liability
A personal injury lawyer will first investigate the auto accident and collect evidence to prove that it was the other driver’s mistake. This may include talking to witnesses, reviewing the police report, and looking at surveillance footage. If liability is clear, the lawyer will move on to negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company. The lawyer may file a lawsuit against the other driver if liability is unclear. They will also help you understand how long a car accident settlement may take.
Negotiate With the Insurance Company
Negotiations with insurance companies are never easy. But personal injury lawyers are trained for such negotiations. The lawyer will demand compensation, which will be based on your damages. If the insurance company agrees to the demand, they will issue a settlement check. The lawyer will file a lawsuit against the driver if they do not agree to the demand.
File a Lawsuit
Your personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit if a settlement can’t be reached. This may be necessary if the other driver’s insurance company denies liability or if they refuse to make a fair offer. The lawsuit will go through the discovery process, which is when each side gathers evidence. It will then move on to trial, where a judge or jury will decide who is liable and how much compensation should be awarded.
Appeal the Decision
If you’re unhappy with the decision made at trial, you have the right to appeal. Your personal injury lawyer will evaluate the case to see if there are grounds for an appeal. If there are, they will file the necessary paperwork and represent you throughout the appeals process.
Collect the Compensation
Once you have been awarded compensation, your personal injury lawyer will work to get the money to you as quickly as possible. If the other driver’s insurance company is responsible for the damages, they will cut a check directly to you. If you were awarded compensation through a lawsuit, your lawyer might need to collect the money from the other driver or their insurance company.
Understand the Process
The personal injury claims process can be complicated and confusing. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand what’s happening every step of the way. They will explain the evidence they’re collecting, the offers being made, and your options. This will help you make informed decisions about your case.
Getting into a car accident is stressful at best. But, if you’re not at fault for the auto accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about being compensated for your damages. We are sure the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer will help you hire the right one when needed.