Being hurt in a car accident can leave you struggling with overwhelming pain and emotion. Even after the initial treatment of your injuries, you may need long-term medical care to heal fully. You may be unable to work, leading to lost wages and financial strain. Plus, a pushy insurance agent may be pressuring you to settle your case.
You might think that representing yourself after a car accident is more cost effective than hiring a lawyer to handle your case. However, it is a mistake to attempt to deal with your legal challenges alone if you do not have a legal background. Consider these critical reasons you should retain a qualified personal injury attorney to protect your interests.
1. You are at a disadvantage in negotiations with an insurance company.
Within days after your car accident, you can expect a call from the responsible party’s insurer. Agents will offer to settle your claim and explain that an out-of-court agreement in your best interests.
However, it is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses. They make money, in part, by under-compensating victims of car accidents. An insurer’s team of lawyers and adjusters work to ensure you get the smallest recovery possible, using specialized knowledge of personal injury law. They are often successful because they take advantage of accident victims that do not have legal backgrounds. You should always retain an experienced car accident attorney in Illinois to represent you in settlement discussions with an insurer.
2. You need a strong legal background in California law.
Without proper expertise in car accident cases, you will not know your rights and remedies under the law. You need a lawyer with a comprehensive legal background and experience to protect your interests.
Car accident attorneys have detailed knowledge of the laws of the state, as well as the rules governing procedure and lawsuits. A lawyer can determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case and will use these arguments to fight for your rights in court or during negotiations with an insurance company.
There are also time restrictions on your case, specifically the Statute of Limitations. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you do not fully understand the details and exceptions regarding this law, you may lose your claim forever.
3. You are more likely to undervalue your claim.
You cannot fully appreciate the value of your case unless you have specialized knowledge of personal injury law. There is a high risk that you will obtain an amount that does not fully compensate you for your costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Medical bills may prove your treatment expenses, but they do not reflect costs for ongoing care. Your payroll stub is useful for establishing the wages you have lost, but it will not support a claim for the income you will lose in the future as a result of your injuries. Only a qualified attorney can ensure you get the most compensation allowable under the law.
Get Legal Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable, experienced California personal injury attorney. You have limited time to file a lawsuit and your rights to compensation are at risk without an attorney on your side. Contact us today at 619-528-4550 to see how we can help.
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