If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault in Casper, Wyoming, you should at least consult with a motor vehicle accident attorney to make sure you receive compensation for any current and future medical bills you incur as a result of this accident. Even if you assume the insurance company will do the right thing, you can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your rights.
Should You Get a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney in Casper, Wyoming for an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
We often want to believe the best in other people and try to have faith that they’ll do the right thing. Unfortunately, when money is involved, we can’t rely on that hope. Insurance companies want to protect their profits and, as such, they will try to pay as little compensation as possible, even in a case where it’s clear their insured was responsible for the accident. You may not get what you deserve if you negotiate on your own.
Motor vehicle accident lawyers know how to approach and negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair compensation settlement. They will compose an appropriate demand letter that will begin negotiations, and they will continue to work with the insurance company on your behalf until they believe a settlement will be sufficient to cover your financial losses. You won’t have to deal with the insurance companies on your own again, but you will have the final say on any offer.
Investigation May Be Required
You may believe that you’re not at fault in the accident, and you’re probably correct. However, the other party or parties involved may assert that you do have at least some responsibility for the accident. If fault is in doubt, you will need someone to investigate the accident and possibly even recreate it to demonstrate what happened. This is critical for showing the insurance company, and perhaps a jury, that you’re the victim and not at fault.
When you hire an attorney, you’re also hiring all resources the attorney has access to, including investigators, accident reconstructionists, and other experts who can provide evidence and support for your case. In most instances, you won’t pay for these services until and unless you receive a financial settlement or award, so you can get the best representation available without going into debt. Plus, the attorney will do everything possible to win your case so they can get paid.
You Need Time to Heal
When you’re dealing with the stress of a potential lawsuit and trying to negotiate with the insurance company, you’re not focused on recovering from your injuries. By hiring an attorney, you can remove the burden of the legal aspects of your case from your shoulders and take the time you need to heal. Additionally, if you need medical or mental health resources to aid in your recovery, your attorney can provide these as well.
Sometimes, when you’re just trying to pay your bills, you’re more willing to accept a settlement that’s far below what your case is worth. However, you may be tempted to take it because you need the medical help to heal. When you’ve hired an attorney, you don’t have to make this choice. You can get the medical help you need and fight for the compensation you deserve at the same time, which is the best scenario you could ask for.
Certain Documents Must Be Obtained
When you file a claim with the insurance company, you’ll have to provide a variety of documents to prove your injuries. These include medical records, witness statements, and police reports. You may not be able to obtain these records depending on your condition, so having an attorney do it for you can remove another task from your plate. Your attorney will get copies of all necessary documentation to support your claim or to prove your case in court.
Total Compensation Must Be Calculated
You may be tempted to accept an early settlement offer so that you’re able to pay your current medical bills; however, you may not be taking future bills and other losses into consideration. Not only should the party at fault pay you for your current medical bills, but they should also be responsible for future medical bills, property damage (your vehicle), physical therapy bills, and lost wages (both already incurred and future losses).
Additionally, you may be eligible for compensation for mental anguish and pain and suffering, depending on where your accident occurred. An attorney will have access to financial and medical experts who can determine the extent of your injuries, how long your recovery is expected to take, how your ability to work may be affected, and how much money you’re expected to lose as a result of this accident. These calculations are critical for ensuring you get the amount you deserve.
Courtroom Litigation May Be Necessary
When you first enter the accident injury compensation recovery process, you might think you’re going to be able to settle fairly quickly for the amount you deserve. However, that doesn’t always happen, especially if the insurance company doesn’t agree that you’re not at fault. If you don’t start preparing for the chance that you’ll have to go to court right from the start, your case won’t be as strong as you’ll need it to be in front of a jury.
Your attorney will do everything possible to get your case settled at an amount that is fair and appropriate for your losses. However, if they can’t do that, they’ll be ready to take on the insurance company or the other party involved in the accident in a court of law. Attorneys always prepare as if a case is going to end up in court in front of a jury in case they are unable to settle for an acceptable amount.
You Can Prevent Mistakes
When you try to handle an accident claim on your own, you’re not going to have the experience necessary to avoid making major mistakes that could cost you compensation. For example, if you talk to your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, you could make statements that damage your case. Or, you may miss a deadline for filing a critical document that could cause your case or claim to be dismissed entirely, which means you’d get no compensation.
Hiring an attorney right from the start will ensure that common mistakes people make when trying to handle their own cases won’t be made. Your attorney’s experience means that all forms are filed correctly and on time, negotiations with other parties will be handled professionally, and all processes and procedures will be adhered to so that your case and rights are protected throughout the entire ordeal. Your attorney will take no chances when it comes to getting compensation for you.
You are not legally obligated to hire an attorney when you’ve been involved in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not. However, to get the most compensation possible, as quickly as possible, you’ll be better off retaining an experienced accident attorney to handle all details of your case. You’ll be less susceptible to mistakes and have access to more resources. Contact Ochs Law Firm today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help.
