One of the biggest questions you will face after being in an auto accident is deciding whether or not you need a lawyer. You may believe that you can handle the case on your own, but the reality is that hiring an attorney is often essential.
Unless you are uninjured and your car only sustained repairable damage, it will be in your best interest to hire a lawyer after an auto accident. Seeking fair compensation for the damages associated with your injuries can be difficult. Furthermore, if you make any mistakes in the handling of your claim, you may only recover a fraction of what you deserve – or nothing at all.
The Law Offices of Mickey Fine has been serving clients in accident claims for over 30 years. Contact our auto accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
7 Reasons It Is Worth Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons to consult an attorney after an accident. Some of the most important include:
1. You Need to Know Which Type(s) of Claim(s) to File
While filing a claim under the other driver’s insurance policy is one option, it may not be your only option for seeking financial compensation after an auto accident. For example, you may also be able to (or need to) file a claim under your own insurance policy. You could have one or more third-party claims as well, such as a claim for a road hazard or vehicle defect.
Why is it important to pursue all available claims? First, it is possible that the other driver isn’t liable – or at least isn’t fully liable. While driver negligence is a common factor in auto accidents, there are many other factors that can cause or contribute to a collision.
Second, even if the other driver is liable, his or her insurance coverage might not be enough. If this is the case, you will need to explore your other options in order to fully recover your losses.
2. You Need to Know How Much You Are Entitled to Recover
When seeking financial compensation for an auto accident, you need to know the full amount to which you may be entitled. While you may be able to add up your out-of-pocket costs and lost income to date, you will need to work with an experienced auto accident lawyer to calculate your future costs and your non-financial losses.
3. You Need to Know When to Say “No”
As you go through the process of seeking financial compensation for your auto accident, you will need to know when to push back if the insurance adjuster and other liable parties ask questions or make requests that are not in your interest to address. If you say the wrong thing, you might not be able to take it back. This could jeopardize your financial recovery.
4. You Need to Know When to Say “Yes”
At the same time, you also need to know when to comply with questions or requests that can advance your claim. For example, if the other driver’s insurance company makes a fair settlement offer and you reject it, the offer will be off of the table. At this point, there is no guarantee that the insurance company will offer to settle your claim again.
5. Your Lawyer Can Negotiate on Your Behalf
Negotiating a fair settlement requires experience and an in-depth understanding of the laws that apply to auto accident claims in California. If you try to negotiate a settlement on your own, not only won’t you know how much you are entitled to recover, but you also won’t know when the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you.
6. Hiring a Lawyer Shows You Are Serious
If you don’t hire a lawyer, this lets the insurance companies know that you aren’t prepared to take your case to court. Without the threat of litigation, the insurance companies have far less incentive to settle your claim fairly.
7. You Only Have One Opportunity to Assert Your Legal Rights
Finally, when you get injured in an auto accident, you only get one chance to pursue the compensation you deserve. Any mistakes you make during the process could negatively impact your life for years to come.
A Bakersfield auto accident lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can feel confident knowing that you are doing everything necessary to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Hiring an attorney is one of the best steps you can take after being injured in an auto accident. You should be able to focus on recovery, not deal with complex legal issues or worry about saying the wrong thing and jeopardizing your case.
For more than 30 years, the Law Offices of Mickey Fine has been representing clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in auto accidents. Attorney Mickey Fine knows what is at stake in your case, and he and our knowledgeable team will provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
Please contact the Law Offices of Mickey Fine at (661) 333-3333 today for a free consultation. Our auto accident lawyer serves clients in Bakersfield and nearby areas of California.