Is It Worth Getting A Lawyer For A Car Accident?
If you got into a car accident, you have a right to hire a lawyer. You may assume that, for instance, because the accident was not your fault, things will work out in your favor even if you don’t hire a lawyer. But, while it is possible to handle a car accident case without a lawyer, a car accident lawyer can help you in several notable ways, even in a situation where the accident was not your fault. Unfortunately, most people ignore or avoid hiring a lawyer after a car accident.
Often, people avoid getting a lawyer because they associate lawyers with courts. Therefore, it is crucial for you to keep in mind that hiring a car accident lawyer does not necessarily mean your case has to go to court. A car accident case can be settled outside court. In fact, most car accident cases in America are settled outside court.
So, is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident? Simply put, in almost all car accidents, especially those that result in bodily injuries and extensive property damage, it can be worth getting a lawyer. Not working with a lawyer after a car accident can put you at a huge disadvantage, especially when the other party is working with a lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help with many aspects of your car accident case and potentially help you avoid paying costs that shouldn’t be your responsibility if another party’s negligence caused your accident.
How Car Accident Lawyers Help Accident Victims
Insurance companies are usually armed with a team of adjusters who are always ready to frustrate plaintiffs. Insurance adjusters have been trained to find ways to pay plaintiffs less than they deserve or get out paying plaintiffs altogether. Because of this, it would be best for you to avoid handling your car accident case alone. After a car accident, endeavor to work with a team that can help you deal with insurance companies. With that said, one of the professionals who can help you deal with insurance companies is a car accident lawyer. A qualified car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company. If the insurance company tries to offer you an unfair settlement or use information against you, a lawyer can step in and help. A car accident lawyer can negotiate a fair payment that can help you cater for current and future, if applicable, accident-related expenses.
Apart from negotiating with insurance companies, below is a look at what else a car accident lawyer can do for you;
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Offer You Much-Needed Legal Advice
If you were in a Florida car accident, working with a car accident lawyer who practices in the state of Florida can help you get much-needed legal advice. For example, a car accident lawyer can help you understand and comply with the Florida statute of limitations for car accident cases. This is usually of utmost importance, so you don’t jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Prove Negligence
If you believe that another person’s negligent act(s) caused your accident, it would be best for you to work with a lawyer, as lawyers have the skills needed to prove negligence. A qualified car accident lawyer can gather evidence and establish the four elements of negligence which are;
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
Even if you also acted negligently, thus contributing to your accident, you should not panic. If your lawyer can prove that the other party was also negligent, you can still obtain compensation, even though the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Represent You in Court
Even though most car accident cases settle out-of-court, it would be a mistake for you not to prepare for a court case. When a car accident case cannot be settled outside court, the court needs to get involved. While you are not legally required to be represented by a lawyer in court, it would be best for you to hire a lawyer, mainly because the other party will have a lawyer. If you don’t hire a lawyer, the defendant and their lawyer will most likely take advantage of your lack of a legal representative. Generally, opting for self-representation leaves you vulnerable.
Contact a Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve gotten into a car accident, contact the Fort Myers car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., at 239-649-8050 today to schedule a free consultation. We can offer you legal guidance, help you deal with insurance companies, and even represent you in court. When you hire us, you get to focus on your health while we focus on your case.
Resource:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/95.11
