Car accidents happen every day, and fortunately, most of them are minor bumps that can be easily resolved by your insurance company. But when your car accident involves another driver or an injury, then it may be time to contact a car accident attorney. Of course, that begs the question, “What can a car accident attorney near me do?” There are actually a few reasons why hiring a local attorney can be beneficial.
Why a “Car Accident Attorney Near Me” Search Is Necessary
The first thing you need to know about a local car accident attorney is the fact that they will be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations of your area. This can be essential if the liability for the accident isn’t clear or if the car accident happened on private or government property. A car accident attorney from your local area will understand the way the law is written for automotive incidents and will be in a better position to help you.
Additionally, if your car insurance happens to be a local company and not a statewide or nationwide insurer, it can be useful to use a local attorney that will be able to work more closely with your insurance company. A local attorney will also have easier access to the necessary documentation for your case, such as medical records from a local hospital.
How Can a Local Car Accident Attorney Help?
There are a few reasons why a local attorney is useful for your case, particularly for winning your entitled compensation. In addition to knowledge about the correct bylaws for your case, an attorney can also help minimize the stress of managing your own case, which can give you more time for recovery. Here are a few other ways a car accident attorney in your area can help.
1. Knowledge of Common Car Accident Causes
Excellent car accident attorneys know common causes of car accidents, and there are several. A fender bender is only one cause of car accidents. Other times, car accidents can be caused by distracted driving, either by you or the other driver involved. Lack of proper vehicle maintenance or issues with the road can also cause accidents.
Sometimes, hurried driving and aggressive driving are also common causes of car accidents, although both of these causes can be prevented by careful driving. Emergency stopping is another common cause of car accidents, particularly when stopping is unavoidable, such as in the case of pedestrian traffic.
2. Gathering Information and Documents
There can be a lot of information and documentation involved in a case for a car accident, especially when you need to prove your case to your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer. Some examples of documents that may be required for your case include medical records, medical bills, proof of loss of employment or disability, and evidence of the accident, such as photo documentation or witness testimony.
Obtaining evidence of damages for personal injuries related to the car accident can also be difficult since medical records can be difficult to track down. This can be because of not enough staff to process records requests or because the specific red tape has to be followed to obtain medical records. It’s also important that medical evidence contains the right cause and diagnosis for your injury so you can prove your case later, which is something an attorney can verify as records are collected.
Evidence of Liability
Evidence of liability is some of the most important documentation that will be required for your case. Liability refers to who is at fault for the car accident and who is responsible for paying the damages for the accident. Evidence of liability can be found in who has violated local or state laws that contributed to the accident. This can be more difficult to prove if multiple violations were involved in the accident, such as driving with an expired license or other extenuating circumstances.
3. Understand Your Options
A car accident attorney will help you understand all of your legal options, which can include seeking a settlement from an insurance company, contesting liability, or filing other suits for your case. Knowing all of your options will help you get the best compensation for your case.
4. Be Your Advocate for Your Insurance Company
One of the most important roles of a car accident attorney is to advocate on your behalf with the insurance company. The fact of the matter is that the insurance company is not interested in helping you or invested in your personal story – all they want to do is pay the bare minimum of your compensation. A car accident attorney, on the other hand, is invested in your personal story and will be able to advocate for your interests with stubborn insurance companies.
Speak With Other Driver’s Insurer
Your attorney can also deal with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Sometimes, the other driver’s insurance company will be reluctant to form a settlement or agree to compensation without adequate evidence or pressure from an attorney.
5. Support Your Interests and Rights
Your car accident attorney will be committed to supporting your interests and rights. In a practical sense, this means that your attorney will pursue the compensation you are owed or most interested in. For example, if your injuries are worse than the damage to your car, you may be more interested in seeking compensation for medical bills.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Negotiating a settlement can be difficult if you try to negotiate without an attorney. Ideally, your settlement should cover any medical bills, loss of wages, emotional or physical suffering, and damages to personal property. In the case of permanent disability as a result of the accident, a settlement will also need to cover the loss of future wages, as well. A car accident attorney can adequately negotiate on your behalf so you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
When Should I Contact Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
One common question people have is, “When should I contact a car accident attorney near me?” The truth is that it’s almost always in your best interest to contact an attorney after an accident, although there are some times when you may want to call a lawyer sooner rather than later.
Common Examples of When You Should Seek Legal Help
If you sustained injuries from the accident or the injuries are predicted to be permanent or long-lasting, you need legal help. You may also need to contact an attorney if the insurance companies are giving you a hard time, if liability is contested, or if the settlement offered to you is not adequate for the expenses related to the accident.
When you have an accident, then searching for a “car accident attorney near me” should be at the top of your list so you can receive adequate compensation for your losses, damaged property, or injuries caused by the accident. An attorney will advocate for your best interests, help prove your case, and negotiate a fair settlement that will cover all of the expenses related to the accident. For more information about hiring a car accident attorney, please contact Yonke Law LLC in Kansas City, MO today.