Whether it is worth getting a lawyer for a car accident depends on the circumstances of the accident, who is involved, and the extent of your damages. If you were not injured in the accident, then you may want to consider dealing directly with the insurance company to get compensation for property damage.
However, if you suffered injuries in an accident, then the value of your claim increases significantly. Also, you may not be able to submit your claim if you are recovering from injuries. Therefore, it may be worth getting a lawyer for a car accident so that you have someone advocating on your behalf who can fight for a fair settlement. If you are considering hiring a lawyer, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an excellent source on the topic.
Personal Injury Cases Are Complex
If you have never been in a car accident or filed a personal injury claim, then you may not understand how to navigate the legal system or engage with insurance companies. Not knowing Louisiana law can put you in a situation where you may not know your rights, understand the value of your claim, know how to respond if the insurance company denies your claim.
A Lafayette personal injury lawyer who has defended victims in car accident claims knows the legal system and how to engage with liable parties and insurance companies every day. An attorney can be an asset in reclaiming your losses as you recover from your accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
One of the reasons you may hesitate to hire an attorney is because you are unfamiliar with what they do. Some of the main functions of a personal injury lawyer include:
Investigating Your Accident Claim
What happens when the at-fault party denies responsibility or the insurance company rejects your claim? Furthermore, how can you investigate the accident if you are lying on your back due to your injuries? A law firm employs an entire team to investigate the accident on your behalf.
Your Lafayette car wreck attorney can obtain evidence such as surveillance video footage, statements from eyewitnesses, testimony from experts, medical records, or clues at the scene of the accident. They can also gather and analyze the evidence to determine who is at fault for the accident and how the crash led to your injuries and subsequent damages.
Assess and Calculate Your Damages
The most important element in your personal injury claim is determining how much your case is worth. Working with your attorney, you can explore how the accident impacted your life. Damages you may be entitled to receive could include:
- Medical costs
- Lost pay
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of joy of life
- And possibly more
The total value of your case depends on how the accident occurred and the sum of your economic and noneconomic losses. Your attorney will work with you to get the maximum compensation available based on the circumstances of your case.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Whether you are just starting to file your personal injury claim, or your claim was rejected by the insurance company, you may feel that they have the final say in how much compensation you receive. However, this is not the case. You still have legal options after the insurance company has decided on your case.
This is where a Lafayette personal injury lawyer can be most valuable to your case. An attorney can engage with the insurance company and act on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement. They can compellingly present your case and present the facts that make it more difficult for the insurer to turn down your claim.
Represent You in Court
Ideally, in a personal injury case, you want to settle out of court. Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company can keep you from going through lengthy and expensive litigation. However, there are times when you may need to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
A personal injury lawyer can prepare your case and present an argument before a judge or jury on your behalf. They can also guide you through the legal process and help you avoid common mistakes that may hurt your case, such as missing the statute of limitations, Louisiana Civil Code §3492. A law firm will continue to fight to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.
Although it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer in Louisiana, having a legal team on your side can increase your chances of winning your case and recovering your losses.
Get Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lafayette, LA
If you need legal assistance after your car accident, then contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. We offer comprehensive legal services for all types of personal injury cases. Call (337) 777-7777 to get a free case assessment from a Lafayette, personal injury lawyer.
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