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10 Reasons to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Reason 1: Expert Legal Knowledge
The legal process in a car accident case can be overwhelming and complex.
An auto accident lawyer knows the laws and regulations that apply to your case, which they can use to protect your rights and settlement.
In addition, a car accident attorney can simplify legal mumbo jumbo so you may better understand how the law applies to your car accident claim.
Reason 2: Accurately Determine Damages
After a car accident, you must count all your losses from medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Missing a loss and not adding to your car accident claim could result in you losing compensation.
However, an attorney can help you determine all of your losses, ensuring fair compensation.
Reason 3: Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work to pay out as little as possible on car accident claims in order to save money.
An experienced attorney is a skilled negotiator; having one who can represent you will ensure you receive fair compensation. They will be able to counter any low settlement offers.
Reason 4: Proving Liability and Building a Case
Determining the at-fault driver in a car accident can be tricky, especially when multiple parties are involved.
A car accident attorney can gather evidence such as the police report, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photographs to prove the other driver's negligence and build a valid legal claim.
Reason 5: Filing Paperwork and Following Deadlines
Legal procedures after a car accident, such as filing an insurance claim, involve a lot of paperwork and deadlines, which many car accident victims become overwhelmed with.
If you miss a filing deadline or submit the wrong information, you can lose your chance to secure fair compensation.
A car accident lawyer can manage all the paperwork while adhering to deadlines, ensuring everything is filed correctly and on time.
Reason 6: Access to Resources and Expert Witnesses
Car accident Lawyers have a network of professionals that includes medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial analysts who can provide testimony and evidence to support your injury claim.
Reason 7: Less Stress and Emotional Burden
The aftermath of a car accident can be a lot to handle, especially when you're injured.
When you hire an attorney, you allow yourself to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal work and fight for a fair settlement.
This support can reduce stress, give you peace of mind, and speed up recovery.
Reason 8: Get More Compensation
Lawyers know all the ways to get you maximum compensation – including the ones you may not know.
They can negotiate the highest settlement possible and are prepared to take your case to court if necessary to get you what you're entitled to.
Reason 9: Contingency Fees
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
This means legal representation is affordable with no upfront costs, and your lawyer is interested in getting the best result.
Reason 10: Post-Settlement Legal Work
Even after a settlement is reached, there may be ongoing legal issues, such as ensuring the settlement terms are met or dealing with medical liens.
A lawyer can continue representing you to ensure everything gets handled and you have enough money to cover medical bills, repair expenses, and lost wages.
When Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Answering the question, "Is it worth hiring an attorney after a car accident?" depends on many factors, such as the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance company involved.
Here are the scenarios when it's worth getting a lawyer:
Severe Injuries or Long Term Disabilities
If you have serious injuries or long-term or permanent disabilities, the stakes are high. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential loss of income can be costly. A lawyer can ensure you get paid for your immediate and future medical costs.
Complex Liability
Proving liability can be challenging when there's a dispute about who's at fault or multiple parties involved.
A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, review accident reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
Big Financial Impact
If the accident has caused substantial financial losses, such as high medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, getting a lawyer can help you obtain the compensation needed to recover.
They can calculate your damages and negotiate with the insurance adjuster to ensure you get paid properly.
Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
The Insurance company may deny or delay your insurance claim in hopes you'll take a lower settlement or give up.
A lawyer can push the insurance company to process your claim quickly and fairly and use legal avenues if necessary.
Unfair Settlement Offers
If the insurance company offers you a settlement that doesn't cover your expenses or fairly compensate you for your injuries, hire an attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights and reject lowball offers so you may get a better settlement.
Proving Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life) can be hard to calculate.
A lawyer can properly determine the extent of these damages and ensure they're included in your personal injury lawsuit.
How to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Finding the right lawyer after a car accident is vital to protecting your rights and getting fair compensation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Assess Your Needs: Before you start looking, understand your needs. Consider the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and any disputes about liability or the insurance claim. This will help you find a lawyer with the right expertise.
Ask Around: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know a good personal injury lawyer. Personal referrals can give you an insight into a lawyer's competence and reliability.
Research Online: Use online resources to find potential lawyers. Sites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the American Bar Association (ABA) have directories and ratings of lawyers based on their experience, specialties, and client reviews.
Check Qualifications: Look for lawyers specializing in personal injury or car accident cases. Check their qualifications, education, years of experience, and any certifications in personal injury law.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Client reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into a lawyer's track record and how they handled past cases. Look for reviews on the lawyer's website, Google, Yelp, and legal directories.
Schedule a Consultation: Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. Schedule a consultation with a few lawyers to discuss your case. This will give you an idea of their communication style and expertise and let you know if you feel comfortable working with them.
If you are looking for an attorney after a car accident in Nevada, contact our legal team today. We have been helping car accident victims for over twenty years and have recovered millions in compensation.
Speak to a car accident attorney immediately by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys Cost
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can vary greatly depending on the case's complexity, the lawyer, and the fee structure they use. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs:
Contingency Fee Basis
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is a percentage of the settlement, usually 25% to 40%, with 33% being the standard rate.
For example, if you get a $100,000 settlement and your lawyer's contingency fee is 33%, they would get $33,000.
Sliding Scale Contingency Fees
Some lawyers use a sliding scale for their contingency fees. This means the percentage may vary depending on when the case is resolved. For example:
25% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed
33% if the case goes to trial
40% if the case is appealed
This structure encourages lawyers to settle but also compensates them for the extra work if the case reaches more complex stages.
Hourly Rate
While not common in personal injury cases, some lawyers may charge an hourly rate. Depending on the lawyer and location, this could be $100 to $500 or more per hour.
Hourly billing is more common for ongoing legal advice or a specific legal task rather than full representation, such as personal injury claims.
Talk To a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today
After understanding the reasons behind why you should hire a car accident attorney, you may be compelled to contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.
We recommend you contact The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm. With 20+ years of experience and millions recovered, your case will be in good hands.
Call (702) 566-3600 to speak with an attorney today or submit a message.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
