Car accident lawyers play a crucial role in helping accident victims secure compensation for injuries caused by the responsible party. They assist in gathering and presenting evidence to strengthen the victim’s case. Car accidents can lead to severe, sometimes life-altering injuries, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
An experienced lawyer ensures that victims are fully compensated for their losses by navigating the complex steps involved in filing a car accident claim. From collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, they handle every aspect of the process, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps With Your Claim
The insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to recover from an injury. A lawyer can help simplify this process and take care of all the legal aspects for you. Some ways they can help include:
- Investigating the accident to determine who was at fault
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the crash
- Collecting physical evidence and hiring experts to help prove your claim
- Assessing your injuries and medical records to determine an appropriate value for your case
- Issuing a demand letter to the insurance company for your damages
- Handling all communications with insurance adjusters and other attorneys
- Negotiating a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses
- Negotiating with your health insurance providers to reduce the amount you may have to repay them through subrogation
- Fighting for you in court when the situation requires it
Car accident attorneys have experience handling these types of issues, and they know what it takes to win your case.
Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect You
Several potential pitfalls in the insurance claims process could keep you from recovering the compensation you deserve. A car accident attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls and make sure you get a full and fair recovery.
First, car accidents can result in serious injuries. Sometimes, victims suffer catastrophic injuries and are left dealing with the effects for the rest of their lives. Some common examples of these types of injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Severe burns
Insurance companies may minimize the extent of your injuries to lessen the payout on your claim. An experienced attorney knows how to value these types of injuries properly and can help ensure you are fully compensated.
Next, a car accident attorney can help make sure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. Illinois law requires that personal injury claims arising from car accidents be brought within two years from the date of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline could mean that you cannot receive any compensation from the responsible party.
Finally, an experienced attorney knows how to prove your case. Most car accident claims are based on the concept of negligence in tort law. This requires proving four separate elements, and failure to prove any of these elements could cause your claim to be rejected. An attorney has the experience you need to make sure your claim is proven.
Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many accident victims wonder if they even need to hire a car accident lawyer–especially after a minor accident. While you might not need to hire a lawyer in every situation, here are some common instances where you definitely need a lawyer’s help:
- Severe injuries: If you sustained serious injuries in the accident, you need to seek the advice of a car accident lawyer who can help make sure your claim is taken seriously.
- Multiple parties involved: Accidents involving multiple parties can get complex, and you need an attorney to help you navigate that situation. In some cases, multiple defendants may have to share responsibility for your damages.
- Questions of liability: In cases where questions are raised about who caused the accident, an attorney is almost always necessary. The insurance company may try to place blame on you to avoid paying the claim.
- Uncooperative defendant: If the person who hit you or their insurance company is being uncooperative, let an attorney get involved and handle the situation for you.
Studies have indicated that accident victims who hire an attorney receive 3 to 4 times more compensation than those who do not hire an attorney. Since most car accident lawyers offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by having a conversation to learn how they can help.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main St Suite 1300 Peoria, IL 61602, United States
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7