Today was going well until just after work. That’s when someone ran a stop sign and plowed into the side of your car. It’s not just the car that’s ruined; you’re going to be in the hospital for a while.
At this juncture, your priority is to recover. By choosing to hire a motor vehicle accident lawyer who can see to the rest, you position yourself to get past this unfortunate event sooner rather than later. Here are some of the reasons why access to legal counsel is so important.
You’re Not Sure What Laws Apply
While you know there are laws that have to do with this sort of thing, identifying them is not going to be easy. You simply don’t have the background to figure out what needs to be done. By contrast, a lawyer will understand which laws apply and how to put them to good use.
After talking with you, reviewing the police report, and having a word with any witnesses, your legal counsel will begin to build a case. That will form the basis for seeking reasonable compensation for the injuries, the damage to the vehicle, and any other related expenses.
Approaching the Responsible Party
Even as you secure legal counsel, rest assured the one who caused the accident is doing the same. That counsel may be the legal team for the party’s insurance company. They have a vested interest in trying to shift as much responsibility as possible to your shoulders.
For this reason, remain silent and let your lawyer do the talking. That includes initiating and fielding all communications with the other party. If you say nothing except through your legal counsel, any attempts to make you partially responsible will fail.
Negotiating a Settlement
Let your lawyer take the lead in seeking a settlement. It’s not unusual for insurance companies to be open to the idea of settling. Doing so typically means avoiding court costs and having to pay for the injured party’s legal counsel. While the negotiations may be rocky at first, there’s a good chance they will smooth out, and both sides can agree on the terms.
Your motor vehicle accident lawyer is no stranger to settlement negotiations. Trust that he or she will act in your best interests. If an offer is made that your lawyer indicates a reasonable one, feel free to accept it. When no offer is in line with what you’re seeking, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Seeking a Judgment in Court
Your legal counsel always prepares with the assumption that taking the matter to court will be necessary. That means if the negotiations fall through, everything will be in place to present your claim, introduce evidence, and in general, make sure nothing is left out of what the judge hears.
While the judge will work within currently allowed limits in terms of the amount of the judgment, it’s not unusual for courts to offer the maximum awards to injured parties. That’s especially true if it comes to light that the opposing party engaged in any questionable behavior in an attempt to get you to settle for less.
Never feel as if you’re on your own after an accident. Seek out legal counsel, and rest assured they will do everything legally possible to secure a reasonable settlement or judgment. That will make it all the easier to focus on recovering and getting back to your normal life.
