Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident in Albuquerque?
Driving a car is a necessity for almost everyone these days. With so many vehicles on the road, there are more accidents than ever. It is estimated that there are over 6 million car accidents each year in America.
Many of them are small, with no reported injuries and only minor car damage. These accidents can usually be handled by reporting directly to the insurance companies.
For the unfortunate ones who have experienced bodily injuries and may have lingering medical bills or even out of work, it is more complicated. These types of accidents need a reliable automobile injury attorney to help sort through all the paperwork and decisions that need to be made.
Read on to find out the answer to the question; “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?”.
Why an Automobile Accident Lawyer Is a Good Idea
The first thing someone thinks about after being involved in a serious car accident is what happens now. If there are serious injuries, the recovery time can be extensive. There may be time out of work and loss of income. Maybe the car is totaled, and there is no other way to get around.
All of these things can be overwhelming and confusing. It is wise to have someone in your corner who can handle all of the different aspects and help you get the best settlement to get your life back on track.
The insurance company, on the other side, is working hard to limit the amount of money they have to pay. An experienced lawyer is trained in how to conduct accident investigations, gather all the necessary documents and then put together a strategy and settlement that benefits you and your family.
The Job of an Accident Attorney
If you have a job, you know what is required every day. For a car collision attorney, their job is to work for you and your rights.
It is important, however, to choose a lawyer who has the right amount of experience. There are several issues that can come up, including personal injury, property damage, lost wages, liability issues, and even possibly a trial.
The attorney you want along the way will be knowledgeable in local, state and even national laws of transportation. They should also be familiar with health care companies and how to deal with doctors and hospitals. If they have trial experience, that is also a plus. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but one never knows when that might become a reality.
An injury can also be caused by something other than a car accident. Here is information on filing other types of personal injury claims.
Can I Afford an Automobile Injury Attorney?
Attorneys need to get paid just like everyone else. The good news for you is that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. In simple terms, this means the lawyer is paid from the settlement after it is made.
You should not have to pay upfront for this type of service. It is always a good idea, however, to check with your attorney to make sure this is the arrangement.
The average percentage that goes to the lawyer is one third to up to 40% of the final agreed settlement amount. Talk with your attorney to determine their specific payment terms.
Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Every case is different, but if there are injuries involved, it is often a good idea to at least speak to someone who can help you make this type of decision. Sometimes, the sooner you get the ball rolling, the better.
Each state has its own deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. It is in your best interest to contact an attorney soon after the accident. It should also happen before you have reached any insurance settlement as a lawyer may not be able to help at that point.
Hiring an attorney early in the process gives them time to prepare the best case. They can go back to the accident scene and maybe take more pictures. They can get copies of the police report and locate witnesses who may have seen what happened.
The sooner you have an experienced car accident attorney in Albuquerque on your side, the easier you can rest knowing that all the details will be covered. The lawyer and their staff will make sure to obtain all the information needed to design the best case for you.
What to Expect From Your Attorney
The first thing your attorney will offer you is advice. After hearing the details about the accident and possible case, they can help guide you in the right direction. All claims are not the same, and having a professional and knowledgeable lawyer on your side will make the process go smoother.
A good attorney will do a thorough investigation on your behalf. They will collect police reports, any statements from witnesses and all your medical records. They will even work with your employer to make sure you are compensated for the time you have to miss.
After all the information is compiled, the lawyer will work to develop a settlement letter to take to the insurance company. They will negotiate on your behalf to reach an acceptable amount.
If the insurance company is unwilling to settle or is unfair in the offer, your attorney will then take the steps to prepare your case for trial. They will speak on your behalf and present all the evidence and share your side of the story.
Putting Your Needs First
Following an accident, especially one with injuries, the most important thing to do is to take care of yourself, or your loved one who is hurt. There will be many people who want information from you, including the police, doctors and the other insurance company.
All of it may seem overwhelming, and maybe you are unsure what to do next. The good news is there are caring and professional personal injury lawyers who know exactly how to represent you and your needs.
If you are asking the question, should I get an attorney after a car accident, most often the answer is yes! For more information on how we can fight for you, contact us.
