Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident
Car accidents happen every day throughout the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides that more than 5 million police-reported crashes occurred in 2012 alone, resulting in more than 2 million injuries and 33,000 fatalities.
Although the aftermath of a car accident may leave you confused and uncertain of the future, it is important to keep in mind that you may have legal recourse to recover compensation for any injuries sustained and that an attorney on your side can be the best tool for your case. Consider the following if you are deciding whether or not to hire a car accident attorney.
An Attorney Understands the Law
A car accident attorney is trained to know and understand all of the relevant laws that may pertain to your case, as well as the laws of the state where the accident occurred. For example, Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 52-84, which governs statutes of limitations in Connecticut for injury arising out of negligence, allows an injured party to file a suit within two years. Massachusetts law, found in Mass. Ann. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, allows three years. Rhode Island General Laws §9-1-14(b) provides three years as well. A car accident lawyer can ensure that you follow all necessary rules and adhere to all timelines regarding your case.
An Attorney Knows Where to Look for Evidence
Even if you can’t seem to find eyewitness testimony of the accident, a car accident attorney may be able to find a piece of key evidence. An attorney may utilize photos, videos and even testimony from accident reconstruction experts to prove liability for your case and may rely on other evidence to prove the extent of your damages.
An Attorney Knows How to Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance company representatives are notoriously difficult to deal with and may attempt to place blame on you solely in order to avoid the responsibility of covering the costs of your injuries. A car accident attorney can be a formidable ally in this situation, handling all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
An Attorney Knows What is Fair
In some cases, if you need to file a personal injury suit to recover compensation for your injuries, the other party may ask you to settle for a specific amount, instead of letting the case proceed to trial. Of course, to the untrained eye, any relatively impressive amount may seem like the best option after a serious car accident. A car accident lawyer will be able to examine the settlement amount and help you understand whether or not it adequately covers all of the damages you sustained. Your attorney may even advise you about whether to pass up the settlement or go to trial.
An Attorney Is There for You in a Time of Need
With a car accident attorney on your side, you will have someone close by who can answer your questions and quell any concerns you have throughout the process. Whether you are wondering about adhering to strict deadlines on the calendar or are curious about your rights and responsibilities during the case, your attorney can act as a guide and legal representative.
Ultimately, if you sustained injuries in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates as soon as possible. We will do our best to ensure you receive the outcome that best matches your goals and will walk you through the process every step of the way. Reach out to us today by calling 1-800-529-1222.
