Many car accidents are straightforward cases. If it is clear that the crash was the other driver’s fault, you will likely receive a settlement offer from their insurance company soon after you file a claim. When this happens, you might understandably wonder: Do I need a lawyer for a car accident settlement?
The answer is yes, you need a lawyer if you want to make sure you get everything owed to you. Understanding what exactly a lawyer does will help you decide whether or not to seek legal help for your car accident settlement.
What Is the Benefit of a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?
Personal injury lawyers know how to negotiate settlements with the insurance company. Your attorney will be familiar with all the tricks insurers might try to use to take advantage of you. They know what an unfair settlement looks like. They know how to prove liability and establish exactly how much compensation you deserve for your damages.
In some cases, the settlement offered to you might be less than your medical bills. This usually means that the insurance company is trying to get away with paying less than it should. If you have an accident through no fault of your own, you deserve to recover all of your damages. Having a lawyer makes a favorable outcome much more likely.
What Happens if You Do Not Have a Lawyer?
Without a lawyer, achieving a reasonable settlement can be much more difficult. The insurance company has way more resources and experience than you do as an individual. If you do not have an attorney to even the playing field, the insurance company might pressure you or exploit loopholes in the policy.
Many people underestimate how much their claim is worth. In 2022, the average auto liability claim for property damage was $6,551. Add medical bills and other losses on top of that, and it is entirely possible that your claim could be worth $10,000 or more. Every case is different, but it is worth consulting with a lawyer who can explain what a reasonable settlement is for your claim.
Another reason to have a lawyer is that you cannot reopen a case after accepting a settlement. If you accept an offer from the insurance company, then find out later that it does not fully cover your losses, it is unlikely that you can pursue additional damages for the same case. It is worth the time and effort to hire a lawyer who can help you get the best possible outcome the first time.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
A minor car accident is one in which the damage is seemingly slight, and there are no injuries. Even this type of accident can have severe financial implications, so it is important to take it seriously.
There are many minor car accident settlements that turn out to be worth $10,000 or more after accounting for everything. Waiting to call a lawyer until it is too late can mean missing out on a significant settlement.
Call Sargon Law Group for Your Car Accident Settlement
While it is perfectly normal to wonder if you really need a lawyer for a car accident settlement, you also have nothing to lose by scheduling a free consultation. At Sargon Law Group, our car accident attorneys provide an open and honest evaluation of your case so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Contact us today to ask us any questions you have about your accident claim. Our offices serve injured people throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California.