Car crashes, collisions, fender benders, rear-enders – Such accidents are common on the roads of Washington State. Immediately after an accident, you may feel too shocked to take action. If the other driver was negligent, you could claim compensation for your losses, and for that, you must take immediate steps following the crash. Many victims shy away from consulting an auto accident lawyer, primarily because they are already dealing with financial distress. However, legal representation in such cases is imperative so that you get fair compensation. In this post, find more about how an attorney can help.
- You need genuine advice. Your friends can offer help and support, but when it comes to legal advice, an accident lawyer is your best resource. Attorneys know the legal system, how things work in your state, and based on the available evidence, they can guide your case. Just because you sustained injuries doesn’t mean your claim will hold. Let an attorney evaluate the worth of your claim.
- Better negotiation with insurance companies. Don’t be fooled to assume that insurance companies are here to help. These insurers are backed by top lawyers and have vast financial resources, and their eventual concern is to minimize what they pay in settlements. You need an attorney so that they can deal with the claims adjuster on your behalf. An experienced attorney can see through bad faith insurance tactics.
- When you were negligent. What happens when you were also at fault for the car accident? Think of a situation, for example, where the other driver was reckless, but you were also speeding. Most states follow certain comparative fault rules, which determine what you get in settlement. The insurance company may use your fault to deny your claim or offer a lower settlement. Get an attorney on your side to avoid unwanted mistakes.
Hiring an accident lawyer
Most accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys take a contingency fee. The lawyer will ask for their fee – a fixed percentage of the settlement if and when they win the case. If the lawyer fails to get a financial settlement for you, they will absorb the expenses. As such, you don’t have to pay an upfront fee to hire a lawyer. Just make sure that the lawyer is experienced in handling accident lawsuits, and more importantly, they should have courtroom experience. There is always a chance that your accident lawsuit will end up in trial.
