California has the highest car accident fatality rate in the entire nation, with an average of 3,300 people dying in car accidents per year. Thousands more survive car accidents in the Golden State, but that doesn’t mean that they walk away unscathed.
If you were recently injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s neglect, you’re probably wondering if there’s any way to protect your finances. Car accident injuries can lead to substantial medical bills, lost income, and more.
We’re here to tell you that with the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Are you considering filing a personal injury claim without legal representation? We’re here to tell you why you’re better off working with a car accident lawyer. Read on for the top five benefits of hiring a lawyer for your personal injury claim.
1. Lawyers Provide Legal Expertise
People often assume that personal injury claims for car accident injuries will be cut and dry. You were in an accident that you didn’t cause, you were injured, and now you’re in financial distress. The truth is that in order to successfully file a personal injury claim, you will need to establish that:
- another driver’s negligence led to an otherwise preventable accident,
- that accident caused serious injuries, and
- those serious injuries have caused significant financial strain you would not otherwise be facing.
You will have to prove all three of these factors and meet the standard of preponderance of the evidence. This can be particularly tricky when establishing another driver’s negligence. A personal injury lawyer will have the right experience, understanding of the law, and access to witness experts to help you meet this standard.
2. Lawyers Can Help You Compile the Proper Evidence
In order to establish the facts of your case, you will need to compile a variety of documents and pieces of evidence. This will include evidence of the scene of the accident, including things like the police report, witness statements, and photos or videos of the accident scene.
You will also need to provide evidence of your medical issues, both current and projected. You will need to present all relevant medical records. Personal injury lawyers can also help you to secure appointments with the proper medical professionals to assess your current state and the trajectory of care that you will need in the future.
Finally, you will need to prove that your injury has caused significant financial damage. An experienced lawyer will help you to compile medical records, pay stubs, documentation of your limited ability to work, and any bills related to damaged property, such as car repair bills.
3. Lawyers Can Mediate Discussions With the Defense Team
When you file a personal injury claim, you are not filing the claim against the driver who caused the accident. Instead, you are filing the claim with their insurance company, which will ultimately be held liable for the accident. Insurance companies are prepared for this and hire lawyers of their own to negotiate a settlement with you.
Lawyers that represent insurance companies have extensive experience with these types of claims. They may try to misuse evidence to hurt your case.
For example, insurance company lawyers will ask for your medical records. Without legal advice, you may accidentally turn over your full medical history. Insurance company lawyers will then look for evidence that you had pre-existing conditions that caused your injuries, and that the accident was more of a catalyst than a cause.
By working with a lawyer, you will never have to interact with the defense team alone. You will always have someone in your corner to mediate the discussion and ensure that you don’t make any mistakes that could impact your case.
4. Lawyers Are Expert Negotiators
Thanks to courtroom dramas and courtroom reality television shows, many people assume that their personal injury case will go to court. The truth is that the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled outside of court. During this process, both sides will try to negotiate a settlement that they believe is fair.
Insurance company lawyers know that plaintiffs in personal injury claims are in a tough position. They often try to appeal to a sense of urgency or increasing debt to encourage the plaintiff to agree to a low settlement in exchange for a short case.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that you won’t run the risk of settling for too little. You also won’t run the risk of dragging out a case that isn’t going to result in a higher settlement. Your lawyer will handle negotiations and advise you on when to accept an offer.
5. Lawyers Allow You to Prioritize Your Recovery
If you’re wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer, the answer is right away. In the state of California, you’re facing a statute of limitations of two years. That means that you have two years from the accident to file your claim, with the exception of special circumstances.
As a result, many plaintiffs are still in the early days of recovery when they file their claims. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can stay focused on your physical health while your lawyer handles the inner workings of your case.
Looking for a San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer? We Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to approach a personal injury claim. As you can see, the benefits can’t be matched.
If you’re looking for an accident lawyer in San Francisco, look no further. Golden State Accident Lawyers are here to take your case. Contact us today to set up a free case consultation.
