In the aftermath of a Georgia car accident, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. There are lots of conflicting bits of information available online and elsewhere. However, if you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, you need to make sure you hire one of the best auto accident lawyers in Albany.
There is simply no substitute for doing so. Navigating the claims process can be time-consuming and stressful and you won’t want to handle it alone while you’re recovering from your injuries. There are several reasons why you should seek legal advice following a car crash and we’ll discuss them in this blog post.
Benefits of Seeking Help From Albany, GA Car Accident Lawyers
Individuals who hire an attorney usually secure better outcomes than those who don’t. That’s because experienced car accident attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies and also how to navigate the legal system if the matter needs to go to trial. They can assist you in filing your claim correctly and getting the compensation you truly deserve. This can take some of the stress off your shoulders and allow you to focus on your recovery.
A Lawyer Can Advise You on What to Say
Shortly after the crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you and ask you for a statement. If you don’t have a lawyer, you may fall victim to trick questions or you may say something that could be taken out of context. If the insurance company can make it seem like you were at fault for the accident, they can reduce the amount of your settlement or even get out of paying you anything at all.
That’s why you should contact a lawyer before talking to anyone at the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will ensure that you provide all the required information without jeopardizing your ability to claim compensation.
An Attorney Can Assist in Determining Fault
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the crash. However, your percentage of fault must be less than that of the other party or all the other parties combined if there are multiple entities involved.
It is important to note that your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Because of this law, insurance companies typically try to shift most of the blame off their client whenever they can. If you hire an attorney, they will ensure that you’re not unfairly blamed for the crash and you can still get the compensation you deserve.
A Lawyer Can Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
In order to get compensation, you’ll need to present evidence that your account of the accident is correct. This evidence can include medical records, police reports, photos and videos of the accident scene, and eyewitness accounts. In some cases, expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction experts may also be helpful.
When you hire an attorney, they will assist in collecting available evidence. A lawyer can also request a subpoena to get access to evidence that isn’t publicly available such as cell phone records and footage from security cameras.
An Attorney Will Assist in Calculating the True Value of Your Claim
It’s not always easy to calculate the amount of compensation due to a car accident victim. The more serious the injuries, the more complicated the matter is likely to be. To arrive at the true value of your claim, you’ll need to consider both current and future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic losses such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to calculate these sums correctly, especially when it comes to non-economic damages which are intangible. However, a car accident lawyer will take all these factors into account so they can arrive at a reasonable figure. They will also make sure to identify all the possible sources of compensation. Therefore, you shouldn’t underestimate the difference it makes to have a lawyer working on your behalf.
An Attorney Can Prevent You From Accepting a Settlement That’s Too Low
Insurance companies often offer accident victims a fast, low settlement before they truly know the extent of their injuries. They try to convince them that this is the most they can get. If you accept the initial settlement offer, you will lose out on the compensation you’ll need to cover all the costs resulting from your accident.
When you agree to a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later if you realize that your injuries are more serious. It’s best to call a lawyer immediately after your crash. They will help you to determine if an offer is fair or if you should press the insurance company for more.
Attorneys Know How to Stand Up to Insurance Companies
The job of the insurance adjuster is to help their employer save as much money as possible. Therefore, it’s not unusual for them to try to strong-arm vulnerable accident victims. When you’re in pain and dealing with the mental effects of a crash, you probably won’t be thinking clearly.
Even if you think the insurer is trying to take advantage of you, you may not have the strength to fight. However, when you have an attorney, they will make sure that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
Schedule a Consultation With an Albany Injury Lawyer at Calvin Smith Law Today!
You should make it a priority to contact an Albany injury attorney if you’ve suffered serious injuries in a crash. If you attempt to handle a major claim on your own, you may find it hard to get fair compensation. Your claim may even be denied. Given how costly a car accident can be, you don’t want to take this risk.
As soon as possible after your crash, call our office and schedule a free consultation. We’ll assess your case and advise you on how to proceed. You have nothing to lose so contact us today!
