It’s a beautiful day outside, and you’re driving south on the 5. Out of nowhere, you collide with another vehicle and have to pull off the road. You’ve never been in an accident before, and you’ve immediately got way more questions than answers.
There’s no shortage of drivers on the road, and that means no shortage of accidents. There are over 6.4 million car accidents in the U.S. every year. And those accidents cause just as many questions. When you get in an accident, hiring a lawyer is a solid way to start getting some answers.
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Even if you aren’t sure if you’re going to take action in the courtroom, there are still reasons to seek the help of an attorney:
- Talking to the insurance company: Insurance companies may be required to serve you in good faith, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help in dealing with them. Your insurer could look for ways to lower your settlement or deny your claim, so it’s better to let someone experienced deal with them.
- Collecting evidence: A lawyer can help you track down time-sensitive evidence that could come in handy later, for working with the insurance company, launching a suit or defending yourself against a claim. As time passes, it can be harder to prove if injuries came from the accident, eyewitnesses may forget details and companies might start clearing security footage.
- Pending suits: A lawyer can help you decide if filing a claim is in your best interest, or how to prepare for an incoming suit from the other party. You’ll be able to lean on their legal knowledge when it comes to unfriendly settlement offers and from adjusters and opposing attorneys.
Hiring an attorney could make a big difference in how things proceed after you’ve been in an accident. Securing the services of a lawyer could be a good first step towards getting the answers you need.