I can settle my auto accident injury claim myself! This is the common refrain of many people after they get in a car accident and are unsure about what to do next. While settling with the other party is easier than going through the legal system, it can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing (and even if you do).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 1 million people are injured every year in car accidents in the United States alone, and auto accident fatalities account for more than 30,000 deaths annually. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the human cost of auto accidents, and it is often not until after the case is resolved that victims realize how much worse things could have been if they had not taken advantage of an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer‘s assistance.
If you or someone you know has recently been injured in an automobile accident in Atlanta, you might be worried about what to do next. One of the most important things to do after an auto accident injury is to consult with a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia from the Super Lawyer Legal Group. We will strive to ensure that you receive the greatest compensation for your injuries.
This article will explain how hiring an auto accident attorney can help, and what is the potential cost of not hiring one.
The Cost Of NOT Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney In Atlanta, Georgia
If you’ve been in a serious car crash, you might be wondering: how much will my case cost? That’s because it may seem like if you don’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket, then what do you have to lose? But don’t forget about how much it costs not to hire an auto accident attorney. In other words, how will not getting full compensation affect your life—and future?
When you contact your insurance company they want to settle claims quickly, but they often don’t want to give you everything they owe you. So when it comes down to negotiations, they may try and lowball you with offers that barely cover your medical bills. Hiring an attorney means giving yourself someone who knows how insurance companies operate and has experience fighting them—which means you stand a better chance at getting fair compensation for your injuries.
Here’s what happens if you don’t have an attorney handle your accident claim:
You Might Be Assumed At Fault
In general, if you’re in a car accident with no visible injuries or damage (that can be seen) to your car or anyone else’s vehicle, police will assume that you caused it. They know nothing about what happened; they just see two cars with some paint on them.
Your word will not be taken over anyone else’s unless there is substantial evidence supporting your words. So if you don’t have an attorney, you should expect that law enforcement will take statements from both parties involved and then issue tickets for whatever infractions they find.
If someone was speeding before the crash occurred, for example, then the tickets might be issued for reckless driving.
Insurance Adjusters Are Unfair
When you call to report your accident or injury, don’t expect to be met with kindness.
Insurance adjusters can often seem rude and uncaring (even aggressive) on the phone. That’s how they make you feel guilty so that you’ll quickly sign their settlement offer without asking questions or doing any research.
But remember: they are not on your side; they work for insurance companies—not for injured victims like yourself.
If you think something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t!
Be Prepared To Pay More Out Of Pocket
If you’re involved in an auto accident where liability is unclear (i.e., you didn’t hit another vehicle or anything else), you may need to cover all of your medical costs—even if it turns out that someone else was at fault.
That can be very expensive; not only will you need to cover expensive medical treatment up front, but also any potential follow-up care and costs as well. In other words, don’t assume you won’t have to pay anything just because no one has admitted fault yet.
Be sure to get yourself checked out by a doctor right away. And then call an attorney.
Hiring An Auto Accident Attorney Will Help You Solidify Your Claim!
The best way to ensure that your rights are protected is by hiring competent professionals as soon as possible after a car crash occurs. Your lawyers will be able to explain what needs to be done and what compensation may be available for each case.
Also, if you hire an attorney after being injured in an auto accident, on a contingency fee arrangement, they won’t charge you unless they win your case. This means they will work hard to get results for your claim because their reputation depends on it!
When Should I Call An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you need an Atlanta car accident lawyer, how do you know when to call? It’s important to get your case evaluated by a legal professional as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact a lawyer after an accident, the better. You should be able to tell whether or not your injuries will require extensive medical treatment—and if so, whether that treatment will be covered by insurance or not.
But consultation is free either way, so reach out to a professional lawyer as soon as possible.
Get The Help You Need With The Super Lawyer Legal Group!
An experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia can help determine if there was any negligence (on part of the liable party) involved in causing your crash—and what kind of compensation (if any) may be available to help pay for your medical bills and other expenses associated with your injuries.
If an insurance adjuster is pressuring you to accept a low-ball settlement offer, contact the Super Lawyer Legal Group immediately. Our legal team will fight aggressively on your behalf so that you receive fair compensation for all of your injuries and damages. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to get you the settlement offer you deserve.
Contact us now for a free initial consultation!
