Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you were hurt in a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina due to another driver’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Personal injury claims allow accident victims to seek monetary damages from the drivers responsible for their injuries. However, handling an insurance claim on your own can be difficult. A car accident lawyer can help you through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit after a serious accident. 

You Don’t Have to Fight a Car Accident Claim Alone

You Don’t Have to Fight a Car Accident Claim Alone

Recovering compensation after a car accident normally starts with an insurance claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, insurance companies remain profitable by minimizing or denying car accident claims. If you are taking on a powerful insurance company on your own, you hurt your chances of getting the most out of a settlement. The insurer will use facts and statements against you to reduce your potential payout. 

An experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer will know the tactics used by insurance companies – and how to combat them.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer? 

After a car accident, you will be in shock over what happened and could face serious physical challenges as you recover from the accident. You should consider hiring a lawyer immediately after your accident, especially if:

  • You suffered severe injuries. Medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment can add up quickly. A lawyer can ensure that all your damages are accounted for and provide an accurate estimate of the value of your case.
  • There are multiple parties involved. Accidents involving multiple parties can get legally complex. Your attorney can assess who is at fault for the accident.
  • The insurance company is trying to get you to take a low offer. A lawyer will be able to accurately assess your claim and use their resources to fight for fair compensation.
  • Fault is being disputed. An attorney can gather evidence to prove liability. 

Talking to a car accident attorney soon after your accident can help avoid costly setbacks in your fight for financial recovery. 

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do For Me? 

An attorney can help you maximize your financial settlement after a car accident in many key ways. 

Build Your Case

To be paid for your damages, you’ll need to identify who was at fault, how the accident happened, and why you are entitled to payment for your injuries. A lawyer can piece together the facts and build your legal strategy. An attorney can do this by collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, following up with law enforcement, and taking other key measures for you. 

Prove Damages

To succeed in a claim, victims must prove that someone else was at fault and that their actions caused damages. The damage estimate is crucial to recovering compensation that covers your full range of damages. 

Economic damages, such as medical bills, lost income due to the accident, reduced future income, and vehicle damage, can be included in the claim. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life, are also considered when damages are being calculated. 

Meet Deadlines

The statute of limitations in North Carolina for a car accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident in most cases. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will make sure all deadlines are met.

Take Your Case to Trial

While most car accident claims are settled during the insurance process or while a lawsuit is pending, some cases do go to trial. You want an experienced trial attorney who will start preparing your case for trial from day one if a jury trial is needed. This means collecting evidence and sticking to a strong legal strategy through all phases of the legal process.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer? 

Most car accident attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee arrangement, the client does not have to pay any legal fees unless their lawyer recovers compensation for them–in which case they will pay their lawyer an agreed-upon percentage of the overall financial award. You will pay nothing unless you win.

Call a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation 

The Charlotte accident lawyers at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers understand your challenges after an unexpected car accident. Our dedicated legal team will use its resources to fight for you each step of the way through a personal injury claim. To learn more, call 800-525-7111 or contact our law office to schedule a free consultation today.