Around 1.35 million people are killed each year on roads around the world. Car accidents are one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. Not only can they cause physical pain and suffering, but they can also lead to emotional distress and financial hardship.
When you’re involved in a car accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. They can provide valuable advice on how to deal with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident.
They will be able to assess your situation, advise you on the best course of action, and provide representation in court if necessary. It’s also important that they’re familiar with local laws and regulations. If, for example, you live in Canada, a professional car accident attorney will use their expertise and knowledge of Canadian law to help protect your rights. They will also ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages sustained as a result of the accident.
So, let’s say you reside in Calgary, CA. As a driver, you must first look for an experienced broker that will help you find the best car insurance in Calgary that suits your needs and budget. If you happen to find yourself involved in a bad car crash, you must then seek the legal assistance of an attorney to help you file your legal claim and pursue justice and fair compensation.
Here are a few additional ways an experienced car accident attorney can help you strengthen your settlement claim.
They’ll Investigate the Car Accident
It’s important to remember what happened during and immediately after a car accident. Car accidents can happen quickly and leave drivers and passengers completely disoriented.
An experienced car accident lawyer knows how important it is to gather the right evidence to prove what happened and who was at fault. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your damages if you can establish liability.
Your car accident attorney must produce sufficient evidence incriminating the other party to obtain a favorable judgment. Evidence should be collected but it needs to be strong enough to convince the insurance company of the party at fault that you are entitled to fair compensation. Your car accident attorney will investigate to determine what happened and who is responsible.
This means they will:
- Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area as soon as possible after the crash.
- Take multiple photos of all vehicles involved, and of any damage done. This will help to prove the cause of a collision.
- If necessary, obtain copies of police reports, and those from the fire department or ambulance service.
- Record the observations of emergency personnel on the accident scene to help them strengthen your claim.
- Get statements from possible eyewitnesses.
- Interview owners of businesses or homes near the accident site and obtain video footage if there are surveillance cameras.
- Speak with your healthcare provider and obtain medical records of your treatment. These records will help you determine the severity and extent of your injuries as well as your prognosis.
They’ll Calculate Expenses
You should know how much you will need to receive from a settlement or a court award before you contact the insurance company or file a claim. You should seek an amount that covers specific expenses. The most important costs include medical costs, loss of income and wages, property damage, and future care expenses.
Your car accident attorney will create a list with the value of damages based on the specific facts of your case. Only an experienced car accident lawyer will be able to accurately value your losses to arrive at the right settlement amount and then work to maximize the compensation you’re entitled to.
They’ll Represent You in Court
No one knows the law better than attorneys. These professionals will fight for your rights and represent you in court. They’ll make sure that you are aware of any documents or steps that could lead to a claim being rejected.
Research has also shown that in most car accident cases, attorneys helped clients receive higher compensation than they expected. In some cases, the amount has even exceeded millions. The support of a lawyer in court is therefore essential.
They’ll Communicate with the Insurance Company
You probably have experience with the complex and time-consuming process of filing an insurance claim. It’s best to have an attorney contact the insurance company on your behalf. A car accident attorney who’s qualified will look out for your interests and streamline the process, and handle the case quickly and efficiently.
Your car accident attorney should initiate communication with both you and the insurance company of the other party. This way, you will avoid making any mistakes when you speak to the insurers of the other party.
Final Thoughts
A car accident attorney is a professional who has dealt with many accident cases and knows how important it is to settle claims. While hiring an attorney can be expensive, the support and guidance you receive from them is unmatched. Attorneys will not only protect your rights but ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation as well.