If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you may be pondering when to call a lawyer after a car accident. Many car accident victims experience a stressful financial situation as their medical expenses continue to grow and their injuries prevent them from working. If this sounds like you, it’s important to remember that you have a right to pursue compensation against the party that caused your accident. You may have many questions, including, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor accident?” and “How can a car accident lawyer help me?” Read on to find answers to these questions and get closer to the financial compensation you need and deserve.
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After an accident with a negligent driver, you may feel you have an open and shut case. With all your financial worries mounting, you may wonder, “Is a car accident attorney worth it?” In reality, car accident cases are complex. Without an attorney, you face defending your claim against seasoned insurance adjusters and aggressive attorneys whose only goal is to reduce their client’s liability and pay you as little as possible. Failing to hire a skilled attorney to represent you and your interests could mean you receive less compensation than you deserve. Personal injury lawyers have several strategies to assist their clients in achieving the best possible outcome in their cases. A car accident lawyer helps clients in various ways, from initial investigation to potential litigation.
As you focus on recovering from your injuries, your attorney gets to work immediately investigating the cause of your accident. They gather important, relevant evidence, including:
Your attorney compiles this evidence to construct a strong case detailing the facts and circumstances that led to your accident.
An analysis of how your accident occurred helps your attorney to determine the person or entity responsible for your injuries. Maine operates under a comparative negligence system. Under this rule, a victim may recover for their damages from the liable party if they are not determined to be equally or more at fault than the responsible party. A skilled personal injury attorney anticipates that insurance companies and other attorneys will attempt to shift blame to reduce their client’s responsibility for their losses. An independent investigation of your car accident, conducted by your attorney, can be used to dispute an insurance adjuster’s determination of fault.
In Maine, most personal injury claims are subject to a six-year statute of limitations. A statute of limitations determines how long a person has to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this designated period bars them from bringing a claim at a later date. Your attorney keeps track of this and all other vital deadlines in your case to ensure you can assert your right to compensation.
Once the value of your case is determined, your attorney negotiates with insurance companies and opposing attorneys for a favorable settlement. Insurance companies may make an initial offer of settlement that fails to grasp the full extent of your losses. Your attorney will present compelling evidence to push for fair compensation. This evidence comes in the form of expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and official documents to negotiate effectively for higher settlement values.
If negotiations fail to produce a settlement, your attorney knows when to change strategies and pursue your case in court. Successfully litigating a case requires an attorney adept at courtroom procedures, discovery motions, and timelines to keep your case moving toward a favorable judgment.
The various ways a lawyer helps their client should make answering the question, “Should I get a lawyer after a car accident?” a no-brainer.
The sooner an attorney can work on your case, the better. Evidence, from skid marks to a witness’s memory, can disappear after an accident within days. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible allows important evidence to be collected and preserved.
A car accident lawyer also handles all the preliminary communication with insurance companies and other parties in the days and weeks following your collision. A skilled attorney understands what to say and what not to say to protect your rights and look out for your best interests.
Despite getting to work immediately, an attorney may wait to calculate your case’s value until your injuries have healed or have reached a stabilizing point. Your medical prognosis may not be immediately known. You may require months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Even after completing these prescribed treatments, you may face a permanent change to your way of life. These details factor heavily into the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Car accidents in Maine can happen due to various factors. Almost every case presents unique facts and circumstances, requiring an in-depth analysis by a qualified personal injury attorney. However, most car accident lawyers find the following behaviors to be the most common causes of car collisions:
Victims involved in these types of car accidents often face multiple injuries ranging in severity. Even minor injuries can stall a victim’s life and result in significant losses. Recovering from these losses is vital to moving forward and providing you and your family with the support you need during this difficult time.
At Mann Law, LLC, we are committed to doing things differently. As one of the few all-women law firms in Maine, we strive to deliver the highest level of personal injury representation and have advocated for injured victims for over 50 years. Our attorneys are passionate about what we do and are committed to protecting what you value most. Our legacy of success has earned us an impeccable reputation in our community and with clients throughout Maine. If somebody else caused your injury, they should be responsible for compensating you for your losses. We are motivated to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys at Mann Law, LLC by phone or email for a free consultation to discuss your potential legal claim and how we can help you.