Car accidents are a part of life in our modern society, but in many cases, people are still unsure of what to do after a collision and injuries happen to them. The reality is that these accidents can result in costly and complicated situations that require more experienced guidance. Though some people may believe that hiring an attorney isn’t necessary for some car accidents, this is a mistaken belief. Having a lawyer by your side is never a bad choice; in fact, it is the best way to protect your rights and future.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, your best option is to protect your rights by working with a knowledgeable Seattle car accident lawyer. Continue reading below to learn more about why you should have an attorney for your car accident. Contact a car accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
Overview of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen suddenly and as the result of varying circumstances, ranging from relatively minor fender-benders to devastating wrecks that cause severe, life-altering injuries or even fatalities. The ramifications and financial burdens that result from such accidents often make it necessary to seek compensation.
Various factors must be considered following a car accident to determine who is liable, what type of compensation can be sought, and how the process will progress. Having professional legal representation to assist you is important, from navigating insurance claims and determining fault to seeking compensation for injuries and non-economic damages.
Situations with Immediate Needs for an Attorney
Though some people may think that some car accidents won’t benefit from hiring an attorney, several scenarios clearly require the help of a trained professional to navigate. Accidents that result in significant injury or fatality, cases of disputed liability, insurance provider issues, and more complicated accidents are challenging for anyone to handle on their own.
Following an accident, you can’t afford to miss your opportunity to come away with the financial compensation you need to pick up the pieces and move forward. Protecting your rights, maximizing your chances of obtaining compensation, and pursuing a favorable resolution to your case make hiring an attorney the most important first step you can take.
Serious Injuries & Fatalities
Accidents that result in serious injuries or loss of life immediately take on a far greater level of importance. Victims of such accidents are often left dealing with the need for long-term or permanent medical care, inability to work, and lingering emotional trauma. Such situations require immediate legal intervention to seek compensation.
Filing a lawsuit can allow the victim to pursue economic and non-economic damages, which can provide relief from the financial burdens associated with the issues they face after an accident. A car accident attorney can lead victims through the complicated legal process to reach the outcome they need.
Disputed Liability
Insurance claims and legal challenges quickly become far more complicated when liability is unclear or contested. When multiple parties involved in the accident point fingers at each other and deny responsibility for the crash, having a lawyer on your side is vital to protect your rights and find the right path forward.
Your car accident attorney can benefit you by investigating your accident, gathering evidence, and exploring different strategies to improve your chances of reaching the desired result. If the opposing parties involved in your accident have lawyers advocating for them, your best option is to hire an attorney who will fight to protect you.
Denied Insurance Claims & Lowball Offers
While insurance companies can be helpful and professional in the aftermath of a car accident, it’s important to keep in mind that insurers are businesses that will always prioritize their own bottom line, which often leads to denying accident claims or seeking to get claimants to settle quickly for lowball offers.
Having an attorney with experience in handling communications and negotiations with insurance providers can give you an advantage. Your lawyer can challenge unfair claim denials or advise you against accepting offers that are inadequate for your needs. When you have a highly trained legal professional advocating for you, you reduce your risk of having an insurance company take advantage of you.
Complex Accidents
It is often common in car accidents to have multiple parties shifting blame in an effort to avoid being held accountable for the crash. Determining liability is key in more complicated accidents in which multiple vehicles and factors are at play. Each party involved in the accident may have their own insurance policies and legal representation, making it even more important for you to have an advocate on your side.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will have a detailed understanding of your jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations and the experience necessary to lead you in the right direction.
Car Accidents with Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles — large trucks, buses, ridesharing vehicles, delivery vans, and others — can complicate auto accident cases due to the added complexity of factoring in more parties. Many types of car accidents with such vehicles will involve large companies, employee drivers, and intricate insurance coverages. Claims in these accidents may also be complicated by the fact that large commercial trucks often cause more severe injuries due to their size and weight. When someone suffers an injury in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the chances of multiple parties sharing fault increase significantly. Finding your way through such complex cases can be easier with an experienced attorney’s help.
Higher Stakes with Commercial Drivers
Stakes in a car accident with a commercial vehicle are often higher due to the potential of severe injuries and the legal complexities involved in multi-party accidents. Businesses with large and aggressive legal departments will look to protect themselves and minimize the financial damages the company may suffer in a lawsuit. If you were injured in an auto accident with a commercial vehicle, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be well-versed in the specific laws and statutes of your state and evaluate which party (or parties) may be held liable for the wreck.
Multiple Involved Parties
As stated above, accidents with commercial vehicles often involve multiple parties that may share responsibility for the crash, encompassing several different legal teams and insurance policies. Some of the most common potentially liable parties in an accident with a commercial vehicle include:
- Driver: Due to negligence or wrongful actions on the part of the vehicle’s driver.
- Company: The business that employs the drivers and owns the vehicle.
- Maintenance Provider: Failures to maintain or repair the vehicle.
- Third-Party Contractors: Logistics companies and other entities.
Your lawyer will work with you to examine the details of your accident to determine which party or parties may be responsible.
Federal & State Regulations
Businesses that utilize commercial vehicles as part of their operations must adhere to many strict federal and state regulations governing the safe transportation of goods on the road. Federal laws are in place to govern factors like driver qualifications, hours behind the wheel, vehicle maintenance, cargo weight limits, and more. States often impose additional limitations and requirements, such as licensing, insurance mandates, and road safety standards. If a company violates these laws and regulations, determining liability can be more straightforward. A lawyer with experience in handling commercial vehicle accidents will have insight into such regulations at both the state and federal levels, making sure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Dealing with Serious or Long-Term Injuries After an Accident
Perhaps the most pressing and significant issue that arises from a car accident is the potential of dealing with severe and/or long-term injuries from the crash. Many serious injuries necessitate ongoing medical care, prevent you from working and generating income, and result in emotional stress and other issues. The urgency and life-altering nature of such injuries emphasize the need for strong legal representation to pursue rightful compensation. Accurately evaluating your injuries and accounting for the potential need for long-term or permanent care is critical, making it even more essential to have a lawyer in your corner.
Cases that result in permanent disability, disfigurement, or conditions that necessitate extensive rehabilitation or ongoing treatment will require a more significant amount of compensation to offset such costs. Additionally, non-economic damages must be taken into consideration. These damages include aspects that may be more challenging to quantify, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or pain and suffering that resulted from the accident. A skilled personal injury attorney with experience in handling a wide variety of car accident cases will advocate for you to receive the compensation you need to secure your future and cover the ongoing expenses you have incurred.
Understanding Insurance Company Tactics
Dealing with insurance providers is another important aspect of a car accident aftermath. Though insurers can be helpful and professional in many cases, they are businesses that will look to prioritize their bottom lines by minimizing payouts or even finding reasons to deny car accident claims altogether. Some of the common tactics used by insurance companies to make things difficult for accident victims include:
- Intentional Delays: Prolonging the claims process in hopes that the injured party will accept a lower settlement offer out of desperation.
- Claim Denials: Refusing to pay out on legitimate claims based on technicalities or disputing the severity of the claimant’s injuries.
- Lowball Offers: Some insurers will pressure claimants to accept early offers for significantly lower amounts.
- Intimidation: Using complicated jargon or policy terms to confuse or discourage accident victims from further pursuing their claims.
Having an attorney on your side to advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your rights throughout the process is critical to avoid coming away from your claim with far less compensation than you deserve.
Statutes of Limitations & Legal Deadlines
Like any other situation in which taking legal action is an option, it is important to be aware of the applicable statute of limitations. These statutes serve as filing deadlines for initiating lawsuits. The statutes of limitations vary from one jurisdiction to another and can greatly impact an accident victim’s ability to obtain compensation. If the deadline for filing a lawsuit is missed, you may be left without any opportunity to seek damages for your injuries. Even if a lawsuit is filed in time, other aspects of the legal process (gathering evidence, investigating the accident) must begin quickly to build a strong case. Having the right legal representation will ensure your case is handled properly. You owe it to yourself and to your family to do whatever can be done to improve your chances.
When Negotiations Fail & Litigation Is Necessary
Though many legal cases can be settled out of court to minimize expenses and avoid a lengthy legal battle, there are times when negotiations prove to be unfruitful, and cases proceed to litigation. In either negotiation or litigation, having an experienced lawyer working on your case is of the utmost importance. If negotiations fail, you need an attorney with extensive litigation experience to represent you in court, protect your rights, and aggressively present your case. Litigation involves gathering evidence, calling witnesses, and presenting a compelling case in front of a judge or jury. To have the best opportunity to obtain compensation, work with an attorney who is ready to stand up for you.
Trust an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Christopher C. Walton, Seattle Car Accident Lawyer
After you’ve been involved in an accident, no matter the severity of your injuries or the property damage you have sustained, knowing what to do and which steps to follow is crucial. With the help of a skilled Seattle personal injury lawyer, you can receive the guidance and counsel you need throughout the process, along with strong representation in court if your case goes to litigation.
If you have been in a car accident, you have the right to take legal action to seek the resolution you deserve. Working with an experienced car accident attorney can improve your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you need to pay medical bills, offset lost income, or cover repair costs. Reach out to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.