Three Important Reasons You Should Speak With a Car Accident Attorney
Many people think they don’t need an attorney after a car accident. However, the truth is that the aftermath of an accident can be so hectic and overbearing that speaking with a car accident attorney becomes a necessity if you wish to protect your rights and get the compensation you truly deserve.
A car accident can leave you with physical injuries and emotional trauma, all while feeling unsure of what to do next. It's during times like these that having an attorney can give you a sense of relief and the best chance of success in pursuing your claim for compensation.
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we understand what you’re going through and are eager to help. Let our car accident attorney in Odessa, Texas, be your fierce and compassionate ally in seeking justice.
Three Reasons to Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Speaking with an attorney is one of the most important steps to take after an accident. While getting legal counsel can offer you numerous benefits, let’s discuss three key reasons to contact an attorney after your car accident.
1. Handling the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be a daunting task, and it's no wonder why. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. For this reason, it's reasonable to expect that the adjuster will try to minimize your claim or even deny it altogether using various kinds of strategies. This is one of the most essential things you should know before speaking to an insurance adjuster.
An attorney can help you handle the insurance adjuster and the insurance claims process as a whole because they:
Have negotiation skills: Attorneys have the expertise to negotiate with insurance adjusters. They understand the tactics used to undervalue and reject claims and know how to counteract them effectively.
Have legal knowledge: Understanding the intricate details of insurance policies, state laws, and your rights after an accident may not be easy. An attorney will ensure that the insurer doesn’t take advantage of you simply because you’re not familiar with legal jargon or procedures.
By hiring a car accident attorney, you level the playing field. You get to work with an advocate who knows how to deal with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve, reducing stress and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
2. Proving Liability
Liability is not always easily determined in car accident cases. Multiple parties may be involved, and each one may have a different version of events. Here’s how an attorney can assist:
Investigation: Attorneys conduct in-depth investigations to collect police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage to build a strong case.
Expert witnesses: Your lawyer may work with expert witnesses like accident reconstruction specialists to prove the other party’s liability. An attorney has access to these experts and can bring them in to support your claim.
Legal strategy: Attorneys can leverage their vast experience to develop a compelling argument that clearly establishes fault.
Without the proper legal knowledge and resources, proving liability may become a herculean task. If you are not sure how a car accident attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable, you might want to schedule a consultation with one near you and discuss the specifics of your case.
3. Determining the Fair Amount of Compensation
“How much is my case worth?” is one of the most common questions that car accident victims ask. Calculating the true extent of damages from a car accident is more complex than it seems, as it’s much more than just adding up your medical bills and car repair costs. Here’s why an attorney’s expertise is crucial when determining fair compensation:
Comprehensive evaluation: Attorneys evaluate all aspects of your damages, including future medical expenses and loss of income, as well as all non-economic damages like pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and more.
Experience with similar cases: Having handled many cases like yours, an attorney can provide a realistic estimate of what you should expect in compensation.
Negotiation and litigation: Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking the case to court, an attorney is prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. They also know the legal limits on certain types of compensation and can ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to.
Accepting the insurer’s first settlement offer is one of the most common mistakes to avoid after a car accident. Unfortunately, accident victims often underestimate their total damages and may end up settling for less than they deserve. A car accident lawyer will ensure that all factors are considered and you receive a fair amount of compensation.
Speak With a Car Accident Attorney Now
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we know how challenging the aftermath of a car accident can be. With an office located in the heart of Odessa, Texas, we’re committed to providing sound legal guidance and support to those whose lives have been disrupted due to someone else’s negligence.
With nearly 50 years of legal experience, our attorney serves clients in Midland, Pecos, Andrews, Big Springs, and throughout communities in West Texas. Reach out today to discuss your case with our attorney.