Car accidents take place on a daily basis. In fact, more than three million individuals sustain injuries from these crashes. You could be answering whether it is possible to get compensation without employing the services of a car accident lawyer. The answer is yes as long as you know the process of filing a case.
Over two million of the above victims get permanent injuries that pain them throughout their life. Taking a short time to settle a car accident claim will leave you with enough time to focus on the recovery process.
You may be wondering whether it is necessary to hire a car accident lawyer. Here are some tips on how to get compensation from an accident without using an attorney.
Evaluate The Extent Of The Damages
Before you begin to work towards a settlement, ensure that you have a very clear idea of the damages that you have suffered. It goes further than the physical damages that your car has sustained to the injuries that you suffer.
Make a total of the expenses that you have incurred from the time the accident took place. Include everything from wages lost from missing duty to, cost of medication to car repair. This analysis normally forms the basis of how a car accident lawyer works.
You should also figure out your future expenses and add them to your damages. For example, the injuries may block you from doing your regular work for a while. Add the future loss of wages to these total damages.
It can be hard to calculate the total damages and that is why most people prefer to employ a car accident lawyer. Think of all the possible expenses to get the highest possible settlement. You can over-demand and then negotiate the amount later on.
Talk To Your Insurance Adjuster
Before you begin to work on a settlement, it is good to talk to the insurance adjuster and understand what they are willing to cover once you file the claim. They will look at the medical costs that are related to the accident and the damages that happen to the car.
The insurer uses the above info to determine a fair payment amount in their eyes. You will rarely find these amounts being right from the onset.
Negotiate with the insurance service provider in order to get the most from the settlement. As you negotiate with the insurer, be keen to put emotions on the back-burner. Be collected, cool, and calm throughout the process. It will help you to pay attention to what they are saying and notice any problems in their stance as you talk to them.
Write The Demand Letter
After you know the amount the insurer is willing to pay, you can go ahead and craft the demand letter. Explain to the insurance company why their settlement is low and you need higher compensation. Elaborate on the extent of losses and injuries in-depth and use actual numbers where possible.
Explain why the other party is responsible for the additional losses and why the company should pay you the amount. Even though the demand letter may not increase the amount, it is the best starting point. This tells the insurer that you are ready and willing to fight for your rights.
After receiving your letter, the insurance company will submit a counter-offer. Accepting the settlement means that you are a dome and you need to put your focus on getting your life back to normal. However, if you continue with the negotiations, you may be forced to take the case to court to increase your chances of getting more money.
Before You Go To Court, Do Your Due Diligence
You need to do your research before you appear in court. Know the costs that await you as you bring the case before the judge. You will meet court fees, administrative charges, and you can lose your income further because you will be spending a lot of your time in the courtroom instead of working.
Out Of Court Settlement
Any reputable car accident lawyer will advise you to try to settle the case outside the court. You can meet the car accident lawyer of the other driver and agree on the right settlement. It will save you money, time, and spare you the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you in the case.
If you want to head to court, research the various types of settlements that the other drivers with similar lawsuits received. It will give you a better understanding of your options and increase the chances of winning.
Note that in case you lose, you may be forced to pay the attorney fees for the other driver. If you are more prepared to appear before the court, you will be in a better position.
Await The Verdict Of The Judge And Then Accept The Settlement
Once the judge hears the case, he will determine the amount of settlement that you deserve. If you represent yourself well, the amount you get will be higher than what the insurer offered you initially.
However, if you are not able to create a solid case, the judge may go for the original offer of the insurance company. After accepting the settlement, you will close the car accident claim and then continue with your life.
Is Not Using a Car Accident Lawyer the Best Option
It is good to understand that self-representation is not always the best option. Most people who have tried this will confirm that it is not the best idea. The car accident lawyer will help you to get over the case faster.
If the case goes to court, you may not have the ability to fight against the experienced legal team of the insurance company. That is why it is good to hire a car accident lawyer to represent your interests.
Conclusion
If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing that comes to your mind could be saving money. This article will help you to settle the case without using a car accident lawyer. However, employing an attorney will always increase the chances of getting the desired compensation. It also makes the whole process fast and more effective.
