Why Call A Lawyer Following A Car Accident?

By Author: Leonard Simmons
Total Articles: 152
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Accidents injure nearly 3 million people on a yearly basis. An auto accident attorney may be able to help you collect damages and compensation from the at-fault parties. This can mean drivers, trucking companies, governments and large firms.

Your chances of getting into a crash are greater than you think.

• There are more than 6 million car smash-ups in the United States
• Crashes cost victims and insurance $230 billion
• Nearly 43,000 people are killed in crashes every year
• Car crashes are the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Most cases are handled by the wrong-doers’ insurance companies. While having insurance is important and it covers up-front medical costs and some lost wages, it rarely begins to cover the expenses incurred over time. Insurance companies have two interests to consider: their clients and their own bottom line – after all, they are a business. Many are motivated to pay for immediate costs like hospitalization and early medical care.

However, victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries until much later on. They ...
... may lose their jobs and they may not be in any shape to find a new one. That is why it may be necessary to hire legal counsel with experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death. A lawyer will frequently recommend that a victim get legal advice before signing any paperwork or statements proffered by insurance companies. That includes one’s own insurance and the company representing the wrongful party.

If a victim signs documents, or gives a statement about what happened, he or she could forfeit the right to pursue action down the road or get compensation that takes into account:

• Lost wages and earning power
• Full length of medical treatment
• Costs of wrongful death
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses

Upfront attempts to settle a case will not take these factors into account, so a victim or a grieving family will incur debt, and years of pain and suffering. Many people do not think they can afford the services of a car accident lawyer. However, most law firms offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation. If they do not take your case, they will discuss your rights and likely suggest other options for you. Many collect fees only if you win a case. The percentage of these settlements that they take as fees varies with law offices, and can be negotiated.

Want to learn more about a car accident lawyer?

Get more information: http://www.jlittlelaw.com