If you were recently injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you might be tempted to save money on attorney fees and negotiate with the insurance company yourself. This is a mistake.
Insurers won’t treat you more fairly just because you’re not to blame for the accident. However, their attitude will likely change if you have an experienced legal professional fighting in your corner.
Here are some other benefits for hiring a car accident attorney in Connecticut:
Attorneys Know the Law
Connecticut personal injury and insurance law is complex. Unless you have years of law education and experience behind you, you may not know the relevant case law, state codes, insurance procedures, court filing deadlines, and many other rules that apply to your car accident case.
A car accident attorney will have the knowledge, experience, and resources to build a robust case and avoid potentially costly mistakes. Even something as simple as filing a court form one day late can jeopardize your claim and your chances of recovery, so why take chances?
Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friends
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to protect their bottom lines, not pay you fair compensation, so they will do everything in their power to minimize your payout or avoid making one altogether — even if you weren’t at fault for the accident. Insurers routinely undervalue, underpay, and even deny legitimate claims.
Experienced personal injury lawyers know this. They also know how to counteract the tricks insurers use to cheat car accident victims out of their compensation. Your attorney will take care of all communications and negotiations with the insurance company for you to ensure that your rights are protected at all times.
It Can Be Hard To Know How Much Your Claim Is Worth
Contrary to what many people think, a car accident claim is worth more than your medical bills and the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Depending on the nature and extent of your losses, you may be able to seek compensation for the following economic and noneconomic damages:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Past and future lost income, including wages, commissions, bonuses, and other work-related benefits
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of intimacy with your spouse
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Don’t expect the insurance company to inform you of all of the types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. Insurers often use accident victims’ lack of knowledge against them.
By contrast, an experienced car crash attorney in Connecticut will be able to evaluate your claim and let you know of all the damages you can pursue. If the insurance company refuses to settle or makes a lowball offer that doesn’t cover all your losses, your attorney can take the case to court. Oftentimes, the mere threat of litigation is enough for the insurer to agree to a fair settlement.
You Can Focus on Your Recovery
Even if your injuries aren’t severe, a car crash is a traumatic event. This isn’t the time to fight legal battles: You should attend to your physical and mental health, your family, and your work. Let your attorney take care of the legalities while you focus on what matters.
Contact an Experienced Connecticut Car Accident Attorney
At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we have been helping car accident victims seek fair compensation for their injuries for nearly two decades. If you were recently injured in a car crash, call the Law Offices of James A. Welcome at 203-753-7300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a car crash attorney in Connecticut.