When To Hire A Lawyer

When to Hire a Lawyer for an Accident Claim

You should give thought to hiring an attorney if:

• The damages to your vehicle are significant.

• Liability has yet to be determined.

• The accident claim amount does not provide adequate compensation for the damages sustained to your vehicle.

• You're feeling pressured by the claims adjuster to make a hasty decision.

• You're unsure on how to evaluate your claim.

• The claims adjuster offers a tiered settlement rather than one all-encompassing fee.

• Your claim also involves injuries and/or lost wages.

• The insurance company has denied your claim.

• The other motorist or motorists involved in the accident have filed a lawsuit against you.

• The claims process has been drawn out without a settlement in sight, bringing in the statutes of limitations element.

What an Accident Claim Lawyer Can Provide

Taking on an insurance company and its team of lawyers can be a formidable task. Especially if this is your first experience with filing an accident claim. Unlike you, car insurance companies possesses vast experience in dealing with accident claim disputes. It knows the laws inside and out and will use them to its advantage.

For instance, claims adjusters generally record every conversation with you, asking questions about the accident. If you're not careful, the answers you give could actually imply the opposite of what you're trying to say. Attorneys experienced with accident claims are familiar with how to speak with claims adjusters, and through their counsel will help you avoid any verbal missteps by handling all negotiating, increasing your chances of a just settlement.

Choosing a Lawyer to Handle Your Accident Claim

When looking for a lawyer, be sure to ask the following questions:

• How much experience do you have with car insurance accident claims?

• What percentage of your work involves car accident claims?

• What results have you gotten in cases similar to mine?

• Can you give me an estimated guess on the possible settlement range?

• What are your fees?

You Car Insurance Rates After the Claim

After the dust has settled, it's time to ask about your car insurance rates.

Most auto insurance companies won't increase your rates if you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault; however, that's not to say all car insurance companies react this way, and it's not to say you won't have to worry about your rates increasing if you were at fault.

Regardless of who the at-fault party was, if you experience a hike in your rates, it's worth your time to shop around and compare insurance quotes from other companies. You might be able to get a lower rate elsewhere, despite having an accident claim in your past.