Judy Alexander
If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, the very best thing you can do is immediately hire a reputable car accident attorney. Many people make the mistake of trying to deal with the aftermath of a car accident on their own and soon discover that dealing with an insurance company is a huge headache. Hiring a car accident attorney right away will save you a lot of hassle. Interview a few car accident attorneys and hire the one whom you feel most comfortable with. After you hire a car accident attorney, you can expect the following:
Investigation into the Accident
Car accident attorneys are highly skilled at investigating and recreating car accidents in order to establish that the other driver was at fault and is liable. Your car accident attorney may gather police reports, speak to witnesses, and consult with experts to learn more about the details of the accident that you were in. All of this information will be used to build your case and maximize your settlement amount.
Communication with the Insurance Company
After you have hired a car accident attorney, do not make the mistake of communicating with the other driver's insurance company. Your attorney will handle all communication on your behalf. The first thing that your attorney will do is draft a demand letter and send it to the other driver's insurance company. A demand letter requests immediate compensation for injuries, car repairs or replacement, and lost wages. The amount your attorney demands will depend on the details of your case, but an experienced car accident attorney knows how to calculate the value of a case.
Negotiations
Either the insurance company will decline to pay the damages requested in the demand letter, or they will provide a counter offer. If a counter offer is on the table, your car accident attorney will begin negotiations with the lawyers for the insurance company. You can count on your attorney to fight hard on your behalf to ensure that you get the settlement that you deserve. Negotiating a settlement can take some time as both sides go back and forth.
Trial
In the event that the insurance company declines to pay the damages or a settlement amount can't successfully be negotiated, your case will go to trial. Car accident attorneys have a lot of experience in court, so your attorney will be prepared to present your case and show evidence. If your case goes to trial, a judge will decide on the outcome and the settlement amount.
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