When you’ve been involved in a car accident, things can get very complicated. You may have been hurt and your car was wrecked. Suddenly you are dealing with medical bills and calls from the insurance company. You may not be sure what to do next. All you want is for things to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
You may wonder if you even need a lawyer. The insurance company may offer a settlement and promise a quick payment. It can be tempting to accept their offer and move on as best as you can. But it’s important to remember that the insurance company is often not on your side. They have an advantage over you and they know it.
Here are six ways a lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
1. Investigate your accident
A lawyer can investigate your crash to find out what really happened. This involves gathering evidence, including photos of skid marks or traffic signs and any video of the accident. All documentation is carefully reviewed, such as accident reports and medical records. Witnesses are located and interviewed about what they saw. If needed, accident reconstruction experts and other specialists are consulted.
2. Determine who was at fault
A lawyer knows where to look for evidence that proves a negligent party was responsible for the accident. For example, gaining access to phone records can be evidence that a driver was texting at the time of the crash. Video can show that a driver ran a red light or a stop sign. An investigation can determine if a driver had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
3. Determine your total damages
An accident can impact you financially in more ways than you may realize. Your damages (legal term for financial compensation) may include all medical expenses for diagnosing and treating your injuries. This includes all future expenses for any additional surgeries, medications or medical equipment you may need later on. If you cannot work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. You may also be able to seek compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering.
4. Deal with insurance companies
Insurance companies will often try to pay you as little as possible. There are many tactics they use. They may question the seriousness of your injuries. They may seek access to your medical records because they think your injuries were pre-existing. They may even blame you for causing the accident. A lawyer can deal with insurance companies directly on your behalf so you can focus on getting better.
5. Negotiate a settlement
An insurance company may offer you an initial settlement soon after your accident, but it will likely fall far short of covering the damages you have suffered. They have their own attorneys who look out for their best interests, which often means paying you less. Your lawyer can build a strong case and make it clear that you are ready to go to court. This makes insurance companies more willing to negotiate a fair settlement that truly meets all your needs.
6. Get you the right medical treatment
Your lawyer can put you in touch with the right doctors and medical professionals who specialize in treating your injury. For example, if you sustained a concussion, your attorney can help you find the right neurologist. If you sustained an injury that requires an operation, your attorney can refer you to the right surgeon. If you’re suffering from neck, back, and spinal issues, your attorney can help you find the right chiropractor.
Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC, will help you get the best possible care. Our focus is to help you become pain-free and document the validity of your claim so you can get what your claim is really worth.
Why contact Michael D. Christensen Law Offices?
Our legal team knows how insurance companies operate. Our attorneys fight for the rights of our clients by building strong cases that insurance companies can’t ignore. We’re not interested in making quick deals. We help you get the best outcome possible.
If you’ve been hurt in a Columbus car accident, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. Our firm aggressively pursues compensation on behalf of our clients. Insurance companies do not intimidate us. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
