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You might assume that, since you did not cause the accident, everything will work out in your favor. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The insurance company may deny your claim and try to place the blame on you.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer after a car accident that was not your fault, doing so can help you avoid liability for the collision and recover maximum compensation for your losses. An experienced car accident attorney from Judd Shaw Injury Law can protect your legal rights, help you file a claim, and make sure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Do not accept a settlement from the insurance company without consulting a car accident lawyer. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review today. Complete our online form or call us at 732-888-8888 any time of the day or night to get started on your case.
When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
There are some situations where it might make sense to hire a car accident claim by yourself. For example, if you were involved in a minor collision where nobody was injured, you may not require legal assistance to obtain a decent settlement for the resulting damages.
Consider hiring a car accident attorney, though, if one of the following scenarios applies to your situation.
If you are being blamed for the accident
Even when you are confident that the other party caused the accident, if the other motorist’s story contradicts yours, each insurance company will have to conduct an investigation.
New Jersey follows the rule of modified comparative fault. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by the percentage that you are determined to be at fault. If you are found to be over 50 percent to blame, though, you are not eligible to receive any compensation for damages.
Insurance companies often try to redirect at least part of the blame away from the accident victim in an effort to save money. You should contact a lawyer if the other party’s insurance company is trying to shift all or part of the liability onto you.
If you sustained severe injuries
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you should definitely hire an attorney. It can be difficult to put a dollar amount on your losses without an expert opinion. A personal injury lawyer, though, will know how to accurately calculate the value of the damages you sustained.
For example, a severe injury may cause permanent impairments or disabilities that require ongoing medical care. A lawyer with Judd Shaw Injury Law, though, can ensure that you are compensated for your past, present, and future medical needs.
In addition, a person who was severely injured or disabled may be left unable to work. A car accident lawyer can calculate the loss of your future earnings and make sure you are compensated for this lost income.
If multiple parties were involved
It can be difficult to determine fault in motor vehicle accidents where multiple parties were involved. In this situation, a car accident attorney can investigate your case and help determine who was liable.
It could be that more than one party is to blame for the car accident and your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer can identify all responsible parties and help you file a claim or lawsuit against them.
If a government entity is involved
Being involved in a car accident with a government vehicle changes the rule in personal injury cases. In this case, it’s more than negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company – you now have to deal with the government.
If a government entity is involved, it is important to contact a lawyer and file a claim as soon as possible. The time limit you have to take legal action against a government agency may be shorter, and there may be a cap on the amount of money you will be able to recover.
If the insurance adjuster says you do not need a lawyer
It is important to remember that the insurance adjuster is not looking out for your best interests. The adjuster’s goal is to save the insurance company as much money as possible. Therefore, if the insurer says that you do not need to hire a lawyer, he or she is likely trying to undervalue your claim.
Do not allow the insurance adjuster to get away with either denying your claim or pressuring you into accepting a low settlement offer. If you are unsure of the value of your claim, speak to a car accident lawyer before settling your case.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for Your Case
Even if the car accident was not your fault, there are still many reasons to hire an attorney to represent you. If the accident was not your fault, there is no reason why you should have to pay out of pocket for car repairs, medical bills, and other expenses. A car accident attorney, though, will know how to defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.
The following are some steps your lawyer may take while building a solid case on your behalf:
- Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will gather evidence to prove liability. This may include hiring accident reconstructionists, looking at surveillance footage from the accident scene, obtaining copies of police reports and medical records, and more.
- Identifying all liable parties: The evidence collected will then be used to identify all parties liable for the auto accident and your injuries. Liable parties may include another driver, pedestrians, a government entity, a trucking company, or others.
- Establishing negligence: In order to recover full compensation, your lawyer will want to prove your innocence and that the other party was negligent.
- Calculating your losses: A car accident lawyer will calculate the full value of your losses. This may include compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
- Litigating your case: The majority of car accident cases are settled through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our law firm is prepared to litigate your case in court.
Consult an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident caused by someone else? If so, make sure you do not pay the financial price for someone else’s negligence. A car accident lawyer can work on recovering compensation for you, while you focus on what is most important – your recovery.
Some people hesitate to consult with a car accident attorney because they are concerned about the cost. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we handle all auto accident cases on contingency. This means that you will not pay us any upfront costs or fees. It is what we like to call the “Judd Shaw Way.”
Schedule a free case review with an experienced member of our legal team today. You are not under any obligation to retain our services after this free consultation. Rather, we can give you free but valuable legal advice that will steer you in the best possible direction. Call us 24/7 at 732-888-8888 or fill out the contact form.