Whether you use your car to commute to work every day or you only drive now and then, there is no way to anticipate an auto accident. No one expects to find themselves navigating the aftermath of a car collision—one small error or lapse in attention can lead to significant damage to your vehicle and painful injuries. The hours, days, and weeks after a car crash can be overwhelming, stressful, and disorienting, especially if you suffered injuries requiring hospitalization or costly medical treatment. Suddenly, you may find yourself facing a lengthy and expensive recovery, and you may worry about how you will be able to afford these unanticipated costs (i.e., medical bills, physical therapy costs, lost wages, etc.). Fortunately, California allows injured parties to seek compensation to help them cover the costs associated with the accident. Although enlisting legal representation is not required to secure the compensation you need to support your recovery, working with an experienced and trusted Temecula auto accident lawyer is highly recommended. This post will highlight some of the key advantages of partnering with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to ensure that you maximize your settlement offer and secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track after the collision.
Guidance During a Stressful Time
It’s no secret that an auto accident can wreak havoc on your life. Suddenly, your daily life has been upended—instead of working and participating in your everyday activities, you’re coping with injuries, missing work, and wondering how you will be able to afford these unexpected expenses. During this overwhelming time, it’s helpful to lean on a seasoned auto accident lawyer who can support you during this vulnerable time. Many car accident victims need help identifying the steps they need to take to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve to support the various aspects of their recovery. Contacting a skilled and caring personal injury lawyer right after the accident is the best way for you to start compiling a compelling and successful auto accident claim. Your attorney will identify the steps you need to take, such as contacting your insurance company, reporting the accident to the DMV, and visiting a doctor (even if you do not believe your injuries are severe enough to warrant medical attention). Let your attorney help you determine the most strategic path forward, freeing you up to focus on your physical recovery.
Communicating With Insurance Companies
One of the most stressful aspects of the auto accident claims process is communicating with insurance companies. Even though your insurance company may try to reassure you that they are “on your side” and have your best interests at heart, it’s essential to recognize that insurance companies prioritize their bottom lines above all else. Unfortunately, this means that the insurance adjuster assigned to oversee your claim will seek to compensate you as little as possible to save the company as much money as possible. Coping with painful injuries and intense emotions after a traumatic accident is stressful enough—why subject yourself to further chaos and confusion during this vulnerable time? When you enlist the help of a dedicated auto accident lawyer, this seasoned professional can step in to handle these tense and frustrating communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney understands the various negotiating tactics that insurance adjusters will use to undermine or weaken your claim, and they can push back against these strategies to secure a fair and favorable settlement offer that will support your recovery.
Keeping Track of Deadlines and Moving the Claim Forward
California accident victims must file a claim within two years from the date of the collision in order for the claim to be valid. Unfortunately, waiting too long jeopardizes your ability to recover compensation, as the statute of limitations generally ends after two years. After the statute of limitations expires, you forfeit your right to seek compensation that supports your recovery. Although two years may seem like a long time, it’s common for injured parties to lose track of this deadline during the chaos of navigating the aftermath of the car accident. When you work with a lawyer, you can trust that they will keep track of all relevant deadlines and help you stay focused on every step of the claims process. It’s best to enlist legal representation as soon as possible so your lawyer can start gathering evidence, locating witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies to move your claim forward.
Maximizing Your Settlement Offer
Most insurance companies know that injured victims are eager to secure compensation as quickly as possible so they can start paying off medical bills and other costs associated with the accident. Unfortunately, these companies will try to use your desire to resolve the claim sooner rather than later in order to make you a lowball settlement offer. They hope that you will be so eager to obtain the settlement that you will accept their lowball offer. However, your attorney can explain these negotiating tactics to you and encourage you to hold out a bit longer to secure a much more robust settlement offer. Most insurance companies want to avoid litigation at all costs, so they will likely negotiate with you and your attorney to arrive at a more favorable settlement offer. You can rely on your auto accident lawyer to maximize your settlement offer and push for the compensation you deserve.
Trusted Support When You Need It Most
It’s common for auto accident victims to feel isolated and overwhelmed during the recovery process. Your injuries may prevent you from visiting your friends, participating in the activities you enjoy, or working at a job with your colleagues. Car accidents can cause injuries that go beyond the physical body—you may find yourself feeling depressed, anxious, or alone during this vulnerable time. Sometimes, just knowing that a dedicated legal professional is in your corner and working hard to secure you the compensation you need to rebuild your life can bring you the reassurance and peace of mind you crave. If you have suffered an auto accident injury in Riverside County, now’s the time to reach out to a dedicated and compassionate attorney to regain control of your life.
If you need help collecting compensation following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta, Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, is here to support you. Call our office today at (951) 489-3320 to discuss your options with an experienced and caring auto accident lawyer.