7 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Each year, 20 to 50 million people suffer an injury in a car accident. Additionally, approximately 1.3 million people die in car accidents annually, which equates to over 3,000 deaths per day in the U.S.

The numbers above are not only shocking, but they are also quite sobering and highlight the importance of driving carefully and avoiding distractions.

Unfortunately, even if you are extremely careful, always obey the "rules of the road" and minimize distractions, you may still be involved in a car accident. If this situation occurs, and it is determined the crash is the fault of someone else, do you know what to do next?

The best course of action is going to be for you to hire a car accident lawyer. Here are seven reasons it is so important to hire legal representation after a car accident.

Is it possible for you to represent yourself after a car accident in a personal injury case?

Yes, you have the legal right to act as your own legal representation, regardless of if you are the defendant or the plaintiff.

However, should you self-represent on a pro se basis?

Probably not.

If you believe someone else is to blame for your car accident, then it makes sense for you to sue that individual. However, there may be other people or entities that are partially at-fault, too.

For example, you may be able to sue a truck driver who was speeding and caused the accident and the municipality where the accident occurred if the roads were in disrepair.

The car accident lawyer you hire can examine all the details of your case and determine what strategy is best.

In several states, there is a statute of limitations in place for filing a claim after being involved in a car accident. Put simply, the statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to bring about legal action, such as filing a lawsuit.

A unique benefit offered by hiring a car accident lawyer is that they will understand what the time limit is and then work with you to ensure all deadlines are met.

Keep in mind, if you exceed the given time limit, then you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit.

There are a large number of personal injury, car accident injury cases that are settled out of the courtroom. This is a preferable outcome for everyone because it is faster, doesn't cost as much and is much less stressful.

Additionally, many companies and individuals want to avoid the negative attention that often goes with a courtroom trial.

However, the decision of whether or not to accept a settlement offer is a tricky one. This is another area were your car accident lawyer can provide help.

The attorney can let you know whether or not you have received a fair settlement offer, or if you deserve more for the injuries and damages you have suffered.

If you, with the help of your attorney, are unable to negotiate a fair settlement offer with the other party, your attorney will be able to take the case to court to have it decided.

In most cases, this situation occurs if you and your attorney believe you should receive a more significant settlement amount.

Once you have made this decision, with the help of your attorney, they will begin proceedings to take the case to court. Then, the damages awarded will be up to a judge or jury.

The success of a car accident case is highly dependent on reports from police, witnesses and even doctors who treated your injuries. It is up to you and your car accident lawyer to prove fault (or negligence) in these cases.

An attorney knows the proper steps to gather evidence and build a case that will convince the judge or jury that you deserve compensation for the car accident.

The majority of people who don't work in the law field, won't have the ability or know-how to handle this on their own.

After you suffer an injury in a car accident, your top priority is to heal. Regardless of if you have suffered minor or serious injuries, you need to follow your doctor's orders, take the prescribed medications and spend time getting better.

You will also have to heal emotionally. After any accident or traumatic event -- even fender benders -- you may feel scared and shaken.

While you are taking time to regain your emotional balance, as well as your physical health, the last thing you need to be concerned about is your legal case.

This is when a car accident lawyer's services can be invaluable. The attorney you hire will keep you updated, answer all your questions and handle all the legal proceedings along the way.

Before you hire an attorney, you want to make sure you have a case worth pursuing, right? Any quality car accident lawyer is going to provide potential clients with an initial, no-risk, no-fee consultation to review the facts of their case.

At this meeting, you can determine if the attorney is right for your situation and the attorney can answer any questions you have.