Accidents usually have catastrophic effects on the victims. Being involved in an accident is quite devastating, especially if it is a result of someone else’s negligence. If you have been involved in an accident in Georgia, then you’ll need to contact an accident attorney in Atlanta Ga, as soon as possible.
The effects of the accident go beyond physical injury. You are also affected emotionally and financially. The time you take to recover will result in a loss of productivity. Additionally, you could be rendered disabled, which will greatly affect your work. This is why filing a personal injury lawsuit is the natural next step to take. Hiring a personal injury attorney will greatly help your case. Some of the advantages are as follows.
An accurate value for your claim
Since you do not have much experience in this area, it might be hard to value your claim accurately. Most people end up over-claiming, or worse, under-claiming. The value of your claim plays a key role in whether you get compensated or not.
Your attorney has experience and tools at his disposal to value your claim accurately. They will collect all the facts of the case and guide an investigation into the accident. Additionally, they will take into account all the aspects of your life that have been affected by the accident. This way, all your damages will be covered, including any future costs such as continuing medical expenses.
They are experienced
Your attorney is fully trained and qualified for the job. Additionally, they are familiar with the process of filing accident lawsuits. It might be very difficult for you to file the suit on your own. First of all, the law is pretty complex and confusing for people outside the legal profession.
Additionally, your lawyer knows all the documents that have to be filed, all the procedures that need to be followed, and even the right timeframe. For instance, there could be a statute of limitation that bars you from filing the suit after a certain amount of time has passed. You could miss out on your compensation on account of minor legal processes you were unaware of.
The gap in your legal knowledge can also be used against you by the insurance companies if you decide to represent yourself. Having an attorney by your side will prevent your exploitation. You might be asked questions that are designed to trap you and tank your case. Your attorney will advise you on what to say and what pitfalls to avoid.
Negotiation Skills
Most accident cases are settled out of court with the insurance company. You will need an experienced attorney for settlement negotiations. Insurance companies have big legal teams with a lot more knowledge than you. They also have the high bargaining power that they can use to get you to accept the least settlement possible.
By having an accident attorney representing you, there are higher chances that you will get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney knows all the tactics that can be used during negotiation, so they come prepared to ensure they do not take advantage of you.
What You Need to Consider When Hiring an Accident Attorney
There are many lawyers and law firms out there claiming to offer the best legal services, so how do you find the best one for you?
Specialty
It is more beneficial to hire a lawyer who specializes in accidents and personal injury. This is because they are familiar and up to date with any changes in that field. Additionally, they have more experience handling such cases, so you can gauge their success rate.
Qualifications
Your attorney must be a graduate of an accredited law school. Additionally, they must be members of the bar and be licensed to practice law in your state. Sometimes lawyers are involved in malpractice suits that result in their disbarment.
You can easily confirm all these details by looking them up online. You need to ensure that the attorney you hire is fully qualified and competent enough to handle your case. If there are any complaints and suits against them, then they’re probably not the best fit.
Recommendations
Recommendations from friends and family can help you find a great accident lawyer. If you know someone who filed an accident lawsuit before, they can help you get in touch with their lawyer if they did a great job. This will save you a great deal of time because you won’t have to interview many candidates.
Communication style
There needs to be a clear channel of communication between you and your attorney throughout the case. If at the beginning they seem like they are too busy to handle your case, then you’ll need to find a better lawyer. Your lawyer should be available for you whenever you need them to answer any questions or clarify any issues.