Car accidents are terrifying and costly to deal with, but they are unfortunately common in Atlanta due to the high population and heavy traffic activity. When people are involved in a car accident, they may panic and say things or act in ways that imply guilt even though they were not the ones who caused it. The other person involved in the accident may leverage this to avoid accountability or reduce their perceived culpability.
To avoid this situation, try to stay calm and politely exchange car insurance information with the other driver, writing down their license plate number without saying more than you need to. Afterward, take as many pictures and videos of the scene as you can. These will give credence to any claim you make about the incident in the future. Your next step should be to contact a car crash lawyer so they can help you take quick action.
Many car crash lawyers in Atlanta have the experience necessary to understand all the fine details of the incident. They will be able to assess who is at fault, how much time they had to reasonably avoid the accident, and how much compensation is due. If you try to file an insurance claim or seek compensation from the other party involved without a lawyer, they may lowball you, delay settlement, or frustrate you throughout the entire process.
The opposing party may leverage your lack of legal experience to reduce their perceived role in the incident and negotiate a low settlement offer. Meanwhile, lawyers already know the tricks of the trade and can spot when the opposing party is trying to cheat you out of the compensation you deserve. Atlanta car crash lawyers can assess the damages you sustained due to the incident, such as injuries, disability, emotional distress, lost wages, job loss, difficulty commuting without a car, loss of property, and more. They can also factor in your medical bills and other expenses you have incurred due to the accident.
Some people prefer not to work with a lawyer, as they do not want to pay the upfront cost. However, the benefits of working with an experienced lawyer outweigh the legal fees, and they are listed as follows:
Extensive subject matter expertise
It can be challenging to analyze the nuances of a car accident to determine the extent to which each person is culpable and estimate an appropriate compensation amount. This is because every incident is unique and has to be analyzed carefully.
There are many traffic laws that motorists have to obey while driving and the fact that you broke one of those laws before being involved in a car crash does not necessarily mean you are the one culpable. In fact, you may be able to file a lawsuit even if you are partially at fault. Car crash lawyers understand and can interpret traffic laws to find out how they apply to your specific situation.
Reduce settlement time
Sometimes the opposing party and their insurance companies drag out the settlement process hoping that you get tired and settle for less than you deserve. Atlanta car crash lawyers can hasten this process, since they know the right procedure to follow in filing insurance claims and lawsuits in court. They also know the right amount of money to ask for based on their experience working with people in a similar situation to yours.
High chance of success
The fact that you demand compensation for a car crash you were involved in does not guarantee that you will receive it. The opposing party will scrutinize any claim you make and offer a counterargument. Without expertise in this area, they may make better arguments than you, which will result in you getting little to no money. If you work with a lawyer, they will make your case on your behalf, increasing your chances of success.
Greater focus on recovery
Car accidents can cause serious injuries and in some cases, leave people with permanent disabilities. You should immediately seek medical attention after an accident. Ensure you undergo a full medical evaluation to determine the extent to which the car crash affected you.
After the evaluation, you should get treatment for every injury that a medical professional finds to avoid future complications. It is not ideal to go through the stress and complexity that the process of seeking compensation brings while receiving treatment. Hiring a lawyer lets you focus solely on recovery while they adjudicate your case.
Endnote
Victims of car accidents in Atlanta deserve to be compensated for the unfortunate circumstances that befell them, but some do not know what to do to get relief. Atlanta car crash lawyers can guide them through the right steps and help them navigate through the entire process. Although their services come at a cost, the benefits are worthwhile as you choose the right one.