Car accidents are a common occurrence. They’re unavoidable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 1,664,598 car crashes resulting in injuries in 2022.
Chances are you were saddled with unexpected expenses if you’ve ever been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Mounting hospital bills, taking time off work and possibly having to replace a car can be nerve-wracking.
Recovering costs feels like climbing a mountain. Where the accident happened also affects your chances of receiving compensation if taking legal steps.
Let us get more specific and talk about one of the most dangerous cities in the US when it comes to road safety. St. Louis advocacy group Trailnet’s recent crash report highlighted the city’s most dangerous roads. Their data showed a startling increase in pedestrian deaths in the county in the past 10 years.
Finding a car accident lawyer in St. Louis should be a priority when in a collision and someone else is at fault.
If you’re still doubtful about employing the services of a car accident attorney, we’ll give you five reasons why you should.
#1 Extent of Injuries
According to John Hopkins Medicine, car crashes are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for car accident victims.
If you have suffered a TBI, chances are you’ve ended up in the emergency room. Under tort law, you are allowed to seek compensation.
The majority of car crash victims don’t know the law well enough when filing a claim. A personal injury lawyer specializing in car accident law would be the best solution. They’ll assess the extent of your injuries by studying your medical records.
A car accident lawyer will best advise you if the negligent party was responsible for causing your injury.
A person injured by another’s negligence, or other wrongful act should meet with a personal injury lawyer, says TorHoerman Law.
#2 Counting on Experience and Expertise
An experienced car accident attorney will help you navigate the intricate law system. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, they can suggest the best approach to take.
A car accident lawyer’s expertise in handling insurance claims is handy when dealing with the tactics some companies use to delay or withhold compensation. It’s their job to negotiate on your behalf to increase your chances of a successful payout.
Their job also entails gathering the necessary evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. The work they put in builds a strong case to support your claim.
#3 Reduces Stress
The emotional trauma following a car accident can take its toll on you. PTSD is a real and common effect of motor vehicle crashes. The American Psychological Association claims that car accidents are the most common cause of PTSD.
Having to deal with a car accident case can further exacerbate stress and anxiety. Enlisting legal help can lighten the burden and give you the required time to recover from your injury.
Additionally, the law firm will be your representative on all fronts. This includes communicating directly with insurance companies on your behalf.
#4 Available Resources
Car accident claims can be complex. It’s not just a matter of filing a case and hoping for the best.
Don’t take for granted that an excellent car accident attorney has a wealth of resources at their disposal. You’ll be guided through the legal steps to ensure a positive outcome. They have access to the relevant stats, past claims and case studies that could get you a fair settlement.
While they cannot predict the outcome of your case, they can identify losses incurred and calculate the overall damages. This will give some idea of how much compensation to ask for.
Your lawyer should explain their strategy and whether they plan to employ an aggressive stance or opt for a quick settlement. Taking all this into consideration, remember that it’s your call.
#5 Costs
If you can prove the accident was the other party’s fault, you could hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis. The payment is an arrangement between the client and the lawyer. They receive a percentage of the monetary amount if a case is won or settled.
As opposed to an hourly fee that is charged in other types of cases, the law firm will not get paid if the case is lost.
A contingency fee plan can range anywhere between 25% to 40%. In the bigger scheme of things, a contingency fee of 40% on compensation of $100,000 is an extreme amount of cash.
That’s why it’s important to ask above everything else about contingency fees before engaging a lawyer.
Now that you know the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer, do your research and choose someone you’re confident will win your case.
