Most individuals immediately following a car accident do not consider the need for legal representation or potential lawsuits. However, an attorney must become involved immediately following a car accident in order to begin capturing many details that quickly vanish following the event.
Immediately after a collision, claims adjusters and attorneys from your insurance company and the other driver's insurer investigate the accident. When severe injuries are involved, the other driver's insurance company will attempt to place the blame on you in an effort to reduce its potential financial liability. No one involved in a car accident is obligated to hire an attorney, but it would be a serious mistake to attempt to determine legal liability or battle insurance companies without one. Every accident case is unique, with its own set of facts and events that differ from others. Laws attempt to address all circumstances generally, but it is the specifics of each case that determine whether accident victims are left penniless or receive the compensation they require to be fully restored. The situation becomes even more complicated when Pennsylvania's no-fault law is taken into account.
Consult an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured in an accident in order to receive answers to your questions and guidance on how to deal with the insurance company representatives who will contact you.
Personal injury attorneys protect your legal rights in a personal injury claim and seek maximum compensation for your losses. According to studies, accident victims who have an attorney represent them receive larger settlements. The law office of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, provides experienced, compassionate legal assistance. In this article, we'll discuss a few reasons why hiring an excellent PA car accident lawyer is important.
You Will Benefit From Your Lawyer’s Legal Expertise
Personal injury attorneys specialize in cases involving accidents or illnesses caused by the negligence of another party, such as car accidents, workplace accidents, wrongful death, and slip-and-fall incidents. Due to his or her legal training and extensive experience, a personal injury attorney has in-depth knowledge of this area of law and the elements required for a strong case.
In a personal injury claim, your attorney will collect evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and, if necessary, consult with experts to construct your case, establish your injuries, and establish liability. They will also ensure that all deadlines are met and that all legal documents are filed properly in order to protect your case.
Your Lawyer Will Help You Determine if Your Claim Has Legal Merit
Not every car accident case has legal merit. If your potential case lacks legal merit, you will not want to waste time and money pursuing it because you will not receive compensation. An experienced PA car accident lawyer should be able to evaluate your case and explain its legal merits. The ability to receive an honest evaluation from a lawyer can help you determine whether it is advantageous for you to pursue a claim.
Your Lawyer Will Help You Determine the Potential Value of Your Case
A lawyer understands how insurance companies determine the monetary value of claims. Lawyers can also assess your damages and estimate the potential value of your claim. After determining the value of your case, your attorney can provide you with the minimum and maximum values for a reasonable settlement offer. Understanding the probable value of your claim can help you evaluate any potential settlement offers and determine whether you should continue to pursue additional compensation.
After sustaining a severe injury, you will likely incur ongoing medical expenses as you continue to receive treatment. After an initial hospitalization, you may be required to continue your recovery at a rehabilitation facility, where you may require physical therapy or other healing services. Your recovery may take several months, and you may require certain treatments for an extended period of time.
The combination of continuous medical expenses and lost income due to your inability to work will certainly strain your finances. A competent personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and calculate a settlement demand that will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Your Lawyer Will Negotiate With Insurance Companies
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to pressure you into accepting an early settlement offer in the immediate aftermath of an accident, knowing that you will be agitated and anxious. Or, an insurance company may deny or undervalue your claim for a variety of reasons after you have filed a claim. Adjusters and attorneys are employed by insurance companies to mitigate claims and reduce losses. It can be very difficult for an individual to compete with professionals, particularly in complex cases.
Personal injury attorneys will manage all insurance company communications and negotiations, saving you time and stress. They are well-versed in insurance adjuster strategies for denying or undervaluing claims and will construct a case that is difficult to refute.
Your Lawyer Will be Prepared to Bring Your Case to Trial
There are occasions in which an insurance company will refuse to offer a fair settlement, despite the fact that the majority of auto accident cases are settled outside of court. Some insurance companies may dispute the liability of their insureds, leaving you with no choice but to file a formal lawsuit. If negotiations fail, your attorney should have extensive litigation experience and assist you in filing a formal lawsuit. While some personal injury attorneys attempt to resolve all of their cases outside of court and have limited courtroom experience, the attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick have extensive trial experience and are seasoned litigators who are ready to fight and protect your rights.
When an insurance company discovers that your attorney has a long history of success in jury trials, it may be more likely to offer an equitable settlement rather than risk a loss at trial. Even if your case must proceed to trial, having an experienced attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of ultimately winning. Your attorney will know how to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses in order to meet your burden of proof and improve your prospects of obtaining justice.
Although the likelihood of your case going to trial is low, you should have an experienced litigator on your side who is prepared to fight for you in and out of court. A lawyer with extensive trial experience may anticipate potential defense arguments, object to the introduction of inadmissible evidence, and assist in presenting your case to the jury in a way that is understandable and empathetic.
Your Lawyer Will Ensure That You Meet All Deadlines Related to Your Case
There is a statute of limitations for auto accident cases in Pennsylvania. This statute specifies the deadline for filing a complaint. If you miss this deadline, you will be unable to seek legal recourse in court. Under PA. C.S.A. § 5524, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. There are, however, exceptions to this general norm that may extend or shorten the deadline. Your attorney can help you comprehend the deadline applicable to your case and assist you in meeting it.
The court will set additional deadlines for discovery, hearings, and other matters once a lawsuit has been filed. Your attorney will assist you in meeting all court-mandated deadlines to avoid potential complications.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You to Receive a Higher Settlement
According to research, employing an attorney tends to result in a larger settlement amount. The Insurance Research Council (IRC) found in 2014 that car accident victims who employ an attorney receive a much larger settlement than those who do not. Even when attorney's fees (paid after the claim is settled) are factored in, injured claimants receive a greater quantity. The knowledge and experience that a personal injury attorney brings to your case can help you receive the most compensation possible.
Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You Determine if You Should Pursue Your PA Car Accident Claim Today
Working with an accomplished, highly regarded Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Why should you be left without sufficient compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses following an accident caused by someone else's negligence or carelessness?
Our personal injury attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law have decades of experience and a track record of success, with over $500 million in compensation awards. Our firm operates on a contingency basis, which means that you pay no legal fees unless you win your claim.
Many of our clients report feeling relieved after making that initial phone call. Contact us now for a free consultation. We have multiple locations in Pennsylvania and are prepared to assist you today. We are looking forward to speaking with you.