Car accidents are devastating incidents that may leave people physically, emotionally, and financially devastated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 42,795 Americans lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2022.

Following an incident, victims frequently have to navigate the convoluted legal and insurance systems. Some may opt to handle their claims independently to save time and money. However, resolving a car accident claim without an experienced lawyer’s advice has serious drawbacks.

This article explores the dangers of not hiring a lawyer when settling a car accident. It highlights why seeking professional help is often the wisest course of action.

Limited Understanding of Legal Rights and Entitlements

One of the primary drawbacks is the risk of not fully understanding your legal rights and entitlements. For example, according to a Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression survey, nearly one-third of respondents could not name one First Amendment right. Around 40% could name only one, which was usually the freedom of speech right (65%).

Without a comprehensive understanding of the law, accident victims may inadvertently accept settlement offers far below what they are entitled to. Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to assess a claim’s actual value. This guarantees that victims will be fairly compensated for their lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Inadequate Assessment of Damages

It can be difficult to assess the complete amount of damages sustained in a car accident. Injuries sustained in a collision may not manifest immediately and could lead to long-term medical issues requiring ongoing treatment. Without legal representation, accident victims may underestimate the future costs associated with their injuries, leading to inadequate compensation.

Experienced personal injury attorneys work with medical professionals and economists to assess current and future damages accurately. They consider medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost earning capacity, etc., ensuring that clients receive appropriate compensation.

Consider the example of a recent car crash that occurred on an interstate highway near Colorado Springs. As covered by KKTV, it was a four-vehicle crash, and several people were injured. After being transported to a nearby hospital, three of the injured were listed as being in critical condition.

Suppose you were one of the drivers involved in this multi-vehicle crash and tried to handle the settlement yourself. In the above case, you might be entitled to compensation for car damage, medical expenses, psychological stress, etc. If you don’t have the right experience, assessing and calculating all these damages can be extremely difficult.

However, if you hire a Colorado Springs auto accident attorney he or she will handle damage calculations for you. Lawyers have several years of experience assessing all types of harm in car accidents. Therefore, they would be better positioned to consider all the potential short and long-term damages and give an appropriate estimation.

Vulnerability to Manipulative Tactics by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are adept at using strategies to coerce accident victims into accepting offers of extremely low settlements. Without the assistance of an experienced lawyer, people could become victims of these deceptive tactics. They might think that accepting the insurance company’s offer is their only option.

Insurance companies frequently use strategies like downplaying the severity of injuries, denying liability, and delaying the processing of claims. Adjusters assess the damages of car accidents and offer settlement amounts, which are usually low.

According to Business Insurance, another tactic adjusters may use is making settlement demands to determine what you think was your fault. They will then negotiate for far less than what you could have gotten using this information.

An experienced lawyer is aware of these strategies and can successfully represent clients. Attorneys can bargain on your behalf with insurance companies, claims Springs Law Group. They can help secure fair settlements or pursue litigation to protect your rights.

Lack of Experience in Negotiations and Litigation

Understanding insurance laws, liability concerns, and negotiation strategies in depth is necessary when negotiating a settlement for a car accident. Individuals without legal training may lack the skills and experience to advocate for themselves effectively during settlement negotiations.

Furthermore, if a just settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the matter may go to trial. It is dangerous and may not turn out well to represent oneself in court without legal knowledge. Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in negotiation and litigation, enabling them to navigate the intricacies of the legal system successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bargain With My Insurance Provider on My Own?

You don’t need to negotiate with the insurance company through legal counsel. However, proceed with caution and be aware of the strategies used by insurance adjusters to lower settlement amounts. To learn more about your rights, speak with a personal injury lawyer before starting conversations.

How Can I Tell Whether the Settlement Offer Is Fair?

To determine if a settlement offer is reasonable, you must first assess your losses, which include medical bills, lost earnings, etc. A lawyer can advise whether the offer appropriately compensates you for your losses. They will also advise if accepting or negotiating for a larger sum is in your best interests.

What Takes Place If the Insurance Company Rejects My Claim?

You can file an appeal if the insurance company rejects your claim or makes a lowball settlement offer. A lawyer can assist you in making the best decision regarding how to pursue the highest possible settlement for your injuries.

What if I Resolved a Claim Without a Lawyer but Later Discovered That I Received Insufficient Compensation?

If you resolved your claim without legal assistance but think you were not adequately compensated, you may still have choices. Consulting with a lawyer can help determine whether you can reopen your case or seek extra damages through alternative legal options.

To summarize, settling a car accident claim without a lawyer may seem straightforward to avoid legal fees. Nevertheless, the dangers greatly exceed any possible advantages. Without legal representation, accident victims are vulnerable to exploitation by insurance companies and may receive low settlements.

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help people level the playing field and safeguard their legal rights. Accident victims can receive the compensation they are entitled to with the assistance of attorneys, who assist with everything from claim value evaluation to negotiation. To effectively navigate the intricacies of auto accident claims, it is imperative to obtain expert legal counsel.