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One of the most common questions clients ask is how much compensation a person can expect to receive. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to calculate an accurate monetary award; however consulting an auto accident or personal injury lawyer can help you estimate what you may be entitled to. The court’s final award will be contingent upon many factors, including:
- Insurance policy limits
- Who is at fault
- Lost income, which can also include future income
- The permanence of the injury
- Severity of injuries and amount of medical bills
These are just a few of the many factors, and drivers filing the suit should wait until fully recovered before determining the value of a case (but don’t overlook the Arizona two-year statute of limitations). It is not, however, recommended to wait to hire a lawyer, as he or she can begin organizing the information necessary for your case as soon as possible and help drivers with the next steps.
4 Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you’re injured in or receive property damage from a car accident, you may wonder whether it’s a good idea to get an attorney. Car accident lawyers cost money, after all, so why should you bother? There are many reasons to consider hiring a lawyer, and most often the payment comes right out of your settlement, instead of being and upfront cost. Your lawyer can help you understand when it would and would not be beneficial. The following are four ways an attorney might be able to help.
Communicating With the Other Party
You don’t have to have any conversations with the other party involved, nor do you have to communicate with his or her insurance company. If either one of them give you a call, simply refer them to your attorney. The insurance adjuster may want to have a few questions answered, and that’s ok, but you shouldn’t answer them without guidance from your attorney.
Collecting Evidence of Liability
It’s possible you’ve collected evidence on your own already, but a lawyer can make sure you’ve done a thorough job. Your lawyer will probably take a look at photos of your accident, but will want to visit the scene as well. He or she might read the police report, but may decide to additionally speak with the responding officer. Your lawyer can take the witness contact information you collected to conduct some interviews to ensure the other party truly was liable.
Collecting Evidence of Damages
You can’t just ask for compensation without reasonable evidence it is owed to you. Letting the insurance company know you’ve paid $1,000 in medical bills simply isn’t enough. You’ll need the medical bills on paper, as well as a possible written statement from your medical doctor. It’s also possible you’ll seek damages for ongoing care, and your medical provider will need to offer proof that your condition requires it. A lawyer can ensure you get all of the proper documents collected, as well as proving they were a direct result of the car accident.
Negotiating Your Settlement
It takes a special skill set to negotiate a settlement, and car accident lawyers have those skills. Your lawyer will know what your case is worth, as well as how to handle communications and negotiations so you get as much as possible for your settlement.
Getting Started Today
Hiring a Scottsdale car accident lawyer is one of the best ways to safeguard your rights. If you have been injured or suffered property damage because of a car accident, contact Yearin Law Office today to get started.
