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Those who were in an accident as the result of someone else's negligence may find themselves in unchartered territory. Car accidents can leave people with serious injuries such as broken bones, permanent disability, and lost wages.
Filing St Louis personal injury claims against the person at fault can help victims get the compensation they deserve following a car accident. Small claims can often be settled with the insurance company. However, when the claim amount is much higher, it may be time to hire an accident lawyer.
Hiring a Lawyer Can Mean a Larger Compensation
Car accidents can have an impact on the lives of those involved in more ways than one. They cause pain and suffering, a loss of income, damage to property, and emotional and mental anguish, and can also leave a person with hefty medical bills.
In several cases, these costs remain long after the accident has occurred. It is common knowledge that car accident victims who have legal representation receive considerably higher compensation than those who do not.
According to some studies, victims who have an attorney can receive up to 3.5 times the amount in settlements. Personal injury lawyers are familiar with insurance company tactics and can assist clients in negotiating and standing up to insurance companies who want faster and lower settlements.
As part of their strategy, an insurer may encourage a victim not to get the help of an attorney. The losses and damages that can occur because of a car accident are not always apparent immediately after the accident.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist a victim in better estimating potential future expenses and incorporating them into their claim. Sometimes seemingly minor injuries can develop into chronic, or serious problems that involve ongoing medical treatment.
Victims often underestimate their expenses, and the length of time they could last, resulting in inadequate settlements that do not cover the costs their families must bear following an accident.
One Mistake Could Have a Huge Impact on Compensation
Some people believe that settling a claim is merely a process of bargaining with an insurer since this is often settled out of court, which is simply untrue. Furthermore, not knowing how to deal with an insurance company may result in claims being denied, or compensation being reduced.
In a car accident case, if the victim does not have a strong legal claim, they are in a weaker negotiating position. An insurer can use this to their advantage. Understanding the law, and getting legal aid is essential for a successful claim.
In addition to proving who is to blame and what damage was caused, other legal issues need to be taken care of. If a claim is not filed within the time frame stipulated by the statute of limitations, it may be dismissed.
Laws and deadlines differ from state to state, and the state in which a victim must file their claim is a complex legal issue in and of itself.
The Battle Is Against the Insurer, Not the Driver at Fault
Those who file a car accident claim are not going up against a single driver, but rather a large insurance company that deals with such claims daily. Many fear causing hardship for the driver responsible for the incident. However, most drivers have insurance.
Insurance companies have many resources available. They hire experts such as lawyers, investigators, and medical and forensic experts to help ensure that victims receive little or no compensation for their claims.
In dealings with insurance companies, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can assist in leveling the playing field. They are familiar with the strategies used by insurance companies to reduce the amount of compensation paid to car accident victims.
Lawyers can also take care of any paperwork that must be completed, make the necessary phone calls, and send relevant emails on the victim's behalf. This can help to reduce a great deal of stress, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
Contact Powell Law Firm for All Car Accident Claims
Anyone involved in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, should contact Powell Law Firm to handle their claim. Powell Law Firm has a dedicated legal team that can help make the legal process a lot easier.