URL: https://pixabay.com/photos/accident-hit-and-run-bike-crime-1497842/
At least one hit-and-run accident takes place on a U.S. road every minute. That is nothing to sneeze at, given the increased difficulty of determining fault and initiating damage recovery associated with hit-and-runs. If you have been involved in this kind of accident, you may ask yourself, “Do I need a lawyer, or should I go about seeking compensation on my own?”
The simple answer to that is, “Yes, you do!” Read on for five reasons to hire an attorney following a hit-and-run accident.
1. To prove liability if the driver is caught
Unlike normal accidents where all involved parties wait for the police to come and take a report, hit-and-runs usually call for additional steps before the claim-filing procedure is initiated. If the driver ran away, there is a good chance they will deny liability even if you know them. Finding evidence to prove the fault is part of a lawyer’s job description, so going into the case with one is more of a necessity than a choice.
2. To face the insurance adjusters on a more even playing field
Insurance adjusters are known to use shady tactics to get accident victims to admit fault or accept unfair settlement offers. Some try to draw out the damage recovery process in a bid to get the victim to give up and move on with life. Reputable lawyers, such as this Boston personal injury attorney, conduct their own investigations and go into the negotiation armed with facts about your accident and injury. They cannot be intimidated and are less likely to play into the hands of dishonest insurance adjusters.
3. To estimate the value of your claim
The value of a claim is the sum of all economic and non-economic losses that a victim incurs as a direct or indirect result of the accident. Lawyers use medical reports and assessments from other experts to determine the sum of your losses and the true value of your claim. With an attorney, you are less likely to receive an unbefitting settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
4. To help with litigation
The complexity of hit-and-run accidents usually means the case will be decided in a court. If the at-fault party denies liability or their insurance company gives you an unfair settlement offer, the next option is usually to take the case to court. You need a lawyer both in making this decision and arguing your case in jail.
5. To ensure your recovery
While a lawyer will not be directly involved in the treatment and recovery process, their involvement in your case will ensure your focus on nursing your injuries while they seek compensation for you. What’s more, most law firms work on a contingency basis and cover all initial fees on your behalf, and wait to recover it from your settlement. Those fees may include medical expenses and charges for auto accident reconstruction.
Endnote
There are virtually no downsides to hiring a personal injury lawyer following a hit-and-run accident. All you need to do is take the time to find an attorney with the perfect balance of cost, experience, and passion for their job.
