Car accidents are getting increasingly common today. It is hardly surprising considering the rate at which car sales are growing worldwide. As more and more vehicles enter the road, the likelihood of accidents naturally goes up. In 2022, 745 deaths occurred due to road accidents in Colorado, out of which 67 were in Denver. As such, it is very clear that road accidents are a serious issue, and we all must be prepared for the worst when we set out on the road.
Minor accidents are generally easy to deal with if both parties cooperate. All you have to do is share your contact and insurance information and wait for the formalities to complete so you can be compensated for the damage. However, in the case of more serious accidents where vehicles are significantly damaged or severe injuries are sustained by either party, the situation becomes much more complex.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
One way to navigate through the aftermath of a car accident in Denver is to hire a lawyer to assist you. Using their legal knowledge and prior experience with similar matters, a specialized lawyer can easily help you get through the legal formalities and complications. With a little research, you can find law firms in Denver specializing in road accidents and having expertise in insurance and settlement matters. Here are six ways in which a local Denver car accident law firm that fights for people injured in car accidents can help you:
1. Assist with the Investigation
If you have been in a serious accident, all formal processes will start by investigating the crash. The investigation determines how the collision occurred and the extent to which each party should be held responsible. A lawyer will not only be able to provide valuable assistance during this process but also gain access to important information and documents such as reports, statements, video footage, and photographs. A truck accident lawyer can also speak to the authorities and witnesses to get a clearer picture to show how a truck accident case can be far different from a car accident case, for example. In case of a dispute between you and the other people involved in the accident, this information will be essential toward strengthening your case.
2. Preparing your Claim
Another benefit of having a lawyer after an accident is that they can determine the true extent of your claim. While you may think that the only thing you are entitled to is compensation for the injury or damage sustained by you and your vehicle, there is a lot more that you can claim. Your claim may be extended to include lost wages, current and future medical costs, compensation for emotional distress, and reimbursement for legal fees if the matter goes to court. To decide which of these can be included in your claim, your legal counsel’s expert knowledge will be of great use. Further, your lawyer can help calculate how much money you can claim under each head.
3. Dealing with the Insurance Provider
It’s highly unlikely that you don’t have car insurance. However, having an insurance policy is a starting point and does not guarantee a claim payout. To reach that goal, you must pass through many hoops of fire. The insurance providers fully investigate insurance claims, and the documentation and communication you need to manage are truly a nightmare. Not to mention, the slightest slip-up on your part can lead to the rejection of your claim. With a lawyer at the helm of your case, you can put your worries to rest and let them deal with the insurance provider. As professionals, car accident lawyers are well-versed in the technicalities of insurance and are your best shot at a speedy payout.
4. Negotiating Settlements
Like most disputes that fall within the ambit of personal injury, insurance companies and other involved parties often make settlement offers during the claim process. For a layperson, it is often hard to say no to a settlement offer. After all, how can you be sure that you will win the actual case or claim? The thought of losing out on the guaranteed money being offered based on risk is often daunting. However, things are quite different when you have a lawyer representing you. A legal expert has a much better idea than you of the chances you have of winning the case. They are also better aware of how much the offerer would be willing to go if you agreed to a settlement. Hence, they can successfully carry out negotiations on your behalf.
5. Protecting your Interests
Until now, we’ve been discussing the offensive stance. However, a lawyer is even more important when you are on the other side of the table. One of the other parties involved in the accident may believe you to be responsible for the accident and files a claim against you. Without a lawyer, you can’t properly defend yourself. With their extensive knowledge of the legalities, your lawyer can help better protect your interests. By finding loopholes in the framework and the scenario, lawyers can help defend the claim, using which your liability can be reduced.
6. Handling Debt Collectors
One of the worst things you have to deal with after an accident is debt collectors. Hospitals and clinics generally hire debt collectors to collect unpaid medical bills. While dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, it is common for a person to fall behind on their payments. Rather than giving the person time to recover financially, healthcare providers often hire debt collectors who, in turn, hound the person day in and day out, which further adds to the problems they face. While many of us are unaware, this practice is illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and you can take legal action against this harassment. An experienced lawyer will be well aware of this fact and will be able to get debt collectors off your back.
Conclusion
Accidents happen, and there is no surefire way to avoid them. You can be as careful as you want, but sometimes you have to pay for the mistakes of others. By hiring a car accident lawyer, you can handle the things easily that come after an accident. With an expert on your side, you can let them handle the technicalities and focus solely on recovering from the accident.