Should I Settle with a Car Insurance Company or Hire a Lawyer?

Settling with a Car Insurance Company

When you’re involved in a car accident, once you have left the scene and have received initial treatment at a hospital, urgent care center, or primary care physician, the first step is usually to file a car insurance claim with your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer. If your claim is accepted, the insurance company might propose a car insurance settlement amount to cover your damages. Settling with the insurance company might seem the most straightforward option, avoiding the need to involve a third party, such as a lawyer. However, insurance companies operate for profit, and their proposed settlements for car accidents can often be lower than what you might be entitled to, focusing more on minimizing costs for the company rather than adequately covering your losses. In addition, settling a claim early involves signing a release, where you sign away your legal rights. We have often seen people settle days after an accident, only to realize they were in pain with injuries that turned out to be severe.

While it’s possible to negotiate with a car insurance company independently, without proper knowledge of car accident injury settlements, personal injury settlements, and other aspects of insurance claims, you may find yourself settling for drastically less than you deserve.

Hiring a Lawyer

Engaging a car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney to handle your claim offers numerous advantages. A skilled car accident attorney can navigate the complex landscape of insurance claims, negotiate effectively with the insurance company, and ensure your rights are protected.

Valuing a car accident settlement involves more than just adding up medical bills and car repair receipts. Future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other intangible costs should be factored into the equation. A seasoned car accident attorney can accurately evaluate these factors, maximizing your potential settlement amount.

Lawyers also bring expertise in drafting essential documents such as a car insurance settlement letter, providing legal representation if the claim goes to court, and offering advice on when and how to close the claim. This expertise can lead to a significantly higher payout than what you may achieve on your own. In short, if you’ve asked yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer for my car accident case?” the answer is a resounding “Yes.”

Finding the Right Car Accident Attorney

Finding the right car accident lawyer is crucial. The attorney should have experience in dealing with auto insurance companies, a strong track record of successful car accident settlements, and should prioritize your best interests. You can search terms such as “car accident attorney,” “auto accident attorney,” “personal injury attorney,” or even “motor vehicle accident attorney” to start your search. Always look at client reviews, testimonials, and the attorney’s past results to ensure they are a good fit for your case.

Making the Best Decision for Your Case

Each car accident case is unique, and the decision on how to proceed should be made based on the specific circumstances. For minor accidents with no injuries and little property damage, settling with the insurance company may seem like a quick and efficient solution. However, for accidents involving injuries, even in cases with minor property damage, cases with significant property damage, or disputes over liability, hiring a personal injury attorney can make a world of difference.

Ultimately, you want the maximum possible compensation for your losses, and while it may seem counterintuitive to pay attorney fees, studies show that car accident victims who hire lawyers often end up with significantly higher settlements, even after those fees are deducted. In conclusion, when in doubt about dealing with insurance companies, hiring a car accident attorney is often your best bet.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

The car accident attorneys at Dross Berman in Rockville, Maryland are able to provide you with a free legal consultation, including a case evaluation and review of your potential claim, as well as the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!