How Accident Attorney Determines the Value of Your Car Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and intend to seek compensation, it’s important to know how much your claim is worth. The best way to get an estimate of the value of your claim is to hire an car accident attorney  .

What is the value of a car accident claim?

Many people don’t realize that car accident claims are governed by state laws. These vary widely. For instance, the California legislature recently made a law which prohibits auto manufacturers from building vehicles which cannot withstand a frontal crash of just 70mph. While this may not sound like a lot, it could mean the difference between paying full cash or having your vehicle repaired at an aftermarket shop.

This is not the case in every state, so it’s important to get the facts straight before you decide how much to ask for. In some cases, you may not get the full amount you’re entitled to if your car was damaged beyond repair.

Why should I hire an attorney?

The vast majority of car accident claims are never settled in court, and an attorney may be the only recourse if you’re injured in an auto accident. If you were hurt in a car accident and you don’t have health insurance, you’ll be required to meet with an attorney.

Insurance companies are notoriously hard to deal with, and they’re less likely to settle your claim. Most insurance companies require you to meet with an insurance adjuster, which can be a tedious process. But if you hire an attorney and they help you craft a proper claim, you stand a much better chance of getting a big payout from your insurance company. Most car accident cases end up being settled, but the process can take weeks or even months.

A qualified car accident attorney will have access to studies from groups like the Insurance Research Council (IRC) that the average driver does not.

What factors determine the value of a car accident claim?

Individual coverage providers and online insurance quote engines use computer software to simulate possible situations and calculate estimated value based on these simulations.

If you hire a law firm, they will use their experience to counter any unacceptable offer an insurance provider makes. When looking at how much the driver would be compensated, attorneys consider many factors, including:

• How serious the injury was and if the driver’s medical bills were covered.
• How long it took the driver to receive medical care
• The level of care the driver received

Lawyers should take the time to listen to your injury story and analyze your car accident claim. They will determine if the injury is worth compensating and for how much. Insurance companies use their own models to determine the value of an accident, as well. There are different factors insurance companies use, and your attorney pays special attention to how much the insurance company is offering and how much it probably will offer.

What is a contingency fee agreement?

If you agree to a contingency fee agreement, you agree to pay a certain percentage of the compensation you’re seeking. You can agree to a contingency fee if you’re a victim in an accident who needs help with the recovery process but do so only if it’s in your best interest.

How to hire an attorney

If you are shopping for an attorney, take some things into consideration when hiring. An experienced and licensed attorney can help you negotiate the best deal. You don’t want to give away half of your future income. Avoid attorneys that operate independently, or as part of a firm. A firm might be able to negotiate a higher settlement than one attorney.

Choose an attorney based on reputation and recommendations. Your attorney should not only be familiar with the law but should be well-regarded in the community.

An experienced attorney will not only give you a legal assessment but will also be there to help you to get what you want. When it comes to obtaining an estimate of your accident claim, your lawyer should be able to give you a concrete estimate of your future claim.

Conclusion

If you ever get into a car accident, take it seriously. It’s not always possible to identify who is responsible for the accident, but you have a right to expect the police and the other party involved will take care of any property damage and financial compensation that’s due to you.

Studies show that with proper representation, your chances of winning your case are excellent. You're in the driving seat of your life's journey. You have the power to control what happens to you, so it's important that you take steps to protect yourself and your future.