Although some people hurt in accidents choose to handle their own personal injury claims, it is usually not in your best interest to do so. Not only does hiring an attorney usually cost you nothing out-of-pocket, but an experienced lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and work to maximize your settlement.
A study conducted by the Insurance Research Council estimates that injury victims who are represented by an attorney tend to recover more in settlement compensation than those who handle their claims themselves. The same study found that in a majority of injury claims where insurance companies do settle, the injured party had a lawyer.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Washington car wreck, you may be entitled to a larger settlement than you realize. Seasoned car accident attorney Marya Fuller has the knowledge, skill, and resources needed to determine the value of your claim and fight for every penny you are owed.
Why do victims of auto wrecks who hire accident attorneys typically obtain higher settlements?
Car Accident Lawyers Know Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies routinely utilize tactics to try to intimidate injury victims and avoid paying out valid claims. After a crash, you may hear an insurance adjuster says things like:
- Your physician’s assessment is insufficient and you must submit to an examination by a doctor chosen by the insurer.
- The long-term physical and emotional impact of your injury cannot be proven in court.
Some insurers also tie-up claim settlements in attempts to make claimants desperate enough to pay their mounting bills that they will settle for less than they deserve.
Injury victims who have reputable lawyers on their sides have a much better chance at recovering the money they deserve for their losses. In part, this is because insurance companies know that going against a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer may eventually cost more in legal fees than the claim is worth to them.
Auto Accident Attorneys Know How to Calculate Damages
Most car accident victims don’t have a firm understanding of the compensation to which they may be rightfully entitled under the law. There are online settlement calculators that may provide a rough idea, but these should not be relied upon, and are no substitute for the knowledge and experience of an experienced car accident attorney.
It can be nearly impossible to fight for the damages you truly deserve if you don’t know the accurate value of your losses, both today and in the future. A lawyer knows what to look for when determining the value of your claim. When calculating your damages, an attorney will:
- Analyze the extent of your injuries
- Assess your pain and suffering
- Evaluate the impact that your injuries have on your future medical needs and ability to work
- Factor in the insurance company’s strategy; and
- Most importantly, estimate how much a jury would be likely to award.
In some cases, medical experts will be consulted to determine the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of an injury. You have a much better chance at recovering the compensation you deserve with a knowledgeable legal team in your corner.
No Fees Unless You Win
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This type of payment arrangement means that you will not be charged for legal services unless the lawyer successfully recovers a financial award on your behalf. This payment arrangement can relieve the stress of worrying about how you can afford legal representation in the face of your medical bills and time away from your job.
Your attorney will not get paid unless a positive verdict or settlement is reached in your case.
Contact an Olympia Car Accident Attorney Today
Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind during what may be the most difficult time of your life. Accomplished car accident attorney Marya Fuller can answer questions you may have about your case, or the claims process in general, and address your concerns.
If you’ve been hurt in an auto wreck, call Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys at Law, today at (800) 570-4878 for a free, confidential consultation. Our firm serves car crash victims throughout Olympia, Tacoma, and other areas of Washington.
Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys at Law, handles personal injury cases on a contingency basis, so you will not be charged attorney’s fees unless we achieve a successful outcome in your case.
