Car accidents are always scary and unfortunately, you will face a great deal of uncertainty even after the crash. You may think your own insurance company, or that of the negligent party, is going to protect you and provide the coverage you need to recover from your injuries. Without the help of a Philadelphia car accident lawyer though, you likely will not receive the full settlement you deserve. If you have been hurt in a crash, below are the biggest benefits you will reap when you allow a lawyer to take your case.
Determining Liability
Determining liability, or fault, for a crash is the most time-consuming task when filing a car accident claim. Everyone involved in your car accident will be more interested in protecting their own self-interest than they are in helping you. It is not uncommon for a car accident to quickly turn into a blame game. A lawyer will collect evidence that proves liability, so this does not happen to you.
An Accurate Valuation of Your Case
It is often difficult for accident victims to accurately value their case. While you may know the cost of your medical bills and lost income, you may not take into account your future expenses or lost wages. You may also not know that you can include lost bonuses and benefits you missed at work, or the cost of the medication you need during your recovery.
A lawyer will identify all of the losses you sustained as a result of your accident and include them in your claim so you receive the maximum damages you deserve. A lawyer will also know how to calculate non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which is often difficult for people unfamiliar with the law.
Reviewing Your Insurance Contract
Insurance is going to be a part of any car accident claim and the policies are not always easy to understand. However, your insurance contract includes important provisions that pertain to your responsibilities after a crash. For example, your insurance contract likely states that you must contact your insurance company and notify them of any crash, even if you were not at fault. If you do not comply with these requirements, the insurance company may cancel your policy.
The problem is that insurance contracts are filled with complex language and they are not always easy to understand. Lawyers are extremely familiar with these policies and they will know what to look for and explain it to you so your best interests are always protected.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Today
If you have been hurt in a car crash, do not file a claim or speak to the insurance company without first contacting a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our skilled attorney will review the facts of your case, determine how to proceed with your claim, and give you the best chance of recovering the full damages you are entitled to. Call us today at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.