If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Kansas City area, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury attorney to handle your claim.
Can’t you just deal directly with the insurance companies yourself? An experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer can provide significant benefits and improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation. Here’s why hiring a skilled auto accident attorney is worth it.
They Conduct Thorough Investigations
One of the key benefits of working with an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney is that they will perform an in-depth investigation and collect evidence to reconstruct your crash.
This can include visiting the accident scene, taking measurements and photos, checking for road defects, studying weather reports, consulting accident reconstruction experts, reviewing video footage, interviewing eyewitnesses, and gathering police reports.
As an independent third party, a skilled attorney has the know-how and resources to build the strongest evidence case possible to prove fault and back up your damage claims.
They Determine Liability
Figuring out who was at fault and to what extent can be confusing after a collision, especially when multiple vehicles are involved.
An experienced attorney has the expertise to thoroughly investigate the fault and establish negligence through evidence like police reports, skid marks, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts. Having an objective car accident lawyer pin down legal liability is invaluable.
They Handle Legal Paperwork
There is a mountain of paperwork, documents, and forms that must be completed after an auto accident, including submitting claims to relevant insurance providers within strict deadlines. Missing a deadline could ruin your entire claim.
A good attorney has systems in place to ensure all required accident paperwork gets filed correctly and on time. This administrative burden gets lifted off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
They Prove Damages
Your compensation is directly tied to proving the severity of your car accident injuries, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
An attorney will compile all necessary evidence such as medical records, doctor testimony, income documentation, crash photos, and rehabilitation reports. This documentation strengthens your case substantially when negotiating a settlement.
Settlements
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers whose goal is to minimize payouts on claims. They will use sneaky tactics to try to get accident victims to accept unreasonably low settlements.
An accomplished car accident lawyer levels the playing field by skillfully negotiating with insurers on your behalf. They know which pressure points can get insurance companies to offer a fairer settlement. With an attorney handling communication, you avoid being taken advantage of.
They Are Objective Advocates
After a traumatic car accident, you deserve to have a fierce advocate on your side who will fight for your best interests every step of the way. A skilled attorney provides objective counsel and advocacy because they don’t have the emotional investment in your case that you do. Their only interest is maximizing your compensation.
They Handle Communications
In the aftermath of an accident, you may be inundated with calls and emails from insurance adjusters, creditors, the at-fault driver’s attorney, and more. Your lawyer fields all these communications on your behalf while you recover from your injuries. Retaining competent legal representation takes this headache off your plate.
They Have Resources to Tap
Reputable personal injury law firms have connections to experts in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, vocational rehabilitation, and economics. These experts can consult on your case and provide opinions that strengthen your position. An attorney has resources that individual accident victims don’t.
They Work on Contingency
The best car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket. The attorney only gets paid if they secure a settlement for you. Their fee comes out of the final settlement amount as a percentage. This guarantee committed legal representation.
Suffering injuries in a preventable car accident is hard enough without having to fight insurance companies alone for fair compensation. Partnering with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer levels the playing field and improves your chances for recovery.
Conclusion
Hiring an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney is highly recommended for anyone who has been injured in an auto collision. An attorney can help in many ways, including determining liability, gathering evidence to prove fault, negotiating fair settlements, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Statistics show that accident victims represented by lawyers receive settlements up to 3 times higher than those who do not have legal representation. This is because attorneys understand how to calculate damages, prove negligence, and force insurance companies to offer full and fair compensation.
They also know how to navigate the complex legal system, meet deadlines, and handle paperwork properly. An attorney can reduce stress by dealing with insurance adjusters and legal complexities while the client focuses on recovery.
Although minor accidents may not require an attorney, it is wise to at least consult with one to evaluate your case. Overall, hiring a knowledgeable car accident lawyer protects your rights and best interests.