As a personal injury lawyer handling car crash cases in Missouri and Kansas for over 16 years, I get a lot of common questions from potential crash clients. The most common is whether she or he should even hire a lawyer in the first place or try and handle it on their own. Crash cases can be handled without a lawyer, but here are the top reasons why I advise potential clients to hire a lawyer.
1. The Level of Compensation
First and foremost is the level of compensation. If you are getting low-balled by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, hiring a lawyer usually results in an increase of the settlement offer. Although it may take some litigation to get to that point, often times as not a lawyer will increase the amount of money you get in your crash case.
2. Simplify Your Life
Second, a lawyer can help make your life easier by dealing with the insurance companies. There are many traps and pitfalls when working with an at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is because they are not looking out for you. In fact, they will do everything within their power to pay you as little money as possible.
Furthermore, dealing with an insurance company takes a lot of time and attention. With a lawyer, you never have to deal with them. The carrier is required to send all communication through your lawyer. This frees up your time to heal and recover from your injuries and go back to living your life.
3. Compensation from Uninsured Drivers
Third, a lawyer can help investigate other options for compensation if you or the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance. Car crash injuries can be severe and medical care is exorbitant. If the at-fault driver is un-insured or under-insured, you may not get fully compensated. A lawyer can look into claims on your insurance policy, with the State’s Tort Victim’s Compensation Fund, or into a car or road defect claim.
Although you can handle your own car crash case, these are the reasons why you should consider hiring a lawyer. If any of these fit your situation, please consider calling my firm at (816) 867-8611">(816) 867-8611. We’ve been handling car crash cases throughout Missouri and Kansas for many years and will gladly answer your questions.