Being a victim of some else’s negligence is bad enough. If this has happened to you, it’s imperative that you don’t compound your problem by handling the aftermath alone. Here are the top reasons why you need help in these rough situations.
A Full-Time Endeavor
Even though car accident personal injury insurance claims make up more than 80 percent of all insurance injury claims, most people don’t have any real idea what to do after we have been involved in an auto accident. While the idea of going it alone may be tempting, suing for car accident claim without a lawyer requires a lot of preparation and commitment.
For example, think about tracking these bills:
- Car Repair Bills
- Lost Wages and Time at Work
- Medical Treatment and Prescriptions Purchased
- Car Rental Costs
- Child Care Costs
Now, imagine arguing with a claims adjuster to prove you deserve compensation for all of those payments. All the conversations, document exchanges, and meetings would inhibit your real goal of making a full recovery.
The Other Side Has Deep Pockets
Most insurance companies have lots of time and money invested in their insurance adjusters. These people handle claims for the negligent party. His or her job is to give you a low auto accident settlement and they employ tricks in order get you to settle for less. Here are some common tactics to watch out for:
- Claiming to be objective
- Telling you that a lawyer is not necessary
- Asking you to make a recorded statement before you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney
- Offering a quick settlement with the signing of a release
- Delaying the process in the hopes that you will drop your claim
Above all, insurance adjusters are paid to be tough negotiators. So, by pursuing a claim without representation, you are making a commitment to deal with this tough opponent without help.
City and State Laws Are Complex
The location of the accident can go a long way toward determining the success of your claim. The city of Philadelphia has different laws about negligence, personal injury, and culpability (who is at fault) than its surrounding counties.
In addition, these laws and rules are constantly changing. For example, the state’s penalties for distracted driving are much stronger than they were just a few years ago, thanks to 2012 anti-texting laws (visit www.justdrivepa.org for more information on this).
If you choose to proceed without representation, you’ll have to dive into these complex, multi-layered laws so you can be familiar with the claims process.
Talk to Us for Free
For all these reasons, it’s important to hire an auto accident attorney. We save time, stress levels, and give you the best chance to receive your deserved compensation. If you’ve been the victim of an automobile accident through no fault of your own in the Philadelphia area, contact me at (267) 627-4JOE (267-627-4563) for a free consultation. We can begin the path to your recovery together.
