Most car accidents only result in minor injuries and property damage. Motorists tend to brush them off or simply exchange insurance details. However, some cases involve major injuries and car damage. The stakes are high and the blame may not always be clear. This could go to court, but many choose to settle so as not to waste time. If you are in this situation right now, then you may be asking, “Do I need a lawyer for a car accident settlement?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Read on to learn more about the complexities.
If we are going by technicalities, then the short answer is “no”. You don’t really need a lawyer at your side just to enter a settlement deal. You can do it alone, which is what many people are doing to avoid legal fees. However, this may end up harming you financially instead of saving you money. Studies show that those who settle without a lawyer end up getting less than those who do. After all, lawyers are there to protect your rights and advocate for just compensation. They know how much you deserve, and they won’t let you get anything less.
You are also at a distinct disadvantage if you are facing a seasoned lawyer in a negotiating table. If you go alone and the other party has a lawyer, then it is going to be an uphill battle to get the amounts that you deserve. Experienced negotiators with legal knowledge can run circles around people who may not know what they are entitled to. You might get an offer that seems like a decent sum and get tempted to accept it. Later, you learn that it is much less than what you could have obtained. The amount may not even be sufficient to cover your long-term medical bills.
Those who settle without a lawyer may be threatened or intimidated by the other party. They might force you to sign the agreement even without fully reading or understanding the contents. They could impose an artificial deadline or float other things that would finish the deal right away. By rushing through the process, they create confusion and prevent you from thinking clearly. You could end up with a lot of regret because of this. It is always better to level the playing field and go in with your own legal eagle. You are less likely to get pressured into a foul deal.
Settlements are popular because they avoid drawn out and costly court cases. By making private agreements, the parties involved can move on quickly and get a satisfactory conclusion. Just make sure that you protect yourself in just a situation. If you want to maximize the compensation for damages, then you need a lawyer for a car accident settlement. After years of handling similar cases, a lawyer will know exactly how much you could get in a fair deal. You can push back if you are not getting the results you want.
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