If you have recently been injured in a car accident, whether you were at fault or not, you may need an attorney. However, many people don’t know where to start. These individuals may conduct an online search for “car accident lawyer in Fort Collins” and choose the first lawyer on the list or they may settle for the amount the insurance company gives them whether it will pay their medical and other bills or not.

Injury

If you are injured in an accident, you may need to hire an attorney. For example, do you have broken bones? Were you required to stay in the hospital for a lengthy period, or will you need long-term medical treatment, especially where your treatment will cost more than a few thousand dollars? Lawyers will seek economic damages, such as medical and repair bills as well as loss of work.

If your injuries go beyond physical, such as emotional distress, affecting your ability to enjoy life, you may need more than medical reimbursement. You may also need non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, anxiety, and other damages. An attorney is vital if you experience this type of injury because it is difficult to quantify these damages in monetary terms.

Understanding The Report

Also, carefully review the police report. Is everything correct? If not, you may need a lawyer. If you don’t understand the police report or information you receive from your insurance company, you should consult an attorney. If your insurance company is not paying you what you need and will not negotiate with you for a fair amount, legal help may be your solution.

Blame

If you have been blamed for the accident, especially if someone was killed or reckless driving or intoxication were involved, you will need to protect yourself and hire an attorney. If you do not have a great defense, you may not receive any compensation for the damages to your property or medical care you received and may face other legal charges. It may also affect your ability to receive reasonably priced insurance coverage in the future. Attorneys have teams of investigators who will prove who is at fault and protect your interests.

Time Frame

You should contact an attorney within a few weeks of an auto accident. This time may be extended if you are not able to contact a lawyer immediately, but you must hire an attorney before your insurance company settles the claim.

Some states have no-fault insurance laws, where your insurance company pays for your damages and injuries whether you are at fault or not. Whether your state is a no-fault state or not, your insurance company is handling hundreds, possibly thousands, of accident injury claims every single day. Because their goal is increasing profits, they may not work in your favor. A great lawyer will understand the insurance company’s process and tactics. An attorney will also know how to force your insurance company to follow the law and get you a fair settlement for any injury.