After being injured in a Philadelphia car accident, you might hope you have options for recovering damages that do not involve a lawsuit or a court appearance. In fact, if your injuries are minor, you might feel that simply filing a report with your insurance company should be enough to get you the money you need.
Sadly, most car accident claims are not that straightforward. It is not uncommon for victims to find themselves fighting a losing battle when it comes to collecting financial compensation without the help of an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer on their side.
The Insurance Company is Not on Your Side
Most people think that filing an insurance claim is all they need to do after a car accident in Philadelphia. After all, why shouldn’t the no-fault insurance coverage you have paid for over the years cover the costs of your injuries and vehicle repairs??
Unfortunately, your insurance company is a for-profit business. In other words, they are worried about their bottom line, not yours.
This is why you may have to fight for the financial compensation you deserve after your accident. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of your injuries so they can minimize your payout or even deny your claim for damages in bad faith.
Before you speak with anyone from an insurance company, reach out to a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries by negotiating with the insurance company and building a strong case for damages.
How Much Do Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Charge?
When considering hiring a lawyer, most people are injured, unable to work, and understandably concerned about how much it is going to cost.
Most reputable personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. So, instead of being charged an hourly rate, you pay a predetermined percentage of your total compensation. This means you do not pay any of the costs associated with your claim upfront. Your attorney will only collect this fee if your claim is successful.
What Qualities Should I Look For in a Car Accident Lawyer?
You might be ready to contact a lawyer immediately after your car accident but find yourself stuck on how to choose the one that is best for you.
Philadelphia has multitudes of attorneys to choose from, so making sure you select one that is going to give you the support and legal advice you need is critical.
Generally speaking, you should look for a Philadelphia car accident lawyer who has:
Years of Experience Practicing Personal Injury Law
Most car accident victims do not have any previous experience with the personal injury process and don’t know how to get the help they need. Insurance companies have teams of powerful attorneys on their payroll and will fight tooth and nail to get out of paying what they owe.
This is why it is vital to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Your lawyer should be knowledgeable about all the statutes and laws that apply to your case and be able to answer any questions or address any concerns you have regarding your claim.
Resources for Gathering Evidence
One of the most important aspects of a car accident claim is collecting relevant evidence that proves you were not liable for the crash. A skilled car accident attorney will have the tools and resources necessary to track down any and all evidence that will prove fault and strengthen your claim.
For instance, most personal injury victims are unable to access expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and forensic accountants. These expert witnesses can make a difference in your injury claim by providing an independent perspective about a specific factor in your a case. Their opinion is respected based on their expertise, professional experience, education, or knowledge. Without their testimony, it could be extremely challenging to prove you did not cause the accident.
Personal Attention
After you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you want to know that your attorney is paying attention to your case and supporting your physical and financial recovery.
A reputable attorney will ensure that you get their undivided attention and not pawn you off on a paralegal or legal assistant. If you have a question, you should be able to access your attorney directly or feel confident that they will respond in an appropriate amount of time. If your lawyer never seems to be around when you need them or is constantly asking their support staff to respond to you, they may not be the right attorney for your case.
An effective lawyer will be fully prepared for each phase of the claims process, including representing you in a court of law. The thought of going to trial is stressful for most car accident victims. A good attorney will ensure you feel confident and have the tools and support you need to win your case.
After a Philadelphia car accident, you probably have a lot of questions about your claim and what to expect moving forward. The further your claim progresses, the more questions you are likely to have. Making sure that your questions are answered and that you know and understand your rights is another way an experienced lawyer can have a positive impact on the outcome of your car accident claim.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
How long your car accident claim will take to resolve hinges on multiple factors, such as the nature and scope of your injuries, how your insurance company responds to the matter, and whether the liable party is willing to negotiate.
There is no set timeline for the progression of a personal injury case, and an attorney who tells you your case will take X amount of time to settle is probably not giving you the best advice. A good car accident lawyer will do what it takes to get you the full amount of compensation you are owed and never accept a lowball settlement offer just to bring your claim to a close.
If you have been injured in a Philadelphia car accident, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help. Most accident victims do not have the resources and tools necessary to a successful claim at their disposal. To make matters worse, the at-fault driver may try to shift fault for the accident onto you. When this happens, it is time to work with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer.