If you have been involved in a minor car accident, you may wonder whether hiring an attorney is necessary. Please continue reading to learn the benefits of having expert legal guidance after a collision and how a determined Essex County Auto Accident Attorney can help you fight for the funds you need to get your life back on track.
What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?
In the unfortunate event that you have been involved in a car accident, whether it was a minor fender-bender or a major collision, connecting with an experienced attorney is in your best interest. An attorney will assess your case to determine the strength of your claim and the potential compensation you may be entitled to for your damages. They can assist you in investigating the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to fulfill the burden of proof. In other words, they can help you establish fault for the accident.
In addition, they can help determine the full extent of your damages. You may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent out-of-pocket expenses while non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that are more subjective. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may receive punitive damages if you were injured due to another party’s egregious conduct.
Furthermore, dealing with insurance companies can be notoriously difficult after an accident. If you speak to an insurance adjuster without legal representation they will take advantage of the fact that you are unfamiliar with what your claim is worth. They will often employ various tactics to weaken your case. They will try to get you to say things that could reduce your liability or downplay the severity of your injuries, which can work against your best interests, especially if you are not well-versed in the claims process. An attorney can use their skills to negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. If a settlement is not reached, an attorney can represent your interests and advocate for your rights in court.
Should I Contact an Attorney if I’m Involved in a Minor Accident?
Along with property damage, minor car accidents can still result in serious injuries. Even if you initially feel fine, some injuries take time to present themselves. As such, you must undergo a thorough medical examination. If injuries are left untreated they may worsen over time which means you can incur significant medical bills and lost wages.
If you don’t take this matter seriously, the other party may retain legal counsel and try to blame you for the collision. It’s important to understand that New Jersey follows the modified comparative negligence principle. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. It’s challenging to prove that you were not at fault without legal representation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are strict deadlines for filing claims. At The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we can help ensure you file your claim within the right time frame to prevent you from missing out on compensation. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can help you attain the justice you deserve.
