5 Reasons to Hire an Attorney for a Minor Automobile Accident
Ask anyone who has been in a minor fender bender or other car accident and they will tell you that there were many other ways they would have rather spent their day. Even minor accidents can often add up to major headaches given the expense of repairs, injuries, rental cars, time off work and just dealing with other people involved in the incident. While many people choose to handle these frustrations on their own, even small accidents are best left to a professional who can guide you through the process making it a lot less painful. Here are five things you might not have considered regarding the importance of hiring an attorney for a minor accident.
1. They know how to handle the insurance company - While insurance may often cover most of the vehicle damage from your accident, it is important to remember that they are a business that is most concerned with their best interests. A qualified attorney will understand the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies and can often negotiate a better deal.
2. They are aware of potential insurance reductions - Reading an insurance document is often confusing (and boring) for the average consumer. Understanding these documents and negotiating the best deal is often better left to someone who handles these situations regularly. In the end, an attorney can typically negotiate insurance reductions you did not even know you had. At the end of the day, that can add up to significant money in your pocket.
3. They bring calm to the chaos - Accidents, no matter how large or small are bound to bring out stress and emotion. Often the accident victims are too close to the matter to calmly deal with the issues of the case. An attorney can help reduce your stress level and make a difficult situation a little easier to handle.
4. They have your best interests in mind - Like the insurance company above, each person involved in the accident will only be thinking about their needs and will often not consider your side of the story. Your attorney serves only you, and is your advocate through the entire process. They will ensure that your best interests are served and work towards an end result that will be to your benefit.
5. They can see the bigger issues - Because of the complexity and stresses of dealing with the real life fallout from a car accident, sometimes what lies just beneath the surface problems can be much more complicated than what you might see. Sometimes what starts out as a small matter can unfold into a much bigger case, requiring greater legal expertise because of the long term ramifications. Every action that you take can and will have consequences relating to your rights.
Nobody plans for or hopes for an accident, therefore we are seldom prepared when they happen. With that thought in mind, it is always wise to seek competent and experienced legal representation even when the accident seems insignificant. If you are unsure of what to do to protect yourself, contact the personal injury counsel at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP.