Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

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Although you may not have been at fault when a traffic accident occurred, you should still consider getting a car accident lawyer, especially if you are looking to recover compensation from the at fault driver who caused the accident. Recovering compensation from the at-fault party or their insurer sounds like it would be straightforward. However, a personal injury lawyer can help you when the process becomes complicated or when you are offered a low settlement.

How the Insurance Claims Process Gets Complicated

The insurance claims process is notoriously complicated. Even when you have a clear-cut case, the insurer may try to lowball you with an initial settlement offer or drag out the claims process to frustrate you into taking a lower settlement. An experienced car crash lawyer will be familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize the amount of money they pay out, and can help you negotiate a fair out of court settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

If you have been seriously injured in a car wreck that was not your fault, it is definitely worth considering seeking legal counsel to help with the insurance claims process. With their knowledge, they can help ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

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Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

Have you been injured in an accident? Get help from the experienced lawyers at The Kryder Law Group.

When you decide to file an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurer because they caused the crash, their insurer will work to determine if their policyholder is actually the responsible party for the accident. During this process, the insurer may:

  1. Decide their policyholder is not responsible for the crash
  2. Decide you were partially liable for the accident
  3. Determine that your claim is covered, but the insurance adjusters may look for ways to lower the value of your claim

Even though an insurance company is supposed to help accident victims, insurance companies are also businesses. In the process of protecting their policyholders, they are also looking to protect their profits. The insurance company may try to find ways to minimize the value of the claims they receive. For your case, this means the insurer may try to offer you a settlement that is far lower than what you are entitled to seek. They may even deny your claim and tell you to make a claim against your own insurance policy.

This tactic is one reason why you should consider hiring a lawyer when the auto accident was not your fault. When you decide to hire a lawyer after a collision, they can take over your case and handle all insurance-related matters. This service includes the following:

Intervene if Your Claim Was Denied

If the insurance company says their policyholder was not liable for the crash, your lawyer can help you gather evidence to help refute the insurer’s claims. Examples of this type of evidence may include:

  • The police report
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance footage
  • Photos of the accident scene or damage to your vehicle

Your lawyer will work to prove that the other driver was actually at fault for causing the accident, which will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Step in if You Are Blamed for the Accident

If the insurance adjuster claims you were partially liable for the crash, your lawyer will help decide if this is an accurate claim. They can also help determine if the percentage of fault that has been assigned to you is correct. Remember, even if you did play a role in causing the accident, you could still be entitled to recover compensation.

According to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, drivers are permitted to pursue compensation in an accident as long as the other driver was more at fault for the accident. This means that you could share a small percentage of the blame but still recover some form of compensation for your losses.

Negotiate with the Adjuster if Your Claim Is Undervalued

In the event the insurance adjuster undervalues your claim, your lawyer can negotiate with the adjuster until a fair agreement is reached. While this can delay the processing of your claim, you could walk away with a fair amount. Your lawyer can use evidence of your accident-related losses to demonstrate the value of your claim. Accident related losses that may increase the value of your claim include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages and future lost income, if applicable
  • Property damage costs
  • Pain and suffering

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why it is worth considering getting an auto accident attorney. In fact, it could be one of the most important decisions you make after being involved in an accident. With the help of a lawyer, you can rest assured that your interests are protected throughout the claims process, which could result in a fair outcome for your case.

 

Other Ways You Can Benefit from Retaining a Car Accident Lawyer

In addition to helping with the insurance claims process, a lawyer will also be able to assist you in the event you need to file a personal injury lawsuit. You might need to consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you were unable to recover fair compensation through an insurance settlement with their insurance company.

If a driver had insufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages from their insurance company or they were not carrying any auto insurance, a lawyer could help you file a lawsuit against them. This action may allow you to seek some compensation for your costs. Although the lawsuit process is a bit more complex than the insurance claims process with an insurance company, it may be the route you have to take if you are trying to hold the driver financially liable for your injuries and losses.

It is recommended that you consult a law firm soon after the accident. The State of Illinois limits the time you have to file a lawsuit. According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you only have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action.

 

The Kryder Law Group, LLC Can Help You if You Were Involved in a Car Accident


If you were recently involved in a car wreck in Chicago that you did not cause and want to learn more about why you should get a lawyer, you can call a team member from The Kryder Law Group, LLC. Relieve yourself of some of the legal burden of your claim especially while you seek medical attention for injuries you might have sustained. When you call for a free case review to discuss your case, you will get:

  • A free evaluation of your case
  • An honest assessment of your legal options
  • An evaluation of the insurance available to you from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company
  • An estimate of how long your case may take and what it might be worth
  • The opportunity to ask any questions you have about the accident or the claims process

You will not be under any obligation to retain our law firm after this consultation. We understand that you need time to make this decision, which is why we do not pressure our clients into hiring us. We want you to feel confident in your decision before moving forward. Call today to get started on protecting your rights and interests by having a conversation with an experienced car accident attorney.

The Kryder Law Group, LLC represents car accidents victims in Chicago and the surrounding areas who were not at fault for the crash. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience handling all types of car crash claims, so we know what it takes to help our clients get the best possible outcome for their case.

You may be able to seek compensation for damages in a lawsuit when you have been seriously injured through no fault of your own including:

  • Medical bills and medical expenses
  • Lost wages and future lost income, if applicable
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage costs
  • Punitive damages, in some cases

To learn more about our firm and how our car accident lawyers can help you, call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free legal consultation.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

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