You can file a car accident lawsuit without an attorney in most states, but it’s not recommended. These cases can get complicated quickly, especially if you have suffered extensive damages and severe injuries or if there is any dispute in liability.
Instead, it is often in your best interests to work with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer.
When Your Future Depends on a Settlement, Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Without an Attorney Is a Bad Idea
Several questions are likely to be disputed when you file a car accident lawsuit without representation. Countering these arguments requires experience and a thorough knowledge of the relevant statutes and prior landmark verdicts.
If your injuries are extensive enough to qualify for a lawsuit in Utah, they may have far-reaching repercussions. Your settlement may make all the difference to your future comfort and peace of mind. The larger the settlement you may be able to claim, the more likely you will be to encounter opposition.
When your financial future depends on a substantial settlement, even the most impartial sources will recommend getting a lawyer. While you can file a car accident lawsuit without an attorney, it is not always a wise course of action.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
Examples of Areas Where a Lawyer Will Benefit Your Case
Before we examine specific reasons why you should not file a car accident lawsuit without an attorney, it is worth knowing that lawyers are not the only ones to give this advice. Few companies are as well-versed in the personal finance struggles ordinary people face.
It advises people to hire a lawyer when cases are complicated, specifically citing disputes over fault and severe damage as characteristics that call for legal assistance and advice. To illustrate this, we have summed up some of the ways a car accident lawyer helps you.
An Attorney Helps Resolve Disputes Regarding Fault
Car accidents are not always straightforward. More than one party may be liable. In addition, drivers with personal injury claims may share some degree of fault. In defining personal injury in Utah, it is important to note that if you are found more than 50% liable, you cannot claim.
If, for example, you are found to be 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%. This presents a motivation for defendants to argue that you were partly or mostly at fault for your accident. When pitted against a defendant’s attorneys, laypeople are less likely to win the argument.
A personal injury lawyer will investigate your case, seeking evidence to show that you are eligible for compensation. To this end, they may even use accident reconstruction specialists as expert witnesses. With the right legal team to back you up, you have a far better chance of a fair assessment of your role in the accident.
An Attorney Knows How to Value Your Damages and Justify Your Claim
Your lawyer will evaluate your case, informing you whether it is worth suing after a car accident. They will know how to assess your losses and determine the right amount of compensatory damages to claim. When they file, they will already have supporting information to justify the settlement they will seek on your behalf.
If you try to file a car accident lawsuit without an attorney, you may undervalue your damages. You may struggle to gather and present the evidence showing why you are entitled to certain amounts, ultimately receiving far less than you deserve.
Your lawyer can make a huge difference to your settlement. Siegfried & Jensen has recovered as much as $10 million in a single car accident case.
Your Car Accident Attorney Knows How to Negotiate With Insurance Companies
When you file a claim, insurance companies will inevitably respond with counteroffers and queries. An experienced lawyer will know how to respond without jeopardizing your settlement. You will know what their strategy is, but you need not concern yourself with the details of the process.
In some instances, a defendant’s insurance company may offer a settlement worth your consideration, and your lawyer will advise you on whether you should settle your personal injury claim out of court. If offers are not worth accepting, your attorney will advise you to allow a court to decide.
Strong Courtroom Experience Benefits Your Case
Handling a courtroom battle requires thorough preparation and strategic thinking. Your attorney has the experience needed to provide professional representation and present a strong case. Although this adds to the time you must wait before receiving any settlement that is granted, a little patience may be all that’s needed to win a worthwhile settlement.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Without an Attorney Will Be Stressful
Quite apart from the fact that there are many pitfalls that may lead to you receiving less compensation than you may otherwise win, filing a car accident lawsuit without an attorney is stressful. At a time when you or a family member has been injured, you are likely to find the process stressful and overly demanding.
A car accident attorney and their team can prepare all the complex paperwork, gather all the supporting evidence, and deal with all the heavy lifting. This gives you time to recover, work on getting your life back on track, and spend time with your family.
At the same time, your attorney is there for you when you need to discuss your concerns or need advice. Knowing that you have a qualified person working on your case will help alleviate your worry. You will also have a clear picture of what outcomes are likely to be, limiting uncertainties.
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Call on Siegfried & Jensen to Advocate for You
Although you can file a car accident lawsuit without an attorney, you are likely to recover a far better settlement with our help. At Siegfried & Jensen, we prioritize you, fighting for every dollar you deserve as an accident victim.
We will gladly evaluate your case at no cost and do not require payment upfront for our services. You will only pay us if we win, and we will strive to recover more than you may have expected or could have hoped to gain without our assistance. Reserve your case evaluation to find out more.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
