If you’re involved in an auto accident, that caused harm to you and/or your vehicle, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney who specializes in auto accident cases. You need to make sure your rights are protected, both personally and financially, against someone else’s negligent behavior.
Here are some important reasons why hiring an attorney makes good sense.
An attorney will represent your interests.
In an accident, an insurance company will attempt to compensate victims adequately, but what they consider appropriate and what you think is an appropriate settlement amount are rarely the same. Hiring an attorney means you have a seasoned advocate protecting your interests, by ensuring fair treatment.
An attorney understands rules and deadlines.
In most states, you have a limited amount of time within which you can sue someone and be compensated for injuries, pain and suffering, and material losses. Generally, it is one to two years. An experienced auto accident attorney will know what those deadlines are, as well as other legal requirements needed to protect your interests, while also preventing you from making a move that could jeopardize your ability to sue the party responsible for your injuries.
An attorney will understand all the options available to you.
A vast majority of cases will be settled out of court, and that will involve a defendant making you an offer to compensate for your injuries. An attorney will be able to ascertain if the offer is appropriate for your circumstances, or if a higher award is warranted. In addition, the attorney will also be able to advise whether it makes sense at all to settle or to pursue a court trial.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle proudly serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland and in cities throughout the Bay Area.