Millions of car accidents are reported in the US every year. Some accidents cause unprecedented damage, and more often than not, victims don’t get the settlement or compensation they deserve. Since Idaho is a tort state, the at-fault driver is liable for your losses after a car crash. Instead of filing a claim with your insurer (which you would typically do in a no-fault state), you can file a third-party claim with their insurer. While not mandatory by law, you should consider hiring an Idaho car accident attorney to maximize your settlement. How does an attorney make a difference? In this post, we are sharing some basic aspects worth knowing.
Investigation, fault, and liability
It is common for accident victims and drivers to assume that the other party was at fault. However, winning a persona injury settlement requires evidence. At a time when you are dealing with the aftermath of the car crash, you may miss out on key things. When you hire an attorney, they will investigate the crash and ensure that your case is strong enough to be pursued. For that, an accident attorney may –
- Talk to your doctors and other medical experts about your injuries
- Get a copy of the police report
- Talk to witnesses and gather statements
- Collect evidence from the accident scene when possible
- Review your case file to determine the extent of losses
Unless there is evidence or key proof that indicates the other driver’s fault, winning a settlement is going to be hard.
Working with the insurance company
The insurance representative will typically press you for a statement soon after the crash. If you say anything wrong or apologize for your action, they may use it against you. Hiring an attorney is your only way to avoid direct communication with the insurance company. Experienced attorneys know what it takes to investigate the case, and they can negotiate better on your behalf. If the settlement offered by the insurance claims adjuster is less than what you deserve, your lawyer can file an accident lawsuit in court.
You know that an attorney is in your favor because they won’t charge a fee unless and until you win a settlement. This is called the contingency fee arrangement. Your lawyer will ensure that your settlement covers your losses and injuries to the best possible extent. Just do your homework right before hiring an accident attorney.
