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Should You Settle Your Car Accident Case On Your Own?

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It is a well-known fact that the vast majority of car accident cases settle without either party ever setting foot in a courtroom, leaving many car accident victims to wonder whether they need to hire an attorney to represent them.

While it certainly is possible and permissible for accident victims to represent themselves in settlement negotiations after an accident, doing so runs the risk of giving up certain legal rights, accidentally admitting liability for the accident, or accepting a settlement offer that does not adequately compensate them for the accident in which they were involved. For this reason, it is highly advisable for you to retain a attorney to represent you in settlement negotiations after an accident. Some of the specific ways that a attorney will help you are detailed below.

Your Attorney Will Communicate With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

One of the most important functions of a attorney after an accident is to communicate with other parties involved on your behalf. Not only does this allow you focus on your recovery, but it also will ensure that you do not say or do anything that the insurance company may use as evidence that you were at fault for your accident or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim that they are.

Your Attorney Will Determine the Value of Your Case

There is no way to know if a settlement offer made by an insurance company is reasonable without knowing how much your case may be worth at trial. If you are like most accident victims, you have not spent a lot of time determining the value of car accident cases in your jurisdiction. It is important to understand that people who are hurt by the negligence of others can recover for a wide variety of damages, including future losses and the losses associated with physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can be difficult to determine.

When you retain an attorney, he or she will conduct a thorough analysis of your losses and ensure that any settlement you accept is adequate. If the insurance company is unwilling to make a reasonable settlement offer, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf in order to work to get you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Call a Gainesville Car Accident Attorney Today to Retain Legal Counsel

If you have been involved in a Gainesville auto accident that resulted in property damage or injury, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call Meldon Law today at 800-373-8000 or contact us online.

  1. LII / Legal Information Institute – Settlement
  2. Wikipedia – Pain and suffering
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