Car accidents happen every day across the world and believe it or not around three million people get injured in a year. Statistics are not the best, meaning that you should always be prepared for the worst outcome, lawyer up, and have insurance. A lot of people end up suffering and dealing with permanent injuries that have to be treated the right way. Well, it is always good to act ahead and think smart. Here’s how to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer so you can make the best decision for your needs and your finances in the long run.
Can you settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?
Before you get into the legal aspects and things of your case, you should know that each scenario is different and will vary depending on circumstances. A plain and blunt answer is: sure, you can give it a go and try to make a settlement on the spot with the other party. However, pay close attention to:
- The seriousness of your injuries: do you feel well enough to carry on without involving an insurance company
- Evidence: can you build a case with the right witnesses, testimony, or supporting documents
- Proof and confession that the other driver is at fault: as long as it’s obvious that the other driver caused the accident you will have a smoother case
However, if there’s a dispute about who is at fault, or if any of these things don’t fit or sit right as they should, it is better to lawyer up.
What type of documents do you need for your case?
Do you want to make a pain and suffering claim for your specific case? If so, you will be needing the right type of documents. Aim for any type of medical records and any police reports that you can find and get your hands on. You should never let the insurance company do this for you and navigate the process since then you’re risking the outcome by allowing them to control what is relevant and what is not. Along with your demand letter, make sure that you also have:
- Medical records
- Any type of bills and receipts
- Detailed doctor’s note
- A police report
- And witness statements
If all of this sounds a bit complicated to you and you’re not too sure what to do about your case try to lawyer up and ask for help.
How working on a case without a lawyer can look like: top 6 issues that you might be facing
1. Your record statement
If you try to do the process yourself there is a high chance that your insurance claimer will tell you that you need a recorded statement for your case, which is nonsense.
There are exceptions however in which you might run into a breach of contract claim that may obligate the client to give a recorded statement. It is a ton of paperwork, not as easy to solve when you’re on your own.
2. You are asking for weird amounts (too much or too little)
Not that common, but people still tend to ask for smaller amounts of money simply because they are not familiar with the process, or its pricing system. Asking for too high amounts, on the other hand, will say that you have no clue or respect towards the insurance company, and their previous recommendation.
If you don’t know how are things valued you are risking your future settlement negotiations.
3. Your assumptions and judgment is off
You have probably seen Suits or a ton of different lawyer-themed movies or shows, and have gathered the needed knowledge for your case, right? Wrong. Law is so complex, meaning that you will have a tough time figuring out what and how to approach a case so specific and emotionally draining. On the other hand, it can vary from one state to the other. In the end, your assumptions and your judgment will probably be off.
4. Falling for the final offer
How desperately do you want to win and have proper compensation? Did you know that most insurance companies will often directly or indirectly present their proposal as their final offer? Most individuals tend to fall for this trick, making them take and accept anything that is thrown their way. When you work with an attorney who has seen and been through it all, you are also probably looking at 2-4 offers that are worth fighting for.
5. Falling for the notion
When dealing with your case and solely on your own you will be looking at cunning people who will try to deceive you. The truth is that the end goal of any insurance company is to pay for as little as possible, and they will not be fair in any way. Once you accept this you will have it easy to build a case. The truth is that you don’t need a lawyer in every car crash case, especially with some minor ones with scratches, but you will need one indestructible technique.
6. Delays
You will have a tough time making a rational decision on the spot and once the accident happens. In fact, you will probably forget to call a lawyer and will think that you have messed up the process from the get-go. However, you can always lawyer up and as your case progresses and get someone on your team. Do not stress about any delays or setbacks, they are quite common, and can be really frustrating, we know.
Where to find an amazing attorney?
If you wish to lawyer up and have someone skilled enough to work on your case, click here! You will find a ton of helpful information and details on car crashes and all the steps that you should do in your specific case. Find the best personal injury attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee, and get all the help that you may need for getting sufficient compensation.
