Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident in West Valley City?
In West Valley City, Utah, legal representation isn’t required after a collision. But in many situations, the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer can be beneficial.
Although having an attorney in your corner doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome in an accident case, it does increase the odds. A legal professional can investigate the crash, gather evidence of the other driver’s negligence and handle negotiations with insurance adjusters on your behalf. All of this can have a significant impact, allowing you to focus on physical recovery while a skilled professional protects your rights.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to seek legal representation is yours to make. But if you’re on the fence about getting a lawyer for a car accident, here are a few questions to consider.
Who Was at Fault for the Car Accident?
Utah is a no-fault state when it comes to collisions and their resulting damages. But this doesn’t mean fault is unimportant.
No matter who is responsible for a car accident, anyone injured must make an initial claim for compensation with their own insurance provider. State law requires all drivers to carry at least $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, but if that’s exhausted, injured parties can pursue a claim for compensation against the at-fault motorist.
Additionally, Utah applies a modified comparative fault method to collisions, and state law allows accident victims to file a claim or lawsuit even if they are partially liable. Recoverable damages are reduced by their percentage of fault – and you can expect insurance adjusters to suggest that the responsibility was largely yours. With an experienced car accident lawyer, however, any negligence allocated to you should accurately reflect your share of blame.
Were You Seriously Injured in the Collision?
Sometimes, a car accident in West Valley City, Utah, results in minor injuries or no harm at all. In that situation, hiring an attorney may not be necessary.
However, after a collision it is essential to seek medical attention. When you’re stressed, adrenaline and endorphins can mask pain and other symptoms – so, you could be unaware that you have an injury. Damage to internal organs, head trauma, torn ligaments, back pain and other afflictions can occur in even minor collisions. Prompt treatment may be critical to avert life-threatening troubles.
In terms of recovery, serious injuries are generally more complicated – and more expensive – to treat. With that in mind, if you have suffered extreme harm in a collision caused by someone else, you would be wise to be represented by a seasoned car accident lawyer. An attorney will not only be able to determine the comprehensive impact of your injuries and the damages involved – they will fight for every single dollar you deserve.
Do You Know How to Calculate Your Damages?
Damages, or losses sustained due to another person’s negligence, can be economic -easy to document – or they can be non-economic, difficult to quantify.
As a victim in a West Valley City collision, you may seek compensation for losses you sustained following the event. A skilled car accident lawyer can assist you with this task, fighting to recover the full amount you’re owed. Economic damages might include the following:
- Past, ongoing and future medical expenses
- Lost income, spent sick time and used vacation days
- Loss of future income or loss of earning capacity
- Property damage, either repair costs or the fair market value
- Household services, such as cleaning, cooking or childcare
As for non-economic damages resulting from a car accident, a lawyer may recommend that you pursue compensation for the following:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment in day-to-day pursuits
- Loss of consortium, meaning loss of companionship or affection
- Mobility impairments, significant scarring or another form of disfigurement
Without legal guidance, you may not realize the extent of compensation you may be entitled to after a collision. For an accurate assessment of your current damages and the losses you are likely to experience as time goes on, you need to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Are You Familiar with the Legal Process?
In Utah, most collision-related claims end with a settlement. But getting to that point can be challenging – and time isn’t on your side.
If the insurance adjusters refuse to settle for a fair amount, you might be forced to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you’re owed. Under Utah law, the statute of limitations is four years for an injury claim and three years for a property damage lawsuit. The clock starts ticking the date of the collision, and time is needed for negotiations. An accomplished car accident lawyer can make that process easier, as insurance adjusters are often more reasonable when they know someone is willing to take the matter to court. And in the event a settlement isn’t reached, an attorney can file a claim with the proper court, prepare the case for trial and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
The professional team at Cockayne Law has extensive experience with collision-related claims, and you can count on us to protect your rights. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled car accident lawyer serving West Valley City, Utah, contact our law office today.
