Why Hire a Lawyer After an Auto Accident in Taylorsville, Utah?
After an auto accident, many people in Taylorsville, Utah, question whether they truly need legal representation. Some think their insurance provider will look out for them, while others worry that hiring an auto accident lawyer would be too expensive. Neither is true, and these sorts of false assumptions can significantly affect the outcome of a claim for damages.
If you’ve been involved in a collision and another driver was at fault, speaking with an attorney is in your best interest – and having an experienced legal professional in your corner may be essential to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Here’s why.
You May Have Serious Injuries
Auto accidents can result in minor injuries or serious trauma, and in some cases, victims aren’t immediately aware they’ve been hurt. The stress of the situation can cause an adrenaline rush, temporarily masking the sensation of pain. In addition, physical and mental afflictions that seem minor at first can worsen as time goes on.
For these reasons, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a collision is of the utmost importance. In the event you have a significant injury, an auto accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf for the maximum monetary compensation.
Your Losses May Be Substantial
The costs of a severe injury – financial and otherwise – can be astronomical. Victims may be entitled to compensation, but recovering full damages for injuries resulting from a collision can be quite difficult without an attorney. Insurance adjusters aren’t there to help, as it’s their job to settle claims for as little as possible.
A skilled auto accident lawyer can pursue every potential avenue of compensation that applies to your case. This could include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment and loss of consortium
Other damages may be recoverable as well, depending on the particulars of the collision and the nature of your injuries. In any case, a seasoned auto accident lawyer can account for all compensable losses and fight for the full amount you’re owed.
You May Be Blamed for the Accident
Many claims related to Taylorsville auto accidents involve the typical situation of two drivers colliding. Often, one of the drivers is at fault for the collision, and their insurance provider is responsible for paying the victim for the damages incurred. However, in some cases, the victim faces accusations of fault from the other party.
If the at-fault driver says you caused the collision, you’ll need evidence refuting this idea. Your ability to recover full compensation hinges on proof of another party’s fault, and an experienced auto accident lawyer can help you build a persuasive case.
Your Claim Could Be Complicated
Not every Taylorsville auto accident is a simple matter of one liable driver and one or more victims. Claims become complex when victims are found to be partially at fault, as that affects the amount of payout. Also, the path to compensation is more difficult to navigate when parties other than another driver are involved.
If your claim concerns any of the following, you may need a top-notch auto accident lawyer to ensure the best outcome:
- A semi-truck, delivery van or other commercial vehicle, as that may mean taking legal action against both the at-fault driver and their employer
- Dangerous roadways, because you may need to pursue compensation from the government entity responsible for road maintenance
- Defective vehicles, being that compensation for your losses may need to come through a product liability claim against the manufacturer
- A drunk driver, as you may have a claim against them and the bar or restaurant that served them too much alcohol under Utah’s dram shop laws
As we mentioned, too, auto accident victims may be found to be partially at fault – and in that situation, compensation may be reduced proportionally. So, if you’re concerned about being blamed for the collision, hiring an attorney would be a smart move.
You Can’t Trust Insurance Adjusters
Anytime a representative from an insurance company calls, auto accident victims are wise to be cautious about what they say. While insurance adjusters seem to be friendly, helpful people, their goal isn’t to be of assistance – it’s to pay out as little as possible or, better yet, to pay victims nothing at all.
You could chat with an adjuster, but your words will be scrutinized for inconsistencies. Anything you say may be used as a reason to devalue or deny your claim. As such, it’s best to let an experienced auto accident lawyer deal with the insurance company.
Contact a Taylorsville Auto accident lawyer Today
Accident claims can be complicated, and you need fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. At Cockayne Law, we always fight for the rights of the injured, and we pursue the maximum in monetary compensation for each of our clients. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted auto accident lawyer in Taylorsville, Utah, contact our law office today.
