Yes, it is recommended to have a lawyer on your side for a car accident if you are not at fault. A Seattle car accident lawyer will fight for you as you try to recover from the incident. They can negotiate an insurance settlement for you or even bring your auto accident case to trial if necessary.
Partnering with a Lawyer for a Car Accident if You are Not at Fault Allows You to Focus on Your Recovery
Ultimately, it pays to have a lawyer for a car accident if you are not to blame. It allows you to put your health and well-being front and center. Your attorney handles your legal matters as you take care of yourself in the aftermath of your accident.
An auto accident can lead to serious injuries and property damage. While your lawyer helps you get compensated for your losses, you can go to a doctor and care for your injuries. Meanwhile, if your car was damaged, you can bring it to a mechanic to have it repaired. If your car is totaled, you can find a replacement.
Puget Law Group has more than 150 years of combined experience on our team. Allow our Seattle personal injury lawyers to help you recover compensatory damages after your auto collision. Schedule a free case consultation with us to learn more.
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You Need an Attorney to Prove that an Auto Accident Was Not Your Fault
Following an auto collision, you may need an attorney to prove you are not to blame for your car crash. For instance, you are involved in a car accident caused by another driver. After the incident, the other driver blamed you. It is your word against what this motorist says, and you have no idea how to disprove the driver’s argument.
Hiring a lawyer for a car accident in which you are not at fault helps you stand up to a motorist who argues you are responsible. A car accident lawyer also helps you submit your compensation request under state law.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) limits the time frame for requesting damages. Per RCW 4.16.080, you have three years from the date of an injury to seek compensation from a liable party. Thankfully, your lawyer will submit your claim promptly.
Let a Lawyer Negotiate with an Insurance Company on Your Behalf
An auto collision lawyer knows how difficult it is to negotiate with insurance companies. It pays to have a lawyer for a car accident if you are not liable since they will speak with an insurance carrier for you. Your attorney positions you to get an insurance settlement that matches your expectations.
Insurance companies will do everything possible to avoid compensating auto accident victims and their families. Your attorney can assist you if an insurer contests your compensation request or offers a lowball settlement. They will clarify to an insurer that your claim is valid and that you should be compensated fairly.
If an insurance company offers a settlement, you can review it with your lawyer. You and your attorney can weigh a proposal’s pros and cons. If a settlement is less than you deserve, decline it. Next, your lawyer may bring your case to trial.
A Lawyer is a Must-Have if You Take Your Car Accident Case in Front of a Judge or Jury
In terms of why you need a lawyer for an auto crash that was not your fault, consider what will happen if you go to trial without legal representation. The defendant and their attorney will commit substantial time and resources to their case. They could compel the court to rule against you. At this point, you are solely responsible for your auto accident losses.
A car accident lawyer can discuss what a personal injury appellate victory means and other topics relating to your case. Your lawyer gathers evidence and crafts an argument. They ensure you do not have to go to trial alone.
During your trial, your lawyer protects your best interests and legal rights. They question witnesses and argue why you should be compensated for the harm you have suffered. If they succeed, you will get the compensation you need to recover financially from your auto collision.
An Attorney Can Explain That You are in No Way Liable for an Auto Accident
There are times when the defendant in an auto accident case claims the plaintiff is partially responsible. If a judge or jury agrees, the plaintiff may receive partial damages. This is due to Chapter 4.22 RCW: contributory fault in Washington State.
In Washington, you may be awarded a fraction of the damages you request if you are in any way to blame for an auto accident. For example, if the court rules you are 99% responsible for an auto crash, you may get 1% of the damages you sought. A lawyer helps you avoid this scenario and similar ones. To do so, they focus on proving that a liable party was negligent.
Your lawyer can highlight how the party responsible for your auto accident had a legal obligation to avoid careless or reckless acts and violated this legal obligation. In addition, they can show that this party’s actions led to your accident, and you suffered losses. With this approach, your attorney may prove negligence, which could prompt the court to award full damages.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Get a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
The team at Puget Law Group encourages you to seek legal help as soon as you can following an auto accident. If you are considering hiring a lawyer for a car accident that was not your fault or are ready to do so, we are here for you.
Learn why we were designated a Seattle Times silver medal personal injury law firm in the Pacific Northwest Request a free case consultation with us to get started.
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