Accidents happen all the time. If you’ve been in an accident that led to an injury and it was not your fault, you are likely experiencing frustration, fear, and pain. The last thing you need to do is worry about how you will manage an insurance claim or what you will do if you are not offered a settlement to compensate you for your losses. This is where an accident attorney comes in. An experienced attorney can take all the stress off your shoulders and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Here is why hiring an accident attorney is crucial after you’ve been injured in an accident.

They Will Document Everything

When negotiating with an insurance agency, you need to provide documentation of the accident that supports your claim. An experienced lawyer will have the resources and knowledge needed to access evidence like police reports, photos or videos, eyewitness testimonials, and medical information to ensure your claim is as solid as possible.

They Will Make Sure You File a Claim on Time

You need to file a claim within a certain amount of time after an accident. For example, in the state of Florida, you will need to file a claim within four years of an automotive, motorcycle, or truck accident. While this may sound like a long time, you could easily miss the deadline if your injuries do not become apparent until long after the accident and you do not believe you need to file. It’s imperative to talk to an accident attorney as soon as you can after an accident—regardless of whether you believe your injuries are serious or not—so you can file a claim within the statute of limitations.

They Have the Needed Knowledge and Experience

An experienced accident attorney has spent years getting to know others in the criminal justice system, working with insurance agencies, and finding out what it takes to win cases and settle claims. With this extensive knowledge and expertise by your side, you can rest easy knowing a professional will get you the compensation you deserve.

You Won’t Pay Anything Out-of-Pocket

Worried you’ll spend thousands of dollars on an attorney and not have the claim settle in your favor? Don’t. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they do not get paid until you do. An accident attorney will not charge you anything upfront and will instead take a percentage of your settlement as their fee. Make sure you ask what percentage they take and if they have any other fees before you choose one to represent you.

Finding the Right Accident Attorney

After you’ve been injured in an accident, you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. To find the right one, ask for referrals, read online reviews, and do more research on several local attorneys’ websites. You can then choose one or two attorneys to give you a free consultation during which they will review your case and answer any questions you have. By the end of your consultation, you should have a good idea of which lawyer will support you the best throughout your case.

Photo by August de Richelieu: