Have you have been injured in a car accident that you believe was caused by a negligent or distracted driver? If so, one of your first steps should be to get counsel from a Memphis car accident lawyer. Your ability to get the medical care and treatment you need to recover from your injuries, as well as recover lost wages and pay for vehicle replacement or repair, depends on the ability to substantiate your claim. Having an experienced lawyer on your side will greatly improve your chances of proving fault and being successful in pursuing fair and just compensation for your injuries.
MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS
According to crash statistics from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, 78,767 people were involved in vehicle-related crashes in Shelby County during 2014, each of which involved at least $400 dollars’ worth of damage. Of those accident victims, 8,239 sustained possible injuries, 2,251 suffered non-incapacitating injuries, 680 received injuries that left them incapacitated, and 114 lost their lives. Another 2,656 people sustained unknown injuries.
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Memphis or the surrounding areas, the following are five of the reasons you need a car accident lawyer:
GAIN AN AGGRESSIVE ADVOCATE WHO HAS YOUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is not on your side, regardless of how friendly or helpful its insurance adjuster or representative may appear. As soon as the insurance company receives a claim seeking damages, its only objective is to negotiate the lowest possible settlement.
In some instances, this is achieved by offering a quick payoff in the hopes you will sign away any right to pursue further legal action. Other insurance companies may attempt to use more forceful or coercive tactics to avoid having to pay the full value of a claim.
Car accident victims should always refuse to sign insurance documents and not agree to any settlement amount without first speaking with a lawyer. You will have an aggressive advocate on your side who not only has your best interests in mind, but who also has the skills necessary to deal effectively with the insurance company.
PURSUE THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION WITH HELP OF LEGAL COUNSEL
Insurance companies rarely provide victims with the information they need to maximum the value of their claim. Those victims who choose to represent themselves, or who opt to work directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, rather than hire a lawyer, will often receive a settlement much lower than what will fully pay for medical expenses, car repairs, loss of income and other accident-related costs.
With the help of legal counsel, you will be better equipped to assess your current and future losses. This will allow you to determine the damages you may be eligible to seek, as well as the potential insurance sources through which you could maximize your claim.
GET ASSISTANCE ASSESSING THE TRUE VALUE OF YOUR CLAIM
When you are not fully aware of the long-term ramifications of your injuries, determining the true value of your claim can be difficult. In situations such as this, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to persuade you that you are only eligible for specific damages. These tactics can make you more inclined to accept a lower settlement offer than fight for what you are rightfully owed.
Following an investigation and review of your case, a skilled Memphis car accident lawyer can assist you with assessing the true value of your claim. Accident reports, photographs, and testimony from medical experts, as well a variety of other legal resources, can be called on to assist in substantiating your claim and documenting the economic and non-economic damages for which you are seeking compensation.
HELP YOU SEEK THE HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE YOU DESERVE
Your recovery is dependent on the speed at which you seek medical attention following the accident, as well as the quality of care you receive. While not all accident victims will be able to enjoy the quality of life they did prior to a car accident, many will be able to go on living happy, healthy lives provided they get high-quality medical care.
Your future health could be jeopardized if you are unable to receive treatment from highly skilled medical professionals, gain access to the most advanced treatment facilities, and benefit from top-of-the-line rehabilitation programs. Legal representation plays a critical role in your ability to seek the damages necessary to cover the costs related to the high-quality medical care you deserve.
FIGHT FOR YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS WHILE YOU CONCENTRATE ON YOUR RECOVERY
As an accident victim, your focus should be on recovering from your injuries, not on the legal aspects of your case. You do not need to get involved in negotiating a settlement with representatives from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You should not be worrying about whether your medical expenses, rehabilitation, car repairs, or your lost income from work will be recovered through an insurance settlement.
When you hire an accomplished car accident lawyer, he or she will investigate your case, gather the evidence necessary to prove fault, and fight for your legal rights while you concentrate on your recovery. Even in cases where the insurance company fails to make a just offer or negotiate a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can help you to pursue compensation by taking the case to civil court for resolution.
Sources:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security: Tennessee Traffic Crash Injuries by Severity
