Pennsylvania road crashes lead to countless individuals being admitted to the ER annually. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2022 alone, there were 13 crashes every hour, and every day, three people suffered fatal wounds in a road accident. The number of injuries is equally astonishing, with approximately 184 persons suffering injuries in road accidents every day.
With such high figures, it’s best to stay prepared. Prepared in the sense that you should know what steps to take if you ever find yourself a victim of a car accident. That said, one of the questions most Pennsylvania car accident victims ask themselves is whether they need help from a personal injury attorney.
In this article, we will discuss the roles of a personal injury attorney and what to look for if you decide to hire one.
Why You May Need an Attorney After an Auto Accident
It’s no secret that 85% to 90% of all road crashes in the US involve some driver error. And the Keystone State is no exception. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation alludes to overspeeding being the state’s most prevalent cause of road accidents, accounting for over 25,000 crashes in 2022 alone. Other contributing factors include intoxication (over 7,000 crashes), distracted driving (over 11,000 crashes), and tailgating (over 5,000 crashes).
As you can see, all these underlying car accidents allude to negligence. They are forms of reckless driving that put other road users at risk. You are entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit as a victim.
However, receiving compensation is easier said than done, even for minor fender benders. While you can directly engage with the at-fault drivers’ insurance, consulting a personal injury lawyer in OKC may be a better option to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How may I benefit?
Insurance agents are loyal to their employers, and their employers must make profits. The fewer payouts, the more revenue. As such, they may use devious strategies to try and get you to settle for a lower amount or even abandon the suit altogether.
But when you enlist the service of a qualified Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer, you may have a better chance at protecting yourself from such underhanded tactics. A knowledgeable attorney will have dealt with insurance agents many times. They understand how they work and what you should and shouldn’t do when seeking compensation. A personal injury lawsuit process explained by an experienced attorney helps you understand each step in detail.
Your attorney will collect evidence and attempt to build a solid case to compel the insurance company to settle the total amount you are owed. If the case proceeds to trial, your attorney will advocate on your behalf, ensuring the court is aware of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
“After an auto accident, it is best to call your attorney immediately. The earlier they start working on the case, the better. The evidence is fresh, which can go a long way in bolstering your claim.” says accident and injury Attorney Rich Godshall of Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers.
So, hiring a personal injury attorney can be helpful and relieve some stress. However, you may wonder how to find and retain the ideal lawyer with the sea of service providers out there. Here are some of the attributes to keep in mind when looking for a personal injury attorney.
Background
Personal injury law is diverse. It covers everything from car accidents to slips, falls, medical malpractice, and even animal bites. While there are jack-of-all-trade lawyers who handle all these cases, you want an attorney who focuses on car accidents. They should have a reasonable success rate of taking cases to trial as well. If you’re in Texas, a car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can provide the specialized legal assistance you need to navigate the complexities of your case.
Access to legal and financial resources
Your ideal attorney should have a team of staffers at their beck and call. It’s because car accident cases can be complex, demanding expertise from medical experts, accident reconstruction, and legal research. If the lawyer works on a contingency basis, they should have access to extensive financial resources, ideally from their firm.
Good Communication Skills
During your initial consultation, note how the attorney responds to your questions. Are they taking their time to ensure you have understood all the complex legal jargon? If so, this is good because it means they value you. Also, ask them how they intend to communicate should you officially enter an attorney-client relationship.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexities and nuances of personal injury law is crucial for anyone involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania. Engaging a well-qualified personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing rightful compensation, especially when faced with the daunting tactics of insurance companies.
As highlighted, the alarming statistics of road accidents and the myriad causes rooted in driver negligence underline the importance of legal advocacy. A specialized attorney will navigate the turbulent waters of legal proceedings, gather vital evidence, and provide expert representation to ensure your claim is robust.
By considering key attributes such as specialized background, resource access, and strong communication skills, you can find a lawyer who will stand by you throughout the entire process.
In the unfortunate event of an auto accident, timely action and informed decisions, including the choice of a qualified personal injury attorney, can make a profound difference in your recovery journey, both financially and emotionally.
