3 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Before Filing a Claim

Minnesota follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Many drivers mistakenly assume that if they file a PIP claim against their own insurance provider, their claim will not be disputed. Unfortunately, your insurance company has incentive to deny and undervalue your claim—even if you’ve been a reliable policyholder and you’ve always paid your premiums on time.

The claims process becomes even more complicated if you bring a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Even if you feel confident in the strength of your case, it is a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney to help you understand the relevant laws and avoid costly mistakes. A car accident lawyer can also help you gather evidence, negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf, and litigate your case if it goes to trial.

Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer if you were hurt in a collision:

1. To Handle the Logistics of Your Claim 

Building a successful personal injury claim often requires a tremendous amount of time and effort as well as a comprehensive understanding of the law. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to interview eyewitnesses, obtain statements from accident reconstruction experts, and subpoena various parties for essential evidence. Your attorney can handle those tasks while you focus on your health. 

2. To Leverage Your Attorney’s Settlement Negotiation Experience 

You should expect the insurance adjuster to use proven strategies to reduce the amount of compensation the insurance company has to pay out. An experienced injury attorney who understands those strategies can level the playing field and make sure you are treated fairly during settlement negotiations. 

3. To Avoid Critical Mistakes 

One mistake at any stage of the claims process could jeopardize your entire case. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls such as:

• Missing important deadlines;
• Overlooking valuable evidence;
• Making recorded statements;
• Accepting a low settlement offer;
• Accepting a settlement before you know the extent of your injuries; or
• Discussing your case on social media.

Making these mistakes not only could reduce the amount of compensation you ultimately recover but also could delay your proceedings. An experienced attorney can take steps to increase the likelihood of recovering a fair settlement without going to trial, thus reducing the stress on you and your family. 

Discuss Your Case with a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer Today! 

The strategic legal team at Bradshaw & Bryant is committed to providing tenacious and compassionate legal counsel to accident victims throughout Minnesota. We combine the personalized attention of a small firm with the resources of a large practice. Call 320-259-5414 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis.