If you believed everything you see on television or in the movies, you’d think that everyone who gets into a car accident has to file a lawsuit. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you think about it, thousands of people get into accidents in New York every year. There’s no way the court system could handle lawsuits filed by all of these people. The truth is, a car accident victim will likely be paid by the insurance company or find a way to settle their claim with the insurance company.
While it is possible – and perfectly legal – to handle your own accident claim, it’s not always the best idea. If you don’t retain a Buffalo, New York car accident lawyer, you could find yourself in a difficult position. Insurance companies simply don’t take people seriously – they take lawyers seriously. They’re not going to negotiate fairly with a car accident victim. They have no incentive to do this. If they can get you to accept a lowball settlement, they’re going to do it. All they care about is their bottom line. They’re not interested in doing what’s fair or what’s right. Thankfully, your car accident lawyer in Buffalo, New York is interested in getting you the compensation you deserve.
And just because you hire a car accident lawyer does not mean you’re necessarily going to have to file a car accident lawsuit. Sometimes, hiring an attorney means a lot more than filing suits. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They can fight to get medical treatment authorized by the insurance company. And if need be, then yes, they will file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf.
Most Cases are Settled with the Insurance Company
For the most part, car accident cases are settled with the insurance company. Unless it’s obvious that you were at fault, the insurance adjuster knows they owe you something. They may not agree that their driver was completely at fault. However, they may realize that you were the least responsible party. That means they understand they’re going to have to pay something.
Your attorney’s job is to try to get you the compensation you deserve. They know what your damages are. They’re not going to encourage you to accept a settlement for less than what you deserve. While they understand that you may not get as much as you’d like, they also understand that you can’t take less than a certain amount. Generally speaking, you need to receive at least enough to make sure you’re made whole. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be in a much worse position than you were in before the accident happened. This is why your attorney will never accept – or urge you to accept – a lowball settlement offer. And, more importantly, they’re not intimidated by the insurance company.
We Help Car Accident Victims
If you are a car accident victim, you should call a skilled Buffalo, NY car accident law firm right away. While there is no law that says you have to do this, it’s still in your best interest to do so. Having an attorney by your side helps in so many ways. This is why you should call and schedule your free initial consultation right away. You can sit down with an experienced attorney who will answer any questions you might have. More importantly, they’re going to work hard to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking legal action.
The great thing about meeting with an attorney for a free consultation is that you get the advice you desperately need. Some of the information you need to bring with you for your first meeting include:
- A copy of your accident report
- Any pictures you have of the accident, your car, or your injuries
- Any medical records related to the car accident
- Copies of any medical bills
- Receipts for any repairs that were made to your car
- Any correspondence that you’ve received from the other driver, their attorney or the insurance company
This information will give your Buffalo car accident lawyer get an idea of what your case entails. This way, they can give you an honest opinion about how strong your case really is. They can also let you know what your case may be worth. Since the consultation is free, you don’t have anything to lose. And, you don’t pay a dime until you settle your case.
