Why You Shouldn’t Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer

Why You Shouldn’t Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer

In a car accident, when you suffer an injury due to no fault of your own, it’s easy to assume that your medical care and other needs will be taken care of. Why? Because you have insurance, and that is what insurance is for. Right? 

A big mistake that people make, though, is thinking that the insurance company always has their best interests at heart. The reality is that insurers are deeply interested in minimizing and even denying compensation to injury victims, and insurance companies have significant resources, including trained adjusters and competent lawyers, that work to pay you as little as possible for a car accident injury. 

 

Don’t try the DIY car accident repair approach in insurance matters. 

You have enough on your plate already with your injury and all of its ramifications. You may be dealing not only with physical pain and the difficulties of even getting around; you may have mounting medical expenses and lost income due to your inability to work. Your family may be feeling the effects of your injury also. 

You shouldn’t have to deal with all of these things and also have to try to worry about whether the insurance company has offered you a sufficient settlement — one that fully covers all costs of the crash. 

The reality is that insurance companies routinely offer inadequate, low-ball settlements that do not take into account all current medical expenses, much less how the wreck will affect your future. An experienced lawyer will be sure to hold the insurance company responsible for their driver’s negligence and get the compensation you deserve. 

While you focus on healing and putting your family back on track, an experienced Lake Charles personal injury attorney can handle your accident claim, including all correspondence and negotiations with the insurance company. Whatever you do, don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster until you have spoken with a personal injury lawyer first. 

Our experienced team is here to help. Contact one of our experienced Lake Charles car accident lawyers today for a consultation.

 

Types of Property Damage 

One of the most obvious damages in a car wreck is the damage to the car itself. While people normally notice the exterior damage the most, it’s the interior damages that can be the most costly. It’s important to get your car checked out by a reputable car mechanic as soon as possible after a car accident to assess all damage to your vehicle, both inside and out. 

Torn off bumpers, crushed car panels, and blown tires are all pieces that need to be repaired expeditiously, but simple external repairs you can normally handle in time.  But things like a busted gas tank, cracked radiator, or thrown pistons can leave your car in the repair shop for some time and those repairs can be costly. 

Some other property damage to consider claiming on your lawsuit;

  • Phones
  • Laptops
  • Car seats
  • Anything stained, burned, or torn in the crash

DIY car accident repair will not cover the things that you’ve lost, and it will not save you money if you were not at fault in the accident. Call an experienced car accident lawyer at The Johnson Firm to handle your case so you can focus on healing. 

 

Getting Your Car Repaired

An insurance company may recommend a certain repair shop, but you’re allowed to use your own discretion when deciding which mechanic to use. An insurance company may challenge a non-preferred shop’s recommendations as excessive or unneeded, so be prepared for that. And make sure you request new and original parts from the manufacturer instead of refurbished parts. 

 

Call Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

When you’re in an accident, the last thing you want to do is quantify your losses. You should focus on healing and let the professionals at The Johnson Firm handle the insurance claims or potential lawsuit. Our lawyers prepare every case for trial just in case the insurance company proves difficult to work with and refuses to compensate our clients justly. 

Don’t consider DIY car accident repair when you can make those who caused your wreck pay for their own mistake. 

For more on obtaining compensation after a Lake Charles car accident, please contact The Johnson Firm Lawyers. Call us on 337.433.1414.