If you were involved in an accident, we understand life isn’t normal anymore. A simple pleasure may now be a chore. From sitting down to reaching up to a shelf can be difficult and most people don’t understand this.
A car accident changed your life and your priorities have shifted dramatically. You may feel like you’re defending your case to recover damages from an insurance company that has “processes.” You may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident attorney.
And it’s because you just want your normal life back. We understand and we are glad to help.
The impact of an accident is not just literal; it hurts other parts of your life. You or a loved one may now face:
- Very costly medical bills
- Pain from injuries
- Loss of work due to injuries
- Daily tasks like taking care of family can be made more difficult
The information presented below are types of cases where The Flood Law Firm has provided legal help. Our attorneys have given our clients their voice and strength back by taking over the frustrating process of maneuvering the insurance system.
We can make the process much easier. Contact us if you need help with your case so you can move on with your life.
But First, Should You File Your Own Injury Claim?
You may have considered filing your own claim. Many people mistakenly assume that insurance companies have their best interests in mind. The truth is that most auto insurance companies have lawyers who possess the experience and know-how to reduce compensation for a personal injury claim or to deny the claim completely.
Insurance companies are businesses, and as with the majority of businesses, they seek to make a profit.
You can always file your own personal injury claim, but a personal injury attorney familiar with car accidents can improve the chances of a successful recovery when going against a large auto insurance company and their team of lawyers. While you may reduce legal fees by not hiring a car accident attorney, an experienced car crash lawyer has the knowledge and expertise to act as your advocate throughout the entirety of a case and may produce a more favorable outcome.
If you’re still unsure as to whether you should hire a car accident attorney, here is some information about difficult situations where The Flood Law Firm has successfully assisted clients in getting the maximum recovery.
Auto Accident Injuries
Sustaining severe injuries in a traffic accident is a good reason to hire a car accident attorney to represent your case. However, many people struggle to determine whether their injuries qualify as “severe.”
The severity of a personal injury is determined by the following factors:
- Expected length of time for recovery from injuries.
- Type of injuries sustained from the traffic accident.
- Cost of both incurred and future medical bills and lost wages.
Long-Term or Permanently Disabling Injuries
If you have suffered a long-term or permanently disabling injury, it most likely qualifies as a “severe” injury. In general, a long-term injury takes a year or more to recover from; on the other hand, a permanent injury may be disabling for life. Permanently disabling injuries often impact the ability of the individual to become and/or remain employed. In many cases, these types of personal injuries have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Disputed Liability
Most insurance companies will resort to the disputed liability tactic when possible to save money. “Disputed liability” is when an insurance company claims that either the policyholder is not at fault or not enough evidence exists to prove the policyholder is at fault. If an insurance company is successful with either claim, it will not be responsible for paying for the damages incurred.
Individuals who have a disputed liability case on their hands can turn to a car accident attorney to help them prove the policyholder was truly at fault for the traffic accident.
Refusal to Pay
Similar to the disputed liability, “refusal to pay” is when the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer. In some cases, the insurance company may refuse to make a settlement offer at all.
When an Attorney Can Help in a Car Accident Case
Those facing powerful auto insurance companies and their equally powerful lawyers need the help of an attorney to help them win their car accident case. If you’re unsure whether you need to hire an attorney, here are a few ways a lawyer can help in a car accident case.
Lawyers Do the Hard Work
Many individuals fail to file a personal injury lawsuit in the first place because of all the work that is involved. Without the help of an attorney, not only will you have to do the work all on your own, but it will likely take you twice as long because of your lack of experience and expertise. On the other hand, if you hire an attorney, he or she will do all the legal legwork in half the time it would take you. That way, you can focus on recovering physically and mentally from the accident.
No Upfront Costs
The Flood Law Firm accepts cases on a “contingency-fee” arrangement which is common across the country. This gives an individual immediate access to a lawyer, and there are no fees unless a recovery, such as a monetary settlement or verdict, was made on your behalf.
If we do not recover for you favorably, you owe us nothing.
Knowledge of Law and Procedural Rules
A personal injury attorney has the knowledge of relevant law and procedural rules to represent you well in court and boost your chances of winning the car accident case. For example, a car accident attorney can advise you about relevant statutes of limitations so that you are not barred from filing a lawsuit. In the state of Connecticut, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the car accident.
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side will help even the playing field. The last thing you want is to go against a powerful insurance company and an entire team of lawyers on your own.
Choosing a Car Accident Attorney
Just as in all matters, all attorneys are not the same. While you will come across attorneys who are perfect for the job, you will also come across attorneys who you are better off without. To ensure you make the best choice, here are a few tips that will help you choose a law firm to handle your car accident claim.
- Investigate the practice of the personal injury lawyer. Many people mistakenly believe any lawyer will be able to help them with their car accident case. There are many lawyers who may do divorce law or criminal law as well but will be glad to handle your case. Finding a firm that strictly handles personal injury claims, such as The Flood Law Firm, is ideal.
- Evaluate the attorney’s experience. It is sometimes said that, “all knowledge comes from experience.” In law, this axiom is definitely true. To improve your chances of winning your case, look for a car accident attorney who has the experience to back up his or her claims.
- Schedule an appointment. Before you hire a car accident attorney, you should meet with him or her at least once. Not only do you want to ensure the attorney has the expertise necessary to represent your case, but you also want to ensure he or she will take the time to address your questions and concerns.
Contact a Connecticut Auto Accident Attorney
Here at The Flood Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to helping the people of Connecticut receive the compensation they deserve after a traffic accident that results in injury or fatality.
If you would like to discuss your situation with our firm, you can have a consultation with one of our lawyers at no charge. Our ultimate goal is to advocate for your well-being so that you can enjoy peace of mind. You may contact us at The Flood Law Firm at (860) 346-2695 to find out how we may be able to help.
