Holiday Car Wrecks and the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
It’s often referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year”, but the holidays aren’t quite so festive if you’re involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, this time of year often sees an increase in road accidents due to increased overall travel, bad weather conditions and, in some cases, alcohol consumption at holiday parties.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you and your family may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma and extra financial stress. This is where getting in touch with an attorney who is experienced in dealing with car accidents can be critical. Let’s break down the reasons why hiring a lawyer in the aftermath of a car accident is so important.
Determining Liability
If you’re looking to claim compensation after an accident, one of the key challenges you face is determining liability – in other words, demonstrating who is at fault for the crash. This can be complicated, especially during the holiday period when the roads are more crowded and the weather can be icy or snowy. Add to that the fact that the state of Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means that if a person is found to be even 1% liable for causing an accident, that person can’t claim compensation for their injuries. Car accident lawyers have the experience and the tools to collect evidence, analyze police reports, interview witnesses and reconstruct the events leading up to a crash. By building a strong case, they can put you in a position to ensure the best possible outcome.
Quantifying Damages
Car accident lawyers are also well-versed in quantifying damages – determining the amount of compensation you should receive (and for what reasons). They work closely with medical professionals to assess the extent of your physical and/or emotional injuries, both immediate and long-term. By doing so, they ensure that all of your medical expenses, including future treatments and rehabilitation, are accounted for in your claim. Attorneys will also calculate lost wages and any other expenses that have occurred (and may continue to occur) as a result of your accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be very difficult to deal with in the aftermath of a car crash. These companies are always looking to pay as little as possible, so they may try to pressure you into agreeing to a claim that is lower than what you might deserve. An attorney can advocate for you by negotiating with insurance providers to get a fair settlement. If an agreement can’t be reached, the next step may be to go to trial; your lawyer can help you understand and prepare for this process, in addition to representing you in court.
Car accidents are traumatic at any time of year, but they can be especially anxiety-inducing during the holidays. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in car crashes gives you peace of mind; you can feel confident in the knowledge that you have an expert in your corner, fighting to win you the compensation you’re owed.
If you’ve been in a car accident and you believe the other person is at fault, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.