Yes, in many cases, it’s worth it to hire a car accident lawyer after a collision. Even if the damage seems minor, or you do not appear to be seriously injured, talking to an experienced auto accident lawyer can protect your rights. In addition, he or she can advise you as to whether or not you have a strong claim for compensation.
Even if there is disagreement about liability, Judd Shaw Injury Law’s car accident attorneys may be able to clear things up. For example, our lawyers secured a settlement of $212,000 for a motor accident victim in a disputed liability case.
Why not schedule a free case evaluation with a Judd Shaw car accident attorney to explore your legal options? Call our office at (886) 909-6894 24/7 for a free consultation, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Let’s explore the benefits of hiring a New Jersey car accident lawyer that you could miss out on if you chose to represent yourself.
New Jersey Legal Knowledge
The car accident attorneys of Judd Shaw Injury Law have an in-depth knowledge of New Jersey law. This knowledge is essential for determining fault and building strong cases that stand up in negotiations and in court if necessary.
Additionally, experienced auto accident attorneys can calculate fair damages, taking into account all the suffering you have experienced. This may account for non-economic damages as well, possibly including:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement, or;
- Loss of consortium
If you handle the insurance company yourself, you are unlikely to achieve a fair settlement. These companies want to conclude your claim as quickly as possible and pay as little as they can. They may say that you were liable for the collision or try to cajole you into accepting a lowball offer.
When you hire one of our tenacious lawyers, there is no need to deal with the insurance company at all. Our legal team will handle all discussions with them, taking that stress off your shoulders.
Years of Experience
If you choose to represent yourself, you will need to study the law in detail. Yet, you still won’t have the experience that qualified car accident attorneys bring to the table. In our years of handling car wreck claims, the attorneys at Judd Shaw Injury Law have seen every tactic insurance companies use and know how to handle them. We know which legal routes are most likely to be successful and which ones to avoid.
Additionally, you can also benefit from our team’s experience with the intricacies of New Jersey car insurance. In New Jersey, motorists can choose from two types of car insurance policies – standard or basic. Both policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and property damage liability.
As New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state, your insurance company will pay for your medical expenses no matter who was at fault. However, your coverage may not be sufficient to meet all your medical costs. If you have a standard policy with an unlimited right to sue, you have the right to seek damages from the at-fault party. If you chose a basic policy with a limited right to sue, though, you will have fewer options.
Navigating the ins and outs of these policies and working out what you are entitled to can be extremely tough. Plus, insurance adjusters will not make it any easier.
On the other hand, experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys can successfully guide you through these complicated rules. The Judd Shaw Injury Law team can build a strong case for a fair settlement that considers the level of suffering you have endured.
Access to a Legal Team
When you hire a car accident attorney, you gain access to all of their resources. This includes paralegals, investigators, and expert witnesses if needed. There is no need to find and employ these individuals yourself.
Your legal team will gather evidence, examine the law, and build a strong case for the damages you deserve. They can consult financial experts who can calculate the full impact of your injuries so that you are not left with an inadequate settlement. As your case develops, the team will provide updates so you know what is happening at every stage.
Negotiation Skills
When you think of suing someone after a collision, you probably imagine going to court. Yet, a skilled car accident attorney can often spare you the expense and stress of a trial by negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company outside of the courtroom.
After building your case, your car accident attorney will send the insurers a demand letter. This is the first step in a series of negotiations that usually lead to an acceptable settlement. Of course, if it is not possible to reach an acceptable level of damages, your attorney will be prepared to argue your case in court.
Reduced Stress
After the pain and trauma of a car wreck, you just want to focus on your recovery and on getting your life back on track. The last thing you should have to worry about is pursuing compensation.
Your car accident attorney can handle every stage of the journey, starting with filing the necessary paperwork on your behalf and gathering evidence to strengthen your claim. Putting firsthand knowledge to good use, he or she can explain your legal options and potential outcomes so you can make informed decisions as to the next legal step.
What’s more, your legal team will handle all communication with the insurance adjuster, taking away the stress of worrying about saying something wrong that could be used against you later.
Represent You in Court
Only a small number of car accident cases go to trial, usually because there is a dispute over an important issue, such as liability or the severity of injuries. This may be a bench trial, in which a judge presides, but it is more likely to be a jury trial with 6 jurors in total.
Your car accident lawyer will present your case during the trial, sharing relevant evidence with the jury. He or she may also present witnesses if there is a disagreement about fault. Later, your lawyer will also be able to cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses. The judge or jury will make the final ruling and determine the value of the settlement.
How to Afford a Car Accident Lawyer
For most people, concern about paying for a car accident attorney is the number one reason they don’t seek legal help. We understand this natural anxiety and want to put your mind at rest. That is why, at Judd Shaw Injury Law, we offer you a No Fee Guarantee®.
As per this arrangement, you only pay us a portion of your settlement if we successfully win compensation for you. We will never ask for payment upfront. So there is no reason to hold off seeking legal advice because of financial concerns. Instead, talk to a motor accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
Maximize Your Chances of Success With a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident attorney can be daunting, but this gives you the best chance of justice after a car wreck. Experienced, compassionate attorneys can handle all the stress so that you can focus on getting better. Plus, you will benefit from their legal expertise and experience, confident in their ability to secure you a fair settlement.
The more serious your injuries are, the more important it is to consult a car accident attorney without delay. Your lawyer may be able to pursue damages for the following:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Our car accident attorneys follow the Judd Shaw Way. We are committed to working the WOW for our clients and delivering the highest standards of service. Explore your legal options in a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers by calling (886) 909-6894 at any time of the day or night.