When dealing with the fallout of a car accident, you may only be thinking of insurance companies.
And while your auto insurance may cover some costs, it may not be enough. If you’re injured, and especially can’t work, you deserve some more compensation.
That could mean going to court, but what type of attorney would be right for you in this case?
Read on to learn about the different types that can help you.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers deal with just that: personal injury. In law, personal injury covers physical, emotional, and/or psychological injury. And this is a part of tort law.
Tort law is what covers most civil suits. They are handled in civil courts, and in this case, negligence would have to be proven.
And that’s a personal injury lawyer’s specialty. They prove the negligence of another person, or even from a company or entity.
If your car accident was caused by another person, they are the one you are suing. But if it was caused by the company that made your car, a personal injury lawyer can sue that company directly.
Car Accident Lawyer
There’s more beyond personal injury lawyers. There are types of attorneys who deal with car accidents specifically.
These attorneys are generally a sub-specialized personal injury. The majority of their cases deal with an injured party from a car accident. This is good for you for several reasons.
For one, they have a lot more experience with this exact problem. Chances are, they’ve seen a ton of cases just like yours. So, you have peace of mind that they know what they’re doing.
Another reason this is good is that they can work with your insurance provider. A car accident claim outlines the proof of the accident. It will state clearly who is at fault and pays for damages.
A car accident lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf. And all the evidence they gather for you can now be applied to that claim.
By choosing a car accident attorney, you can get more for your money. These attorneys are what types should be handling your care.
Social Security Disability lawyer
Worst comes to worst, and a seemingly simple car accident might lead you to be disabled and unable to perform work. SSDI and SSI help disabled Americans pay for living costs when they can’t work. To collect disability benefits, you normally need to be disabled for a year. The SSA wants to make sure you can’t work.
Before you start, keep in mind that even though many people are successful in the end through the appeals process, the whole thing can be long and frustrating. There is about up to 70% of claims being turned down after the first review. You might find that working with an experienced disability lawyer can help you get through the system faster and with less stress.
Self-Representation
Do you need a lawyer? Technically, no.
If the car accident was minor and the damages very small, your insurance can handle it. But if it was bad enough to cause injury, you want to look into more you can do.
If you go to court, you can represent yourself. But those who do, they don’t generally get nearly as high of a settlement.
Luckily, you don’t have to hire an attorney right away. The majority of car accident attorneys will give you a free consultation.
That means you can meet with one, and you both can go over the potential case. This way, you know what your chances are going in.
Decide What Type of Attorney Is Right For You
It doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might feel. The car accident was bad enough, and you deserve compensation with the right type of attorney.
Don’t forget to check out more of our posts on car accidents and attorneys!