People often deal with unexpected financial distress after a car accident. Sadly, such accidents and crashes are quite common in Idaho. If you (or someone else) have suffered serious injuries in the crash, call 911 and alert the local police. When the other driver was negligent, they are liable for your losses and should pay compensation (usually through their insurance company) for the damages. In the real world, things are never ideal. At-fault parties don’t admit fault, and the insurance company would do anything to reduce settlements. Hiring an Idaho car accident attorney can help your case in many ways.
Gather evidence
You need an attorney after the accident because you don’t want to deal with everything independently. While the statute of limitations in Idaho allows two years to file an injury lawsuit, actual evidence can disappear in no time. Evidence from the accident scene, medical records, police reports, witness statements, repair bills, income loss, and employment records can disappear, and you have to swing into action immediately. A lawyer can take care of all that until you feel better.
Deal with the insurance company
Insurance companies are infamous for using bad faith insurance tactics. The insurance representative may press you for a recorded statement, and if you end up saying anything, that can be their evidence to deny your claim. Also, you may end up accepting blame that you are not liable for. It is in your best interest that you let the lawyer do the talking. Attorneys know what it takes to negotiate accident claims, and they can ensure that you don’t settle for less.
Filing a lawsuit
Accident claims in Idaho are mostly settled outside of court. However, if the insurance company denies your claim or the settlement offer is less than what you should get for your injuries, the lawyer may file a civil lawsuit. People often don’t know much about taking legal action or fear the consequences, but with an attorney by your side, you can be a step ahead. Lawyers can handle all the complicated aspects of the case and ensure that the paperwork is done right.
Final word
Hiring an attorney is your call. However, the benefits are real, and you don’t have to pay the attorney until you win a financial settlement for your accident claim. The contingency fee arrangement is a huge advantage for accident victims in the long run, especially when they are not at fault.