Call for a FREE Evaluation
phone icon 502-222-2222Call
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?| Karl Truman Law Office

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

April 6, 2021

If you’ve been in a car wreck that was caused by another driver’s negligence – whether as a result of speeding, distracted driving, or some other reckless or careless act – you have the right to pursue damages for your subsequent losses.

The injuries sustained in collisions can be devastating and life-altering. Many times, an injury is far worse than it initially appears. Beyond the high medical bills and costly property damage you may have suffered, the ramifications of your injuries could have a long-lasting impact on your ability to earn a living and cause pain and suffering for years to come.

The experienced car accident attorneys at the Karl Truman Law Office have helped accident victims pursue justice for more than 25 years. We understand what a difficult time this may be for you. When you work with our accomplished attorneys, you will be treated like a member of our family, with respect, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

While hiring a personal injury attorney is not mandatory after a serious car wreck, it is almost always in your best interest to do so. Insurance companies are notorious for offering far less than accident victims need and deserve for their injuries. After all, insurers are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. Without the knowledge and guidance of an experienced attorney, you will likely settle for less compensation than you deserve and forfeit your ability to seek additional compensation if your injuries turn out to be more severe or debilitating than you had initially believed.

In addition to dealing with insurance companies, a car accident lawyer can help your case in a number of ways, some of which are detailed below.

1. Explain Your Legal Options

Victims of car crashes are often forced to take things day by day. If you are experiencing pain, going to doctor appointments, and filing insurance claims, it’s easy to overlook all of the options available to you.

Your attorney understands the challenges you are facing and the obstacles you are up against. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation and carefully explain all of your legal options. These options may include dealing with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver. 

Every decision made in your case is ultimately yours. This is your case and your life. Consulting with a seasoned attorney will provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to make an informed decision about the next steps in your claim.

2. Investigate Your Case

In the immediate chaos that follows a serious car wreck, it’s easy to miss crucial details, especially if you’ve been severely injured. 

Your car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident and take measures to preserve important evidence in a timely manner. This can include:

  • Documenting the scene of the accident
  • Securing a copy of the police report
  • Examining the vehicles involved
  • Tracking down and interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing medical records and other documents that demonstrate the damages you have incurred

3. Calculate Your Damages

The compensation you seek during a settlement negotiation or at a trial must be supported by evidence. Your attorney will examine the full extent of your losses and calculate the true value of your claim, accounting for both your immediate and future needs.

Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional anguish
  • Scarring and disfigurement

Your immediate medical expenses and lost wages may seem relatively straightforward but calculating the value of pain and suffering and emotional distress are less obvious. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience in these matters and know how to calculate your overall losses both today and in the future.

4. Protect Your Rights and Best Interests

The majority of car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. While some accident victims choose to attempt these negotiations alone, the decision to forgo legal counsel could jeopardize a fair recovery.

Insurance adjusters and their legal teams routinely undermine legitimate claims. They may try to get you to make a recorded statement that they will then use against you.

When insurers are successful in their efforts, injury victims get far less than they need and deserve, or nothing at all. This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney on your side.

At the Karl Truman Law Office, we know the tactics used by insurers to devalue, delay, and deny legitimate claims. We understand the law and we know how to protect your rights. We aren’t intimidated by big insurance companies and we never back down from a fight. We are passionate about your recovery and will do everything possible to protect your best interests.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

Don’t face your injuries alone. The car accident attorneys at the Karl Truman Law Office have more than 25 years of proven experience representing accident victims throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We know the hardships you may be facing, and we are committed to helping you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

See what our clients say about us.
Call the Karl Truman Law Office today for a complimentary case evaluation. You can reach our office in Louisville, Kentucky, at (502) 222-2222 or in Jeffersonville, Indiana, at (812) 282-8500. Your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay a fee unless we secure a favorable outcome in your case.