Anytime you have been injured in a car accident, you should always hire an attorney. There is no good reason not to, and there are many reasons you should. The following are among the most important reasons to hire one.

An attorney can get you the best settlement

Having an attorney means that there is someone who can represent you when negotiating. You have no experience dealing with insurance companies. They know this and are all too happy to make you a seemingly great offer. With an opening statement of sympathy for your pain, followed by a check that looks too good to be true, they will make you feel as if you are receiving the money you are entitled to. Of course, an attorney is likely to get you much more, but claims adjusters and insurance attorneys are smooth and skilled.

Personal injury attorneys can go to court

Although most cases are settled out of court, there are times when an attorney will have to go to court to get the compensation their client is entitled to. Because the outcomes of jury trials are uncertain, settlement offers will be higher with an attorney than without one. An average person without a law degree, let alone experience in personal injury cases, is not a threat to an insurance company.

An attorney can assist in determining who is at fault

Even if you're not sure the accident was your fault, consult with an attorney anyway. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so there is nothing to lose by speaking to one regarding the accident. You don't want your impression of the accident to substitute for legal knowledge. You may feel guilty because you feel partly to blame, but this does not mean you're partly guilty. Do not admit guilt. Let an attorney determine if you have a case against one or more drivers.

A passenger always needs an attorney, too

As an injured passenger, you may feel pressure from more than one insurance company, telling you different stories. One insurance company may tell you that you're filing a claim with the wrong insurance provider. You may be told that you weren't as hurt as you said you were. None of this is something you are qualified to evaluate. Let an auto accident lawyer sort through everything and negotiate on your behalf.

Among the most important reasons to hire an attorney after an injury car accident is that they can get you a higher settlement amount than you can yourself. They are always an implied threat to litigate in front of a jury, and they can help determine the fault of the accident. If you were a passenger and not a driver, an attorney can determine which insurance company to file a claim against.

Call a local auto accident attorney to make an appointment.