A car accident lawyer in Maine plays a vital role in helping accident victims navigate the complexities of personal injury claims. After an accident, you should never go it alone. Seeking out legal representation and retaining a car accident lawyer will help you protect your rights. Your lawyer is your chief advocate who will fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any other damages you’ve suffered.
Otherwise, as it’s in the interests of the insurance companies to pay as little money as possible after an automobile accident, the chance of receiving fair compensation is highly unlikely. To be sure you receive fair compensation it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer who specializes in Maine car accident cases. Legal help will protect you from unfair practices that insurance companies use to minimize their payout.
To help better understand the benefits of specialized legal assistance and guidance, here are 4 specific ways a car accident lawyer in Maine plays a crucial role in protecting your rights after a car accident:
Understanding Your Legal Rights
An experienced car accident lawyer helps you understand your legal rights and the laws applicable to your case. They possess in-depth knowledge of the complex laws and regulations governing car accidents, and are in the best position to inform you of all the available options within the framework of Maine’s liability and motor vehicle laws and regulations. Without the guidance of a lawyer, it’s possible to miss critical details or legal deadlines that can impact the outcome of your accident claim. By consulting with an experienced lawyer, you can gain a clear understanding of the specific laws that apply to your situation, including those related to fault, damages, and compensation.
Establishing Fault
Understanding fault is a very good reason to seek the help of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Fault is of particular importance in Maine because Maine is an at-fault state with comparative negligence laws. This means that the party responsible for the car accident, i.e., their insurance company, has to pay for damages, though there is a catch. According to Maine law, assigning fault can be relative. Maine’s “modified comparative negligence laws” allows “fault” to be shared if circumstances merit it. If “comparative negligence” is determined then the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident up to 50%. If the insurance company can prove you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot collect any damages from the other driver even if they struck you.
Insurance companies will use the comparative negligence laws to limit the amount that they pay you. Seeking out a car accident lawyer in Maine can protect you from such practices by insurance companies. They can help you understand the law in determining fault, but they will also be able to determine the damages and the value of your claim to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Accurate Valuation of Your Claim
One of the first step’s an experienced car accident lawyer will take is gathering information to build a solid case on your behalf. In doing so your lawyer can accurately assess the value of your claim, taking into consideration medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, physical therapy, and any other damages. This ensures that all economic and non-economic damages are accounted for, and that you receive a fair and comprehensive amount of compensation.
Attempting to negotiate a settlement without a lawyer will, in all likelihood, result in significantly lower compensation. Research indicates, in an overwhelming majority of cases, that individuals with legal representation in car accident claims tend to receive significantly more compensation than those without representation. Experience does matter. A skilled car accident lawyer is able to identify the key advantages of your case, pursue all available avenues for financial recovery, and fully value your claim.
Handling Insurance Companies
Hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you ensures that insurance companies do not take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or intimidate you. Once hired, your lawyer will advocate for your rights. They handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties involved, ensuring that your statements are protected and your rights are not inadvertently compromised. They manage all paperwork with the insurance companies as well, ensuring that claims are filed correctly and on time. More importantly, they will protect you from unfair practices or tactics by insurance companies or their lawyers to minimize claim payouts or even deny your claim. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. He or she will use their expertise to counter any attempts to minimize your compensation or undermine your claim and stand up for your rights.
Choosing the right car accident lawyer in Maine can make all the difference in protecting your rights as well as your long-term health and well being. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and need help or are uncertain about what to do next, contact the law offices Hardy Wolf & Downing. We have played a vital role representing Mainers navigate the complexities of personal injury claims for close to five decades. We’re here to help. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate the case and will help you understand your rights. For more information, contact Hardy Wolf & Downing to speak with one of the leading car accident lawyers in Maine.