No one wants to imagine getting involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, people often don’t adhere to safety norms and cause accidents that lead to unprecedented losses and injuries to others. Washington is a tort state. If you suffered injuries in an on-road mishap in Kent, you have the right to get compensated for your injuries. The responsible driver is liable for your losses. So, should you lawyer up? Here’s what you need to know.
Getting the facts right
It is not mandatory to hire a car accident lawyer in Kent for your claim. You can file a third-party claim on your own. So, why should you spend on an attorney? Firstly, accident claims are often complicated, and the claimant is expected to present proof and evidence of the other party’s fault. If you are injured and recovering from the accident impact, you may not have the time to do all that. An attorney can do the following –
- Assess the worth of your accident claim
- Understand the factors that can impact the outcome
- Gather a copy of the police report
- Gather evidence
- Talk to witnesses to get statements
- Take inputs from medical experts about your injuries
- Talk to specialized services for accident reconstruction to find evidence
When hiring a lawyer is a must
As we mentioned, you don’t have to necessarily hire an attorney for filing an auto accident lawsuit or claim. However, some circumstances demand the expertise and experience of an attorney. Call a lawyer if –
- You were also at fault for the accident
- Your injuries are extremely serious in nature
- There were more than two vehicles involved
- You failed to inform the police or fled the scene after the accident
- Your claim was denied by the insurance company
- You made the mistake of admitting fault
- You have suffered unprecedented losses
Washington has laws that allow you to recover a settlement even with a higher fault share. However, if you don’t act immediately to preserve your interests, it could be hard to prove facts. Contact an attorney soon after the accident and make sure that you get a free assessment of your case. All accident lawyers in Kent charge a fee after they have won the case, and you don’t have to pay anything until you make a recovery. Your lawyer can charge up to 40% of the settlement as their fee, and it’s best to ask in advance.
