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The Process of Settling an Accident Claim in Pittsburgh
Auto accidents happen in large numbers every single day across the country. It’s just not fair that many people are down and out because of someone else’s negligence. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an automobile accident, then you should consult an attorney right away. They can help win your case so that you are fully compensated for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and other expenses that may have been incurred due to the accident. There are qualified attorneys in most metropolitan areas that deal solely in accident cases. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, you will find many of these specialists in the local yellow pages under auto accident attorney Pittsburgh.
What to Expect After You Contact an Accident Attorney
Accident attorneys do not mess around when it comes to meeting with accident victims for the initial consultation, because they understand that time is a critical factor with these types of cases. In most cases you will have an appointment within just a couple of weeks. During the meeting, they will be able to tell you what your chances are of being successful, and they should be able to give you an estimate of how much you can sue for. However, attorneys do not have crystals balls, so they cannot give you or anyone else a guarantee that a case can be won. They will go over every detail of the case with you, and then they will make a decision on whether or not to accept your case.
If your case has been accepted, they will most likely contact the negligent driver’s insurance company with a letter stating who they are, the fact that they are representing you. They will also state their demands for your case. Some insurance companies will settle without a big court mess, but be prepared for the long-haul because it could take a while. An insurance company will normally offer the lowest amount that they possibly can initially, to see if your attorney will take it. Most attorneys will never accept an initial offer. Instead, they will counteroffer with the insurance company back and forth. If the attorney is able to come close to the monetary sum that he is wanting for your case, then he will most likely settle the case for you out of court. Court battles can drag out for years, so the process can be long and stressful if it comes to that.
The Benefits of Hiring an Accident Attorney vs. Representing Yourself
If you are trying to get a substantial sum of money from an insurance company, then it will probably be in your best interests to have an attorney. You do have the right to appear in court pro se if the case reaches trial court, but an attorney will have knowledge and expertise that you don’t. Most people come out more favorably in the end if they have an attorney on board fighting for their rights. An attorney will also have to deal with all of the stress and deadlines that are involved if you hire one. It is much better to keep your sanity and let a professional handle the job.
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