The law does not require anyone to hire an attorney after a car accident in Louisville. Still, it is highly recommended for several key reasons, including to protect your right to fair compensation. If you are involved in an accident that causes serious injuries or other losses, having an attorney can prove to be a critical resource. Your Louisville, Kentucky car accident attorney will gather evidence, build insurance claims, and build a maximized compensation claim.

Why Consider Hiring a Lawyer?

There are numerous benefits a Louisville car accident lawyer can help you with, including the following.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are notorious for not paying victims a fair amount of compensation for their losses. They may try to settle claims directly with you for far less than what you are owed in your case. By having your own attorney, you minimize the risk that you do not receive fair compensation for the full value of your claim. Lawyers help level the playing field.

Evidence Gathering and Case Building

Your attorney is also keenly aware of the details of building a strong case and what the court looks for to determine how much should be paid to you. Your Louisville car accident lawyer will gather all evidence in your case to build a clear claim, including:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• And other evidence available

Your attorney’s task is to make it clear what evidence is available to support your claims. This minimizes the risk of you not receiving fair treatment or compensation.

Understanding Legal Options

Louisville car accident cases can be challenging. In some situations, victims can file a claim against the at-fault insurance company and receive fair compensation. However, not all cases are equal.

Many times, these cases become more complex or have areas where multiple parties are responsible for the injuries and losses incurred. In those cases, it may become necessary for your attorney to seek a lawsuit against the at-fault party, especially if the insurance company is not willing to be flexible. Your lawyer will ensure you are treated well.

Protection Against Insurance Company Tactics

Your car accident lawyer is also working with you to represent you and support you as you fight back as insurance companies try to limit your compensation. Lawyers will help you to know your rights under the law, and they represent only you in this case. That means you have protection from risks such as delays and denials of coverage.

Increased Compensation

In many Louisville car accidents, it becomes critical for victims to have maximum compensation to cover their losses. These funds help people to rebuild their lives. When you bring an attorney into your case, you increase the opportunity to drive up the value of your insurance compensation request.

With more evidence, bolder negotiation skills, and more aggressive attorneys, you can expect that the insurance company will take your loved one seriously. When you hire an attorney, you could receive a higher settlement than if you tried to file an accident claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your own.

When to Consider Hiring a Lawyer?

As noted, there is no reason not to seek legal guidance from a local attorney. You pay your legal team nothing for their services and work until they win your case. There are a number of times when you should hire an attorney, no matter what you believe happened to cause this accident. In the following situations, call a lawyer immediately:

• If you have suffered any injuries, even minor ones.
• If the accident involved significant property damage.
• If you have difficulty communicating with the insurance company.
• If you are unsure about your legal rights and options.
• If you are concerned about the other driver’s insurance coverage.

In all of these situations, working with an attorney takes the pressure off and gives you ample access to reliable support.

Key Considerations for No-Fault States

Kentucky operates under a no-fault state premises liability. That means that drivers must carry personal injury protection. After an accident, you can file a claim for your losses through your own insurance provider. You can recover up to the coverage you have. This applies even in situations where you may not be at fault.

In some situations, you may be able to pursue additional compensation for losses through a lawsuit filed against the at-fault party for damages you have over and beyond those covered by PIP. However, this can be challenging with the burden of proof on your shoulders. That is why it can prove to be essential to have an attorney help you.

Pure Comparative Fault Law

In Kentucky, a pure comparative fault law is in place. This means that if you are hurt in an accident in which both you and the other party were responsible, you can still recover damages. However, the damages you recover are reduced in value by the percentage of fault awarded to you.

Statute of Limitations

Another important reason to hire an attorney is that they will protect you in recovering fair compensation quickly, meeting the state’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. There is also a two-year no-fault medical payment available. If you wait too long and file a claim beyond this statute of limitations, your claim is rejected, and the court will not pay you fairly for your losses.

Hiring a Legal Team Makes an Incredible Difference

It is possible to file an insurance claim on your own after a Louisville car accident. Yet, it may not be beneficial or even financially wise to do so. Hiring a Louisville car accident lawyer helps your voice be heard. Your attorney will guide you throughout the whole legal process while being aggressive in recovering fair damages owed to you. Your lawyer is working to protect you.

In any situation where you are hurt in an accident that impacts your life, seek out the guidance of a skilled attorney.