If you have been injured in a car accident, you probably have many questions. One of these questions is most likely, “do I need to hire a lawyer?” While there is nothing in the law that states you are required to hire a lawyer to represent you after a car crash, there are many advantages that can come with retaining counsel. Importantly, by having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side, you are more likely to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Here are eight crucial reasons why you should consider to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Alaska:

1. A personal injury attorney can protect your rights

An experienced personal injury attorney will have extensive knowledge regarding the legal process associated with obtaining full and fair compensation for your car accident-related injuries. Not only can they protect your rights throughout the litigation process, but they can also safeguard your interests when dealing with the insurance company. Significantly, once you are represented by counsel, the insurance company cannot communicate with you directly without your attorney’s permission.

2. An attorney can help you avoid inadvertently harming your claim

There are many mistakes that you might inadvertently make after a car accident that could potentially harm your claim. In some cases, a mistake could reduce your compensation — in others, it could result in your case being thrown out. As your attorney guides you through the legal process of your personal injury claim, they can best advise you as to which missteps to avoid.

3. A personal injury attorney will have a deep understanding of the law

Alaska's car accident laws are far more complicated than many people realize. While most people may be somewhat familiar with the concepts of negligence and liability, they will not possess the deep knowledge of a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney will know how to thoroughly investigate your claim, obtain evidence of liability, and hold the negligent driver accountable for your economic and non-economic losses.

4. An attorney will know the procedures for filing a successful claim

The laws that govern car accident claims in Alaska are complex — and the procedures involved in filing a successful claim are highly nuanced. From the initial investigation to commencing a legal action, serving the defendants with the lawsuit, conducting discovery, issuing subpoenas, holding depositions, and proceeding to trial, each step in the process requires extensive knowledge of the laws and procedures involved, which makes the decision to hire a lawyer an easy one.

5. A personal injury attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance company

The insurance company’s objective is to pay out as little as possible on your claim. While you can try to negotiate on your own, it’s important to understand that insurance adjusters are trained to use certain tactics. A personal injury attorney will know the strategies insurance companies use to reduce your compensation and how to effectively negotiate in order to obtain the maximum settlement to which you’re entitled.

6. An attorney who handles personal injury matters will know how to identify all potentially liable parties

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will know how to identify all potential sources of liability in your case. In some instances, there may be additional parties besides a careless or reckless driver who might be responsible for your injuries. For example, if a hazard in the road caused the accident that led to your injury, the municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be to blame. In the event a defective part in your car caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.

7. An attorney will know how to value your case

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, Alaska law entitles you to compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. A skillful personal injury attorney will know how to value your claim and calculate your damages. If you don’t hire a lawyer, you will simply be guessing as to how much you are entitled — the insurance company will know this and pay out less on your claim.

8. A personal injury attorney will know whether to settle your case or bring it to trial

Shortly after a car accident, the insurance company will likely reach out to you with a settlement offer. Most unrepresented car accident victims settle their claims way too soon and for far less than they deserve. The first settlement offer is usually a lowball offer that the insurance company will present to avoid paying more later on. However, the full extent of your damages will not be known until you have reached maximum medical improvement. When you hire a lawyer you will know whether it is best to settle — or if bringing your case to trial is more likely to result in a fair outcome.

Contact an Experienced Alaska Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an Alaska car accident, it’s essential to hire a lawyer, an experienced personal injury attorney such as Eric Derleth who knows how to negotiate with the insurance company and will fight for your rights in the courtroom. Attorney Eric Derleth, also known as The Trial Guy is committed to providing reliable representation and aggressive advocacy to Alaska car accident victims to help ensure they obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled by law. Proudly serving Anchorage, Soldotna, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, and other areas of Alaska, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online.