Why You Shouldn’t Represent Yourself in a Utah Car Accident Case
If you’ve been involved in a Utah car accident, attempting to handle your claim without an attorney can lead to undervalued settlements and missed opportunities for fair compensation. As a trial lawyer with 20 years of experience, I’ve seen countless cases where the lack of legal representation resulted in significantly lower outcomes for injury victims.
Here’s why hiring an attorney is crucial and how it can impact the value of your case.
The Risks of Representing Yourself in a Car Accident Case
1. Lower Settlement Value
When you represent yourself, insurance companies know you lack the knowledge and resources to determine the true value of your claim. This results in:
- Low Initial Offers: Expect offers like $1,500–$2,500 above medical bills, even after extensive negotiation.
- Missed Opportunities: Without an attorney, you may leave substantial compensation on the table.
2. Limited Leverage Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are aware that self-represented claimants:
- Cannot File Suit: Without the ability to sue, the insurer feels no pressure to offer a fair settlement.
- Will Settle Quickly: They know you’re less likely to wait out their lowball tactics, especially with Utah’s 4-year statute of limitations.
3. No Access to Pre-Lawsuit and Lawsuit Value
- Pre-Lawsuit Value: Without a lawsuit, insurance companies operate within their policy limits and have no fear of excess judgments.
- Lawsuit Value: Filing a lawsuit forces insurance companies to consider the risk of a jury awarding an amount above policy limits.
How Filing a Lawsuit Can Impact Your Case
The Threat of Excess Judgment
- Insurance companies dread jury verdicts that exceed their policy limits, exposing them to bad faith lawsuits.
- Bad Faith Lawsuits: These occur when an insurer fails to settle within policy limits, exposing their insured to financial risk.
Case Examples Where Filing a Lawsuit Made a Difference
- The $800 Offer
- Initial Offer: $800
- Result: Filing suit resulted in a $25,000 policy limits settlement.
- The Ice Cream Incident
- Initial Offer: $2,300 (due to Facebook evidence of eating ice cream post-accident).
- Result: Settled for over $23,000.
- From $10,000 to $107,000
- Initial Offer: $10,000
- Result: Filed suit and settled for $107,000.
- Zero Offer to $17,000
- Initial Offer: $0
- Result: After litigation, the case settled for $17,000.
- Doubling the Offer
- Initial Offer: $12,000
- Result: Filing suit led to a $24,000 settlement.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
1. True Case Valuation
An attorney understands what insurers typically pay in similar cases and fights for the full value of your claim.
2. Litigation Leverage
The ability to file a lawsuit provides leverage, encouraging insurers to offer reasonable settlements.
3. Experience with Bad Faith Cases
A skilled attorney can identify bad faith practices and pursue additional compensation when applicable.
4. Efficient Case Management
An experienced lawyer streamlines the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or litigating in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I settle my case without hiring an attorney?
Yes, but it’s unlikely you’ll receive the full value of your claim. Insurers often lowball self-represented individuals.
2. What if the insurance company denies my claim?
An attorney can challenge denials, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
3. Does hiring an attorney guarantee a higher settlement?
While not guaranteed, having an experienced lawyer often results in significantly better outcomes than representing yourself.
4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is 4 years. However, it’s best to act promptly to build a strong case.
5. What happens if my case goes to trial?
A trial lawyer presents evidence and arguments to a jury or judge, who will decide the case value. Having trial experience is crucial for success.
6. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a car accident case?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Why Choose Jake Gunter?
With 20 years of trial experience, I specialize in car accident cases and have a proven track record of maximizing settlements for my clients.
CALL/TXT ME AT (801) 373-6435 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.
In just 5 minutes, I can help determine if you have a case.