A car accident lawyer is a licensed legal professional who represents victims of car accidents through the compensation process.
“Do I need a car accident lawyer?” is a question accident survivors and their families often ask. The short answer is usually “yes.” The longer answer is that in most car accident cases, the outcome will be better for those who work with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why is legal representation so important in complex insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits? A car accident injury and wrongful death lawyer knows what evidence to present, how to negotiate with insurance adjusters, and when to take a case to court. The following overview gives a general idea of what a typical case involves from a legal standpoint.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Does
Reputable personal injury law firms usually offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. This initial consultation helps the potential client and the lawyer assess whether they would be a good fit. The lawyer will let the client know whether they have a case and discuss the terms of representation.
If the client and the lawyer decide to work together, the lawyer’s job will typically involve the following.
Determine Liability
“Who’s responsible?” is a key question in car accident claims. It’s pretty obvious in some cases, while in others, liability can be split between multiple parties. For example, if the at-fault motorist was driving a commercial vehicle, liability may fall on the driver, the carrier, or a third party, like a negligent vehicle maintenance service.
A car accident lawyer will lean on their experience of similar cases to establish liability. In some situations, the lawyer may recommend hiring an independent professional like an accident reconstructionist or a forensic consultant to determine fault.
Review Evidence
The lawyer will examine all available evidence, including photos, video footage, the police report, witness statements, and medical documentation. Lawyers may also question witnesses and determine when a testimony could support an accident lawsuit.
Often, lawyers help clients source additional evidence. For example, a lawyer may ask a court to issue a subpoena for security camera records that may have captured the accident. In truck accident cases, lawyers can request access to black box data and vehicle maintenance logs.
Calculate Damages
Many accident victims accept lowball settlements for a simple reason: They don’t know how much their case is worth. A car accident lawyer knows how to evaluate a case based on a precise breakdown of the victim’s losses.
When calculating damages, a car accident lawyer will consider everything, including current and prospective medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and vehicle repair costs. They’ll also include miscellaneous expenses, like assistance the victim had to hire because of the accident. Finally, they’ll factor in non-economic losses, otherwise known as pain and suffering.
This precise calculation helps the attorney and the victim understand the value of the case and avoid accepting inadequate offers. It also shows the insurer or judge why the victim is seeking that amount of compensation.
Negotiate With Insurers
Communicating with insurers is a minefield for many accident victims. On the one hand, people who suffered an accident may need to talk to an adjuster to confirm their identity and other technical details. On the other, accident victims must be very careful to avoid saying anything that could harm their claim.
Insurance adjusters may try to exploit whatever the claimant says to deny responsibility or challenge the extent of the victim’s losses. Claimants are safer when they let an attorney handle negotiations with insurance companies.
File an Accident Lawsuit If Necessary
Lawyers usually resolve car accident claims through negotiations with the responsible party’s insurer. The liable insurance company will typically make a settlement offer in response to the attorney’s demand letter. A negotiation process may follow, hopefully ending in an acceptable compromise.
However, if the insurance company flat-out denies the case or refuses to issue a reasonable offer, the car accident lawyer may recommend going to court. A car accident attorney may also suggest a lawsuit as a way to secure compensation if the victim’s damages exceed the insurance policy’s limit.
Car accident lawsuits will usually settle before trial, but it’s still important to work with a lawyer who has solid trial experience and is ready to fight for clients’ rights.
Contact our team today so we can fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys Charge?
Car accident lawyers usually charge a contingency fee. Clients don’t pay up front, and the lawyer collects a portion of the client’s settlement or award only if and when they resolve the case. This approach ensures that attorneys only take on cases they believe they can settle successfully.
The contingency fee varies between law firms and even between cases. The standard hovers around one-third of the client’s settlement, but fees can be higher or lower based on various factors. Lawyers may charge a higher fee for cases that are more complex or involve litigation.
Where To Find a Car Accident Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer is often an overwhelming task for accident victims who already have a lot on their plates. Some people are lucky enough to receive a recommendation from someone they trust. Others may rely on social media or sift through Google search results.
Accident Hotline provides a solution for those seeking a fast match with a lawyer in their area. Potential clients can leave their details and request a consultation 24/7. This convenient setup allows accident victims to find a lawyer quickly when they need one.
Free Consultation 24/7, call 888-340-7454
About the Company
Accident Hotline is a platform that connects accident victims with trusted local lawyers who are experienced in handling different types of accidents. With Accident Hotline, finding the right car accident lawyer and starting a claim is quick and easy. You can begin with a free consultation with an attorney in your area to determine whether they are the right fit.
Call (888) 340-7454 or complete a brief online form for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature to connect with an attorney now.
For a free consultation, call 888-340-7454