Car accident victims are often overwhelmed in the immediate aftermath of a crash. They are thankful to be alive, concerned about the severity of their injuries, and stressed over mounting medical bills and car damage.
During this time, it is essential to remember that anything you say at the scene can be used against you in future legal proceedings. Your attorney can help limit your communication with other parties.
Medical Care
Getting medical care immediately after a car accident is vital to your well-being. A car accident attorney can guide you in this area, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment and are reimbursed for all your costs.
They know the types of compensation you are entitled to, including medical bills, auto repairs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, psychological distress, and punitive damages for willful misconduct. An experienced attorney will also explain how the law determines liability in a car accident.
They can help you discover other parties liable for your car accident. This could include a third party, such as an employer, a manufacturer, or a government agency. An attorney can bargain with the insurance provider to maximize your benefits and protect your legal rights.
Reporting the Accident
Car accident attorneys help victims by collecting evidence, drafting claims, interacting with insurance companies, and giving legal guidance. They aim to secure maximum compensation for the victim’s losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
When speaking with the police at a car accident scene, it is essential to discuss the facts of the crash. Avoid making offhand comments that could be misconstrued as an admission of fault or liability.
Car accident attorneys take the time to analyze a car accident scene and identify all potential factors that contributed to the collision. For example, vehicle malfunctions, such as defective tires or brakes, may play a role in many crashes. These issues can often be successfully litigated against auto manufacturers or parts suppliers in personal injury lawsuits.
Gathering Evidence
A severe car accident can leave you with many repercussions, including medical bills, car repairs or replacement costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. A skilled car accident lawyer can gauge all these damages and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
They review all available evidence, including crash scene pictures, witness statements, and police reports. They also hire outside experts, such as biomechanics or accident reconstruction experts, to help recreate the accident and determine what caused it. Moreover, they review insurance policies to understand who is responsible for the accident. By handling all aspects of the claim, a car accident attorney frees victims to focus on recovery. They negotiate with the insurance company to boost their fair settlement chances.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Car accident lawyers spend years in law school to become qualified to practice and must pass rigorous background checks and tests to get licensed. They have extensive knowledge of the court’s procedures, laws, and case law.
They will work to establish fault in the case by reviewing all available evidence, including police reports and accident photos, interviewing witnesses, examining damaged vehicles, and hiring experts such as biomechanics or accident reconstruction. They may also visit the scene of the accident if necessary.
If a trial is necessary, your attorney will prepare you to answer questions from the jury and argue for the compensation you deserve. They will help you calculate your damages, including projected future medical costs, and present these to the jury during the case-in-chief.
Filing a Claim
Car accident attorneys help clients recover maximum compensation by assessing damages and losses, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing additional payment sources. They also consider unforeseen costs, such as medical issues or lost wages.
Most auto accidents are settled out of court, and your lawyer can represent you in any correspondence with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. This reduces the risk of saying something that could be used against you in a settlement offer. If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will be your champion, presenting your case to a jury and arguing for a fair settlement. They will also preside over mediation sessions to resolve the dispute without going to trial.