Any car accident is a traumatic experience that leaves you dealing with physical and mental injuries topped with mounting medical bills and other incident-related expenses. Claiming a rightful accident settlement sounds like a good call, but the legalities behind fair compensation are nothing but overwhelming.
There comes a realization that an experienced car accident lawyer may rid you of the burden, at least partially. But what does a car accident lawyer do? That is among other accident-related questions we’re going to discuss today, so buckle up!
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Many car accident victims believe that the insurance providers are on their side. However, in real life, every insurance company acts in its interest, trying to minimize the claimed insurance coverage despite the severity of your car accident injuries and sustained losses.
At the same time, a professional personal injury lawyer aims to maximize the car accident settlement you receive and reduce your involvement in the process so that you can focus on your full recovery. Besides, contrary to popular opinion, most reputable auto accident attorneys work on a contingency basis instead of charging you unsurmountable service fees.
Expert Legal Advice
There are rarely two car accidents alike. This means that every car accident case requires a unique approach and expert legal assessment to determine the best course of action. A reputable law firm specializing in motor vehicle accidents possesses the necessary knowledge and experience in the field that can guide you away from falling into at-fault traps and making other costly mistakes.
Trained legal representatives will help you understand your rights based on local legalities that will vary from state to state. They will help you stick to existing deadlines and provide all the necessary details to solidify the case.
Accessing Damages
There’s more than a single type of damage you can recover after a motor vehicle accident. A seasoned legal representative will help you calculate all the past and future damages for maximum financial compensation. These include but are not limited to the following:
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Medical expenses
All medical costs, whether it is ongoing medical treatment or potential rehabilitation bills, should be correctly assessed.
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Lost wages
Decreased or lost earning capacity and missed workdays caused by a car crash can be recovered.
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Pain and suffering
Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, mental anguish, and loss of joy in life must be fully compensated.
Case Investigation
Any strong car accident claim relies on solid evidence that proves the scale of sustained injuries, damages, and consequential losses along with your innocence. A well-versed car accident lawyer will carry out an independent case investigation to build a success-oriented case.
Most reliable car accident attorneys will gather evidence in the form of police reports, medical records, and accident scene photos that support your personal injury claim. If that is not enough, they can invite accident reconstruction experts who will share their unbiased opinions on the accident, proving your right to a fair settlement.
Insurance Company Negotiations
Negotiating with an insurance company is a quite complex and stressful process. It all starts with filing a proper car accident claim, which can be rejected based on any aspect that the adjuster deems insufficient or missing. A trained legal expert possesses the necessary skill and experience to communicate with the most disagreeable of insurance adjusters.
They will help you file the claim, spice it up with enough evidence, and negotiate on your behalf, ensuring the most plausible outcome. A loyal car accident lawyer will act in your best interests, saving you the frustration of the negotiation process so that you can focus on healing.
Maximizing Settlement Amount
Every insurance adjuster wants to cut the payouts for most car accident cases they handle. While dealing with the traumatic aftermath of what they’ve been through, many car accident victims agree to the minimal suggested reimbursement just to get done with the whole process.
A trained auto accident attorney knows the upcoming negotiation dynamics, adjuster’s tactics, and counteroffers. Through legal leverage and a persuasive and confident approach, your car accident lawyer can secure a maximum settlement. There’s no need for the injured party to go through this stressful experience.
Representation in the Court
Sometimes, even the most skilled negotiators fail to settle the case without taking it to court. Yet, it does not mean that you must agree to a suggested lowball offer. What does a car accident lawyer do if the initial claim is denied? They help you file a car accident lawsuit and take the matter to trial.
Your legal representative will prepare all the necessary documents, lead you through the process, and develop a strategy that will help you receive the reimbursement you deserve.
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Is Legal Representation Necessary for Every Car Accident?
It would be misleading to state that you can’t handle personal injury cases without car accident lawyers involved. So, what does a car accident lawyer do? Expert legal assistance improves your chances of receiving the compensation you seek. Many law firms work on a contingency basis, so you will need to pay for their services only if the case turns out to be a success. Not to mention that professional attorneys will help you get the most out of your insurance claim, which, in the long run, will cover the expenses.
Some injured victims may falsely assume that a minor accident can go without a trusted lawyer by their side. Yet, in some cases, the involved parties may try to shift the blame, making you a contributor or a full-scale liability in the incident. Expert lawyers will eliminate the possibility.
Lastly, well-versed legal assistants know how to assess the full scale of your injuries, damages, and losses so that you don’t settle for an offer that will not cover potential future expenses. An experienced attorney will defend your rights on your behalf without your involvement being mandatory. Such an approach improves your chances of healing faster and gives you well-deserved peace of mind.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Now that we’ve established that contacting professional car accident lawyers is highly recommended, you may wonder when you should do that. Short answer: the sooner, the better.
Surely, the first minutes after the accident may trigger an adrenaline rush, making it hard to think straight. Besides, seeking immediate medical attention is the first thing you should consider. Although you may feel okay, some injuries, like a concussion after a car accident, are challenging to detect, or they have a delayed manifestation period.
After you’ve ensured your safety, it is time to consider inquiring for legal assistance. Especially if one or a few of the below-mentioned scenarios correlate with your situation:
- You feel lost and confused: Some law firms send their representatives so that they can assess the accident scene, ensuring that no piece of evidence gets lost or erased. They will make sure to obtain a police report, question witnesses, and document details that will help you support the case.
- You’ve sustained serious injuries: Being rushed to a hospital eliminates your ability to gather evidence on your own. In the meantime, the responsible party can try to put all the liability on you.
- You’re dealing with a government entity or uninsured drivers: Legal processes that concern these parties are close to impossible to navigate on your own.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
There’s a deadline for filing insurance claims as well as the consequent lawsuits after a car accident. If you fail to issue your claim within a state-governed period, you may lose your right to fair compensation.
The statute of limitations varies from state to state, so a well-versed legal assistant is someone you need to guide you through all the nuances of the local law system.
For instance, in the state of Massachusetts, the deadline is three years from the day of the accident, while in Arizona, it is two years, and in Maine, it is six years.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today!
Despite the severity of your car crash, dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial tolls it inflicts is anything but easy. As your medical bills keep mounting, you miss days off work and suffer in pain—going through endless negotiations with an insurance provider wired to cut your settlement to a bare minimum feels more than overwhelming.
Proper legal representation will rid you of all these inconveniences and let you focus on your recovery. At the same time, trained car accident lawyers seek compensation that covers your losses and suffering in full.
Call Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today and take the first step to success!
