Car accidents are stressful, harrowing experiences that can leave you injured and fighting for answers. One of the biggest questions many accident victims have is whether they should hire a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can be an invaluable asset, but not every situation will warrant working with one. Here’s when you should hire a lawyer and how to ensure you choose the right one for your case.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
In the following situations, hiring a lawyer can be crucial to recovering compensation for your losses after an accident.
You’re Suffering From Severe Injuries
Victims who suffered serious car crash injuries should always retain a car accident attorney. An attorney can not only alleviate the stress of pursuing a car accident claim but also ensure the many costs associated with your injury, such as future medical procedures and wages lost for missing work are included in your compensation. Some examples of severe car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Memory loss
There Are Disputes Over Liability
One of the most difficult things to prove in a car accident case is who caused the crash. If you believe you were not at fault, but the other driver claims otherwise—or if the accident was a pileup involving numerous drivers—it’s likely time to consult a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help investigate the incident and gather evidence that proves another party was liable. This may involve collecting police reports and traffic camera footage or even bringing in expert witnesses, such as crash reconstructionists.
The Insurance Company is Offering Less Than You Deserve
If you initiated a car accident claim on your own and the insurance company is lowballing you, hiring a lawyer is often your best bet for obtaining the settlement you deserve. Attorneys bring years of experience negotiating with insurers and can help you present strong evidence and arguments that support your claim.
The Accident Involved a Commercial or Government Vehicle
Crashes involving commercial or government vehicles are often far different from a typical accident. If a commercial truck hits you, for instance, you may end up facing a large corporation with its own dedicated legal team, which can make it more difficult to recover a fair settlement. Meanwhile, government entities are typically protected by laws that make it much harder to win a claim. For instance, they may have more strict filing deadlines or limits on the damages you can recover.
When You Might Not Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Not all car accidents call for a lawyer. If you and your vehicle suffered little to no damage or you were the only driver involved in the crash, then hiring a lawyer generally isn’t necessary. In addition, if the insurance company offered you a settlement you believe is fair, there is no need to speak with a lawyer.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer brings a lot of value to the table following a wreck, especially if you are dealing with stubborn insurance companies and serious injuries. Car accident lawyers can do the following for you when hired for your case:
Investigate the Accident
The attorney you hire for your car accident case will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including obtaining police reports, witness statements, photos of the crash scene, video footage from nearby homes or businesses, and vehicle damage reports.
Assess Your Damages
Assessment of damages is another important task that is best undertaken by a lawyer. Your attorney will calculate the full value of the losses you incur, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other expense related to the crash.
Communicate With Insurance Companies
Whether it is your own insurance company or that of the at-fault driver, an attorney will handle any and all communication with them on your behalf. A car accident attorney knows what to say to keep the insurance company from bothering you and can begin negotiations with them for a fair settlement that covers the damages you have incurred.
Represent You in Court
While most car accident claims are settled out of court, there may be some instances in which the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. If this happens, a lawyer can present a strong argument for your case to a judge or jury.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. This means that you will not have to pay the firm anything unless they win your case. Most contingency fees range from 30-40 percent of the settlement you receive. For a small case, this fee can have a significant impact. However, if you believe the settlement you are entitled to will be a large sum, a 30-40 percent fee might not make a difference,
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
Choosing the right car accident attorney makes all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what to keep in mind as you research and speak with attorneys.
Car Accident Experience Matters
Not every personal injury lawyer will have experience handling car accident cases. Some might be more familiar with product liability or medical malpractice, for example. You will want to work with a lawyer who has represented car accident victims regularly and achieved a strong track record of results with those cases.
Ask for Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are always a great way to find the right car accident lawyer. Referrals can come from anyone you trust in life, including family, friends, and co-workers. Ask plenty of questions about the lawyer being referred to you so there is an understanding of their background before scheduling a consultation.
Communication and Accessibility
When meeting with various car accident lawyers, be sure to gauge their communication and accessibility. What is the lawyer’s communication policy? Do they return calls or respond to emails within 24 hours? Is a paralegal handling communication? Will a dedicated employee be assigned to your case file? Make sure someone is available at the firm to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns when they arise.
Schedule Consultations
Schedule consultations with a few of your top choices before deciding on which one to hire for your car accident case. Ask plenty of questions at each consultation and be sure to provide comprehensive details about your accident. Remember that this is not only a chance for you to learn about them but for them to assess your situation and how they may be able to help.
Should You Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Hiring an attorney for a car accident all depends on your circumstances. If you were seriously injured, received a lowball offer from the insurance company, or have issues with determining liability; an experienced Louisville injury lawyer could be vital to your case. Before working with a lawyer, be sure to gain an understanding of their experience handling cases like yours, their fees, and what you can expect when working with them.
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