No one expects to get into a car accident. Yet in the United States alone, there are over 6 million car accidents every year. When a collision occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial costs can be immense. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference.
The First Steps After a Crash
Immediately following an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention even for minor injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some symptoms take time to manifest. An official evaluation creates a record of injuries that supports future claims. If possible, gather information like insurance details and take photos of property damage and skid marks.
Though police reports indicate fault, speak to a car accident attorney before making recorded statements to other drivers’ insurance. What you say can be used against you later. A lawyer handles communications professionally to build the strongest case.
Determining Liability
Car accident lawyers examine police reports, speak to witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction specialists to prove fault. Negligence like speeding, distraction, or intoxication must be established to receive compensation. Comparative negligence states assign partial blame to both drivers based on their relative responsibility. An attorney proves the other motorist’s greater culpability.
Calculating Damages
The car accident attorney gathers evidence to calculate and claim full compensation for clients’ losses. This includes property damage, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Settlements and court awards account for current and estimated future costs like ongoing treatments or reduced earning capacity.
An experienced car accident lawyer maximizes reimbursement by incorporating expenses like childcare during recovery, damaged personal items, and damage to credit and professional reputation. They may enlist finance experts to calculate lifetime lost earnings.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, even to not-at-fault drivers. A car accident attorney levels the playing field by aggressively negotiating for the fullest appropriate settlement. They reject initial low offers, highlight medical evidence, and demonstrate willingness to go to court. Many cases settle out of court for substantially more than the insurer’s opening bid.
If fair compensation isn’t offered, litigation may be necessary. Reputable car accident lawyers prepare thoroughly as if every case will go to trial. Their reputation provides leverage in negotiations. If protracted litigation is likely, insurers may opt to settle rather quickly.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
After a collision, focus on healing. Let an experienced car accident lawyer handle insurance communications, evidence gathering, establishing liability, calculating damages, and settlement negotiations. An attorney’s specialized legal knowledge and litigation experience are invaluable assets in making your case and securing fair compensation.
Closing Thoughts
Car accident lawyers act as passionate advocates to earn clients full and fair compensation. Most of them offer free consultations and only collect fees if they secure compensation, so you have minimal financial risk. For the best chance at the maximum settlement after an accident, you’re most definitely better off hiring a reputable car accident attorney.