When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

Car accidents happen every day across the country. Some car accidents leave victims with severe injuries and significant financial losses. If you suffer harm in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer today.

Do not hesitate. Getting the legal advice you need after a car crash is one phone call away.

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How Common Are Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen daily across the country. Serious car accidents cause injuries to victims. Some accidents cause victims to lose their lives.

According to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are a public health crisis.

Some important findings regarding the rate of traffic crashes include:

• 45 percent of fatal car accidents involve at least one driver who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of impact 
• Almost 40,000 people died in a car accident nationwide in 2020
• The rate of deadly car crashes has increased by nearly seven percent over the past several years 

A car accident lawyer will be your advocate after suffering an injury in a car accident. You deserve the best representation available. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your options for financial recovery.

You Have Serious Injuries

Both temporary and permanent disabilities can change your lifestyle. An attorney can help collect for accident-related injuries significantly affecting your life.

There Are Questions Regarding Liability

Insurance companies and defendants will fight against accepting liability. An attorney will complete a thorough investigation so large insurance companies looking to avoid paying a fair settlement don’t take advantage of you.

The Insurance Company Is Unresponsive

You must work with an insurance company after a car crash. Insurance companies might avoid communicating with you to exhaust you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. Getting an attorney to work on your behalf after a car accident can help you avoid underhanded tactics insurance companies use to avoid payment.

You Have Significant Financial Losses

Serious car accidents bring big bills with them. Some injuries might leave you hospitalized and out of work. You deserve compensation for all of your losses after a crash. An attorney can help create a strategy to collect financial compensation for your accident-related losses.

Third Parties Are Involved

Car accidents can get complicated, especially when they involve third parties. When multiple people or entities share responsibility for the accident, having a lawyer is the best way to sort out liability issues and get you the compensation you deserve.

You Have Long-Term Injuries

You need legal representation if you have long-term injuries from a car accident. A lawyer’s advice can be beneficial if you require ongoing treatment or the injuries resulted in a long-term disability. A lawyer can explain the full extent of your compensation options.

The Crash Involved a Government Entity

Some car accidents happen because of poorly maintained roads. In cases when the accident happened because of bad road conditions, you might have a claim against a government entity. You will need an experienced legal advocate to help protect your rights while suing the government.

Someone Died

Some car accidents end in wrongful death. When an accident is fatal because of another person’s negligence, the victim’s family may sue for wrongful death.

Wrongful death law is complex, and the parties who may file a wrongful death lawsuit vary by state. Speak to a car accident attorney to learn more about your right to recover compensation after losing someone in a car accident.

Hiring an attorney sooner rather than later can protect your rights and ensure you meet any legal deadlines related to your case.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me After An Accident?

A car accident attorney can help in many ways after a crash, including:

Legal Advice and Support

An experienced attorney will offer you legal advice and emotional support throughout your car accident case. Sharing your concerns with a car accident lawyer can improve the odds of you having a successful claim. Working with a lawyer can increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation after an accident.

Identify Damages and Estimate Case Value

Your attorney will help you identify your damages to get a clear estimate of your case’s value. Many accident victims do not know everything they might recover, so having an attorney review your case can ensure you do not leave any money on the table while pursuing compensation.

File an Insurance Claim and Negotiate on your Behalf

Any interaction with the insurance company might present challenges. An attorney will help you at every stage and answer any questions you might have about the claims process.

Investigation and Liability Assessment

An attorney will investigate your case and gather evidence to prove your claim. There may be serious questions about liability, so working with a lawyer will help you determine fault through pertinent evidence.

Representing You in Court 

Many car accident cases resolve during settlement negotiations. If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company, then your attorney can file a lawsuit in court. A car accident attorney will represent your case in court.

Overall, having a car accident attorney can only benefit you after a crash. An attorney can navigate the legal process effectively and maximize your chances of receiving the best outcome available.

How To Choose The Best Car Accident Attorney? 

Creating the best legal team can be very beneficial to your recovery. Here are some examples of what to look for when choosing an attorney:

Consultations

The initial consultation is your opportunity to ask the lawyer questions directly. You should use this opportunity to learn as much as possible about the attorney’s experience and success record in cases like yours.

Reputation

A good attorney will have a solid reputation in the community and among their peers. You can glean details about the attorney’s reputation by asking former clients, looking for information online, and asking for referrals. Attorneys are often involved in local communities, so this information won’t be hard to find.

Experience

A good attorney is experienced and has handled cases similar to yours. Ask about the attorney’s experience at the initial consultation. You can also research the attorney online and read their client reviews to gain insight into their experience with the attorney.

Communications

You should ask about the office’s communication style and ensure it suits your needs.

Comfort Level

Trust your instinct. You should feel comfortable discussing your case with them and feel confident in their ability to represent your interests.

Trial Experience

Not all car accident cases make it to trial. If your case cannot settle, your attorney can take it to trial. When you choose an attorney, make sure that they have trial experience. Having an attorney represent your interests at trial sets you up for success.

Referrals

If you know someone who has had a positive experience with an attorney in similar cases, consider reaching out to them for recommendations.

Take some time to research and evaluate potential attorneys. Understanding how an attorney’s skills can assist you can significantly improve the outcome of your case.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

The specific amount and types of compensation available after a car accident depends on the facts surrounding your accident. Generally, car crash victims can recover losses including:

Economic Losses

Economic losses refer to the quantifiable losses suffered by an individual due to a car crash. Economic damages are typically calculated based on actual financial losses and can include:

Medical Expenses

Car accident victims might be entitled to recover for their current and ongoing medical expenses. Some injuries require expensive treatments and long-term care. Your attorney can work with you to collect a settlement amount that can cover your medical expenses.

Lost Income

Some car accident injuries keep victims from returning to work. Being unable to work after an accident can leave you with massive bills. Car accident victims may recover their lost income. Work with an attorney to discover your right to recover financially after an accident.

Property Damage

You might be entitled to recover for your property damage after a car accident. Share any repair estimates that you may have with your car accident attorney.

Non-Economic Losses

Non-economic losses refer to compensation for losses that are not easy to quantify after an accident. Non-economic losses address the subjective impacts of an injury after a car accident and can include:

Disfigurement

An accident victim might be entitled to recover compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of scarring or physical changes caused by the accident.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If the accident caused a reduction in your quality of life, you might be entitled to compensation. Diminished quality of life due to an injury, impacting daily activities and hobbies, can be included in compensable losses.

Loss of Companionship

Some injuries make the victim isolated from their loved ones. Your family can recover financially from the emotional loss experienced by family members due to an injury or death.

Emotional Distress

You can recover compensation for the devastating psychological impact of a car accident, including anxiety, depression, or mental harm.

Pain and Suffering

An accident victim might recover the physical discomfort and emotional impact of a car accident injury.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth? 

Several factors determine the overall monetary value of your car accident case, including the ones listed above. Other important factors include:

Insurance Coverage

The limits of the at-fault party’s automobile insurance policy and your insurance coverage determine your claim’s value. An attorney will explain the ins and outs of the available insurance coverage.

State Laws

Different states have varying laws regarding damages, and that can influence the value of your case. An experienced car accident attorney will help you navigate the state legal process.

Consulting with a car accident attorney can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your claim. An attorney can help assess all these factors and guide you on the best course of action.

Working with an attorney is your best bet in your pursuit of financial compensation after a car accident. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer now to discuss a strategy to get full and fair compensation for your losses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

You do not have unlimited time to sue after a car accident. State laws called the statute of limitations give a deadline for accident victims to either settle their case or file a lawsuit in court. Work with your attorney to ensure you do not miss the statute of limitations or violate any other important procedural rules.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today 

Car accidents present their own unique set of challenges. Fortunately, you do not need to handle the impact of a car accident alone. Contact a Manassas personal injury attorney today if you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a car accident.

A skilled car accident attorney is your first step towards protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay, call today.