A competent car accident lawyer can safeguard your rights and pursue financial compensation for your losses. They will also understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize or reject claims.
They will examine photos of the scene and talk to eyewitnesses to establish liability. They will also gather medical reports and hire experts when needed.
Liability
A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you prove that the at-fault driver violated a standard of care in the operation of their vehicle. Typical violations include:
- Failure to yield the right of way.
- Following too closely.
- Reckless driving.
- Driving under the influence and disregarding traffic control devices.
In addition, your attorney will work to establish that the crash caused the injuries you suffered. This often requires medical evidence of the extent of your injury and documentation of the expenses you incurred.
If your claim is worth pursuing, an experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company. This is a complex skill and an art that the lawyers have honed over years of practice. Their objective is to get you a fair settlement for your claims. The insurance companies will have their team of adjusters and experts examining your case to look for any loopholes they can use to minimize your payout.
Damages
After a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to various compensation, including economic damages to compensate for lost earnings from medical costs and property damage. In addition, such as pain and suffering, non-economic damages for emotional and bodily injuries may be given.
A skilled car accident attorney will have the experience and knowledge to gauge how much these damages should be worth in your case. They also know how to negotiate with insurance providers and prevent them from undervaluing your claim.
A car accident lawyer will also be familiar with all unique legal laws that apply to your situation, such as time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing a lawsuit against an at-fault party. They will also be familiar with different types of negligence, such as gross or reckless disregard for human life, and if your case is appropriate to receive punitive damages, which are awarded in cases of extreme negligence.
Insurance
Car accident lawyers can provide valuable expertise in determining whether a third-party claim, such as the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, is sufficient to cover the injured party’s economic and non-economic losses. The lawyer will assess the available coverage, review medical records, and request an accident report to begin building a case for damages.
The law firm will also open a line of communication with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and any other insurers involved in the accident. Depending on the circumstances, additional third parties, such as a car manufacturer, may be liable for the crash when a defective product causes an accident.
The law firm will protect the injured party’s rights by negotiating for fair compensation from the responsible parties. The law firm knows the tricks insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims and will fight hard to get the victim a settlement covering all their losses.
Negotiation
Car accident attorneys help individuals get fair settlements by understanding the full extent of their damages. This includes assessing past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other emotional impact.
After a free consultation, car accident lawyers can build your case immediately. They will review evidence such as pictures, videos, and witness statements from the scene. They will also request the accident report and access your medical records.
Additionally, car accident attorneys can work to secure your settlement by negotiating with insurance companies. They will counter unsatisfactory offers to ensure maximum compensation for your claim.
They may even have experts recreate the accident scene and strengthen your case. Sometimes, they will pursue punitive damages against the at-fault party to hold them accountable. They will even negotiate with lien holders to reduce their claims on your settlement. This is an essential step because it can increase your overall financial payout.