What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident is a traumatizing and stressful event, leaving victims with serious injuries, financial strain, and legal complications.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a car accident lawyer can provide the necessary resources to get the compensation you deserve. They will also protect you from insurance companies that may not prioritize your interests and often reduce payouts.
Securing legal representation after an accident is crucial to your recovery. This article will guide you through a car accident lawyer’s key roles and responsibilities so you know exactly what they do once they take on your case.
Investigating the Car Accident
The most essential step in any car accident lawyer’s case is successfully gathering proof to determine fault for the accident, or the party responsible for causing the accident.
An experienced car accident lawyer will collect all necessary resources to successfully prove their client’s claim and maximize compensation. The lawyer will carefully gather police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the scene, including photos, videos, and measurements taken by investigators.
These resources can also involve reviewing dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, and black box data from commercial vehicles. Sometimes, the lawyer may consult accident reconstruction specialists to help determine fault more accurately.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your well-being. A compassionate car accident lawyer will handle all communication with your insurance and the at-fault party’s insurer, sparing you the stress.
They should also be well-equipped to handle any questions that insurance companies may ask after the accident on your behalf.
At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we can assist with filing settlement paperwork, negotiating with adjusters to avoid claim denials, and reviewing your policies to identify available coverage, which minimizes your financial strain following the accident.
By hiring a lawyer, you’ll also be protected from manipulative tactics insurers use to reduce payouts. Your lawyer will advocate for your financial and emotional well-being, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Proving Liability & Establishing Fault
Once the car accident investigation is complete and the legal basis for fault is identified, the car accident lawyer can determine the cause of the collision and who remains liable. Potential causes are driver negligence, defective auto parts, or hazardous road conditions.
The lawyer will then focus on proving the elements of negligence, including duty, breach, causation, and damages. Their goal is to protect you from uninsured drivers and safeguard your access to compensation.
To strengthen the case, they’ll rely on expert testimony, medical records, and crash reports. Additionally, the lawyer may gather and analyze evidence like surveillance footage, black box data, or witness statements to help establish fault and secure compensation for victims, especially if multiple people are at fault for the collisions.
Calculating Damages & Maximizing Compensation
To accurately determine the value of your claim, your car accident lawyer will evaluate both economic and non-economic damages. While medical bills and vehicle repairs are apparent costs, other damages are often more complex.
The lawyer will assess economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs, alongside non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, they may also pursue punitive damages. By carefully considering all potential damages, your lawyer works to maximize your compensation and ensure you are fairly compensated.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Negotiating with an insurance adjuster often requires the expertise of an experienced car accident lawyer. Insurance companies take your case more seriously when an attorney is involved, increasing your chances of a fair settlement.
An attorney will approach the negotiation process with several key strategies:
- Drafting a strong, persuasive demand letter
- Thoroughly evaluating all damages to determine the actual value of your claim
- Investigating and preserving crucial evidence
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to establish fault
- Managing all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters and their legal teams
Your lawyer will also provide guidance on whether to accept a settlement or take the case to trial, ensuring your best interests are prioritized.
Representing Clients in Court (If Necessary)
In some cases, insurance companies will refuse to offer fair compensation. But your fight for justice does not end here.
This is where your lawyer will step in to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court so that you can keep fighting for the compensation you deserve.
During this lawsuit, they will handle all pre-trial motions, depositions, and legal filings to cumulatively present a strong case before the judge or jury and secure a favorable verdict.
Guiding Clients Through the Legal Process
A skilled car accident lawyer provides essential guidance and support during what can be an overwhelming time. They help you understand your options and give you the resources to act on them.
They’ll explain your legal rights, deadlines, and options in simple terms, ensuring you’re always informed about case progress. Your lawyer handles all paperwork and procedural tasks to prevent delays, offering peace of mind during such a difficult period.
With their support, you can focus on recovery while they manage the complexities of the legal process and protect your best interests.
Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Matters
Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference when you’ve been in a car accident. Studies show that victims who hire a lawyer typically get higher settlement amounts than those who go it alone.
Insurance companies often use tactics to push for lower payouts, but a lawyer knows how to protect you from these pressures.
Plus, navigating the claims process on your own can be stressful, but with a lawyer handling things, you get peace of mind. They take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
While you can reach out to a car accident lawyer at any point, the sooner you do, the better. Waiting too long to contact an attorney can hurt your case, as valuable evidence may be lost or witnesses’ memories may fade.
The sooner you involve a lawyer, the more likely you are to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim.
It’s crucial to contact a lawyer immediately if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries
- The insurance company has denied your claim
- You’re unsure about the value of your claim
- You need help proving fault or dealing with a hit-and-run
Acting early gives your lawyer the best chance to gather evidence and protect your rights.
Contact Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis—meaning no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case.
We’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you—call us now at (678) 940-4453 or schedule your free consultation at atlinjurylawyers.com/contact.
Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering.