After your car accident, an auto accident attorney can gather information about the accident, give you legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you claim compensation for your losses so you can recover and return to your normal life.
Car accidents can be traumatic for the victims. From lacerations and bruises to traumatic brain injuries and broken bones, victims can suffer a variety of serious injuries, some of which require weeks and thousands of dollars in medical care and rehabilitation. Losing a loved one in a car accident is even more difficult.
After a disaster, recovery must be a priority. However, if you are doing well enough, you might also consider enlisting the help of an auto accident lawyer. In addition to the physical and mental stress caused by a car accident, you can also experience financial difficulties due to medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and lost wages.
From speed limits to distracted driving laws, state and federal policies promote safety and prevent collisions. However, crashes are a common problem in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 36,120 people were killed in car crashes last year.
If someone violates local or state traffic laws or drives recklessly or irresponsibly, they must face the consequences of their actions. Depending on the offense and damages caused, this can include speeding tickets, suspension of licenses, fines and even prison terms. They may also be responsible for compensating victims.
If the responsible party is insured and their insurance company covers the accident loss, they can pay the victim for damages such as medical bills and property damage. However, if they are underinsured, uninsured, or underpaid by their insurance provider, the victim may want to file a personal injury lawsuit.
A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals involved in car accidents. Their primary role is to provide legal guidance and representation to individuals who have been injured or suffered damages in a car accident. Here are some of the specific tasks that a car accident lawyer may undertake:
- Evaluate the case: A car accident lawyer will assess the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine the strength of the case. They will consider factors such as liability, damages, and insurance coverage.
- Gather evidence: A car accident lawyer will collect evidence to support the case. This may include witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and photographs.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Car accident lawyers may work with insurance companies to negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients. They will advocate for fair compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Represent clients in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a car accident lawyer may represent their client in court. They will present evidence and arguments to support their case and advocate for a favorable outcome.
- Provide legal advice: Car accident lawyers will advise their clients on legal matters related to their case. They will explain legal procedures, provide guidance on what to say and do, and answer any questions the client may have.
In summary, a car accident lawyer helps their clients navigate the legal process following a car accident, and advocates for their best interests to obtain the compensation they deserve.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Car accident lawyers can be a valuable resource in any of the above circumstances, as pursuing financial awards for your losses can be a complicated endeavor.
First, the victim must prove who caused the accident and establish the sequence of events and circumstances that contributed to the crash. They will also need to gather evidence to support their claims, which may include eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical reports, and receipts for repairs.
The plaintiff may also need to communicate with insurance companies and the other party or its legal representative. While some personal injury suits resolve with a settlement, it is sometimes necessary to take a claim to civil court.
A car accident lawyer can assist you with:
- Conducting an investigation, reviewing police reports and medical records, and gathering eyewitness testimonies
- Demonstrating the circumstances surrounding the crash, as well as the sequence of events leading up to it
- Proving who was at fault
- Building a case based on the details of the incident
- Establishing a strategy to seek compensation on your behalf
- Communicating with insurance companies, lawyers, and other involved parties on your behalf
- Representing you in negotiations or a court of law, if necessary
- Keeping you updated throughout the process and address any concerns or questions you have
Some cases may be more difficult to investigate than others, like accidents involving rideshare companies, commercial trucks, public transportation, and sanitation vehicles.
In any of these circumstances, there may be more than one liable party or the liable party may be a corporation or city or state government. A car accident lawyer can help ensure you abide by the relevant procedures when it comes to dealing with these kinds of parties.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has statutes of limitations that set deadlines for plaintiffs to file lawsuits against another party, as the Legal Information Institute (LII) defines it. The statute of limitations varies depending on your location and the party against whom you are bringing a claim. For example, the statute of limitations to bring a suit against another civilian may be two or three years, whereas you may have only six months to bring a suit against a local government. The statute of limitations is not the same as the timeframe within which you should file an insurance claim. You should always file a claim or at least notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Some providers specify you must notify them within a “reasonable time” for your claim to be valid. Again, these times may vary across states.
Losses Associated with Car Accidents
Car crashes can result in a variety of losses. This can range from a totaled vehicle to debilitating physical injuries, as well as emotional pain and suffering, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress. A car accident lawyer can help you identify all of the losses you have suffered and what type of compensation you may be eligible to pursue.
You may receive compensation for the following after your car accident:
- Cost to repair or replace property
- Cost of current or reasonably anticipated medical bills
- Lost wages for the time you missed because of your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries were so serious you are unable to return to your previous position
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial costs (if a loved one died as a result of their injuries)
Contact Us Today
If you or a family member has suffered as a result of another party’s reckless or negligent driving, a car accident lawyer may be able to help. Seeking financial awards for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses may help you avoid further hardship and move on with your life faster. To learn more about what a car accident lawyer can do for you, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today. Speak with a staff member in a free consultation by calling (800) 598-7557.
