A car accident can leave you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure how you’ll recover from the financial losses. You may also experience a worsening quality of life due to the inability to participate in favorite activities.
If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for your losses. However, exercising that right depends on proving how the accident happened and identifying the liable party.
You must also face resistance from insurance companies that try to minimize payouts or dispute fault. You should, therefore, work with a suitable Pembroke Pines car accident lawyer who’ll explain your rights and options after the crash.
The lawyer you hire will build a strong case with evidence and guide you through every stage of the legal process. Asking the right questions during your initial consultation ensures you partner with someone equipped to protect your rights and interests.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney: Key Takeaways
- When hiring a car accident attorney, ask the right questions to assess their experience, track record, and communication style.
- After a crash that isn’t your fault, seek medical attention, file a police report, notify your insurer, and consult an attorney to protect your rights.
- A car accident attorney can gather evidence and initiate a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party.
- Compensation for car accidents varies based on injury severity, fault, and availability of evidence.
- Call a car accident lawyer for legal support after a crash.
What Questions Should I Ask an Attorney for a Car Accident
Selecting the right car accident attorney can contribute to success in your claim and enhance your experience during the claim. During your initial consultation, asking the right questions will help evaluate the attorney’s qualifications, experience, and approach to handling your case.
Here are eight essential questions to ask when assessing the suitability of a car accident lawyer.
How Much Experience Do You Have with Car Accident Cases?
You should understand the attorney’s experience level to make an informed decision. Ask about their years of practice in personal injury law and how many car accident cases they handle annually.
An experienced car accident attorney will have encountered different types of accidents, gained experience in proving fault, negotiating with insurance companies, and calculating appropriate compensation.
Look for a car accident lawyer who primarily handles car accident cases rather than a general practitioner who handles them occasionally.
What Is Your Success Rate and Track Record?
Inquire about the attorney’s success rate in obtaining favorable outcomes in car accident claims. Look to understand their track record of verdicts and settlements. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they provide insight into the lawyer’s ability to achieve positive results.
Ask for specific examples of similar cases they’ve handled and the outcomes achieved. A reputable car accident attorney can discuss their successes while being honest about the challenges your case might face.
How Do You Charge for Your Services?
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Clarify the percentage they charge, which is a fraction of the settlement or award.
Additionally, ask about other potential costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval costs, and court costs.
Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
After the initial meeting, many law firms delegate cases to junior associates or paralegals. Ask whether the attorney you’re speaking with will personally handle your case or if it will be assigned to someone else.
If others will be involved, request to meet them and understand their qualifications. You want to ensure that a qualified car accident lawyer manages your case and that you’ll have direct access to the decision-makers when needed.
How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?
While no attorney can predict exact timelines, an experienced lawyer should provide a reasonable estimate. A car accident attorney can estimate the timeline based on your case’s details, the severity of your injury, and typical processing times with relevant insurance companies.
Understanding potential timeframes helps you plan accordingly and sets realistic expectations about when you might receive compensation for your damages and losses.
What Is the Likely Value of My Case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case’s potential value based on your injuries, damages, and other factors. Although a car accident attorney cannot guarantee specific amounts, they can provide a range based on similar cases they’ve handled.
Be wary of a car accident lawyer who promises unrealistic amounts or guarantees specific outcomes. Guarantees or overpromising may indicate they focus more on securing your business than providing honest counsel.
How Will You Communicate with Me Throughout the Process?
Clear communication is the foundation of a positive attorney-client relationship. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, whether you’ll have direct access to your attorney, and what methods of communication they prefer.
Some attorneys provide regular written updates, while others prefer phone calls or meetings. Choose a car accident lawyer whose communication style matches your preferences. Most importantly, they should keep you informed about key developments.
What Makes You Different from Other Car Accident Attorneys?
You should also learn about their unique strengths, approach, or resources that set them apart from competitors. Listen for specific advantages such as relationships with medical experts, advanced investigation techniques, negotiation strategies, or trial experience.
What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault
Although being injured in a car crash is an overwhelming experience, you should take specific actions. What you do after a car accident can enhance your wellness and protect your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after a car accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine after a crash. Many serious injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms.
The body releases adrenaline after a crash, and shock can mask pain and discomfort. What initially feels like minor soreness can develop into chronic pain, limited mobility, or other long-term complications that require extensive treatment.
A healthcare provider can diagnose hidden injuries and initiate a treatment plan. They will also document the injury and treatment plan, linking your injuries directly to the accident. A car accident lawyer can use medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and support your claim.
Seeking prompt medical attention also protects your legal rights. Insurance companies often question the validity of injuries when there’s a gap between the accident and medical treatment. For example, they may argue that injuries occurred elsewhere or were pre-existing conditions.
File a Police Accident Report
You should notify the local police department after sustaining an injury in a crash caused by someone else’s fault. Here are a few reasons to file a police crash report after a car accident:
- Legal Documentation: A police accident report serves as official documentation of the incident. The crash report can include information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as statements from witnesses and involved parties. A car accident attorney can use the crash report when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
- Establish Fault: The police report can help establish who was at fault in the accident. By having a detailed report prepared by law enforcement, you can avoid disputes over fault during legal claims.
- Evidence Preservation: The report can also help preserve evidence from the accident scene. The report can include details about road conditions, weather at the time of the accident, and any citations issued.
Inform Your Insurance Company
You should make a prompt notification about the crash to the insurance provider. Many insurers require their policyholders to inform them about a crash within a specific timeline. Your insurer can cover your losses if the at-fault party has no coverage or is underinsured.
You should also avoid starting settlement negotiations with an insurer without the help of a legal professional. Many insurers make quick settlement offers after a crash, hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full scope of your losses.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Consult a car accident lawyer after an accident to protect your rights and to fight for a fair and just settlement. They will bring their knowledge and experience to establish the value of your losses, which extends beyond medical expenses.
They understand how to calculate current and future expenses. For example, they can calculate losses associated with diminished earning capacity if a severe fracture leads to permanent disability.
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and often employ tactics to pressure accident victims into accepting inadequate settlements. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer serves as your advocate during negotiations, countering lowball offers with comprehensive documentation.
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, a car accident attorney can pursue litigation to recover the compensation you deserve. They handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing court documents to presenting your case before a judge and jury.
A car accident lawyer will also provide legal advice, helping you understand your options, the strength of your case, and the potential outcomes. Their professional guidance ensures you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes that can jeopardize your claim.
What Is the Average Compensation for a Car Accident
There is no average value for a car accident. The outcome depends on the facts and circumstances of the crash. Here are the factors that influence the value of a car accident:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries and the costs of your medical treatment significantly impact the potential value of your claim.
- Availability of Evidence: Strong evidence supporting your claim increases potential compensation. Clear proof of the other driver’s fault, comprehensive medical documentation, witness statements, and photographic evidence strengthen your case and lead to higher settlements.
- Shared Fault: When you bear partial responsibility for the accident, your compensation is reduced proportionally under shared liability laws. The degree of shared fault impacts the final settlement amounts.
Choose the Right Lawyer for Fair and Just Compensation
You’re likely to endure financial strain after sustaining an injury in a car crash. For example, a severe burn can keep you out of work for several months, leading to loss of income. A lengthy treatment plan can also disrupt your finances.
The negligent party’s insurer may also frustrate your claim by making a low settlement covering your losses. A Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyer from Miller & Jacobs, Accident Attorney, can investigate the crash, gather compelling evidence, negotiate with insurers, or litigate to protect your rights. Call us today at (877)848-5297 for your free consultation.
Car Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Even for minor car accidents, consider consulting a car accident lawyer if you have any injuries, disputes over fault, or insurance complications. What seems minor initially can lead to complicated injuries and hefty medical bills.
Many lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Most importantly, working with a car accident attorney gives you the confidence to face an insurer and to fight for a settlement value that matches your losses.
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?
Most car accident claims do not involve trial and are resolved through insurance settlements or negotiations. However, you may need to go to court for disputes over fault, inadequate insurance coverage, severe injuries, or if settlement negotiations fail.
A car accident attorney can fight for your right to compensation by negotiating with insurers. They are ready to litigate the matter and fight for maximum settlement value if court action becomes necessary.
How Do I Pay for a Lawyer’s Services?
Most personal injury law firms offer a contingency fee arrangement. Under this agreement, your lawyer receives a percentage of the final settlement or court award.
If the lawyer does not recover compensation for you, you do not pay legal fees. This allows you to hire a lawyer without paying upfront costs.
What Is the Legal Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. This deadline can vary from one to six years, depending on your state.
If you do not file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
An attorney can determine the specific deadline for your case.
What Is the Difference Between a Claim and a Lawsuit?
A claim is a request for compensation you make directly to an insurance company. Most car accident cases are resolved through this process.
A lawsuit is a formal legal action you file in court to recover damages. If negotiations with the insurance company fail to produce a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer if the Other Driver's Insurance Company Has Already Offered a Settlement?
An initial settlement offer from an insurance company is often far less than what you deserve. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize their payouts.
Your lawyer can evaluate your losses, including future medical expenses and lost wages, to determine the full value of your case.
An attorney negotiates with the insurance company and fights for fair compensation.
What Should You Do After a Minor Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault?
After a minor accident, not your fault, inform the police and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Contact a car accident lawyer promptly because minor injuries can develop into severe conditions.
They can also protect you against insurance companies that may undervalue your claim or deny coverage.