If you are searching for an auto accident lawyer, then you may wonder how they could help you. Settling an accident claim by yourself is an option but it is not the best option. Preparing for a legal case can take a large chunk of time and effort you may not have.
It can take days just to negotiate with the insurance adjuster about a claim. Consider how much time you can save by hiring a lawyer to handle your case. But you must also consider hiring the right lawyer for the job. If you want to find out how to hire the proper lawyer for your accident case, read the following sections.
Why do you need an auto accident lawyer?
Getting an auto accident lawyer will ensure that the legal aftermath of the car accident is managed accordingly. Any losses you have sustained during the car accident is better handled by an attorney. Additionally, the lawyer can handle the paperwork and has the time to process insurance claims. Processing these claims can take days, which you can use to rest and heal if you were hurt in the accident.
If the car accident caused severe life-threatening injuries, enlisting the help of a lawyer will improve your case. When a person is involved in a traumatic car accident, there may be criminal charges. Although it is possible to represent yourself, the better choice would be to hire someone with legal expertise.
Finding a Reputable Car Accident Lawyer
When you are searching for a car accident lawyer, there are certain factors you need to be mindful of. The first factor to examine is what and how the attorney is charging for their services. Most accident attorneys will charge a fee on contingency basis.
A contingency fee is when a lawyer charges for a third of the settlement for winning the case. If you do not win the case, then the lawyer will not charge you. Asking about their fees as well as non-attorney related fees can help you get a better understanding of how much you may owe. Moreover, an accident attorney typically does not charge for consultation fees. Take advantage of these free consultations to find the right attorney to handle your case.
Services Offered by an Auto Accident Lawyer
When to get an auto accident lawyer is when you know how much they are charging and the services they offer. Accident lawyers have an extensive skillset in administering these types of cases. Thus, they can shorten the amount of time it can take to get the case settled. The services they offer along are:
- Speaking with the insurer of the other driver.
- Obtaining the evidence necessary for the case.
- Negotiating and settling the case.
Communicating with The Insurer
In the early stages of a case, an auto accident lawyer will communicate with the insurance adjuster of the other party. Forming a good relationship with the insurance adjuster is vital since they are the ones paying. If you are the injured party, making a claim to the insurance adjuster may not work out the way you wanted.
You will have biases and may just take their first offer to get the case over with. But, lawyers are trained to be objective and will be able to ask for the appropriate settlement amount for your case. Taking advantage of their training can increase the amount you receive in the settlement.
Obtaining Necessary Evidence
There is a list of documents and information a car accident lawyer must gather to be prepared for a case. The lawyer needs to prove liability in a car accident and evidence of damages. This means gathering the following documents and information in the subsequent ways:
- Organizing medical records and bills
- Searching for any missing health records from health care providers
- Searching for police records
- Gathering photographs from the scene of the accident
- Obtaining information from the opposing party
Negotiating the Settlement
An auto accident lawyer must also negotiate the settlement with the other party. Negotiating is a specific skill and a lawyer will most likely obtain a better deal than a layperson. An accident lawyer will know how much the case is worth.
Furthermore, the lawyer needs to negotiate with a lien holder if you are receiving government or workers compensation. A lien on your claim is when a lien holder gets paid before you do from the settlement you receive. Your lawyer needs to negotiate with the lien holder so they can put more money in your pocket.
