how it works lawyer car accident

by Samara Hermiston 5 min read

Do I need an attorney for a car accident claim?

Attorneys who handle car accident cases and other personal injury cases usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they will take their fee from any eventual settlement or judgment that you receive, usually in a percentage around 30-33%. If they do not get money for you, you usually do not need to pay the attorney anything.

How can a car accident lawyer help me recover my medical records?

Apr 19, 2022 · Do you know if you need a lawyer after a car crash? This article discusses when you need legal support and the benefits of hiring an attorney. Available 24/7. 770-HELP-NOW. Free Case Review. About Us. Our Firm. Attorneys. Michael Weinstein. Harris Weinstein. Giving Back. Testimonials. Results. Areas We Serve. Auto Accidents. Car Accidents.

How does the car accident settlement process work?

Sep 04, 2021 · Your car accident lawyer will begin by making a claim for payments based on the nature and severity of your injury, the negligence of the at-fault driver and the amount of insurance coverage available to cover your injury costs and losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Can a car accident claim be settled without a lawsuit?

Apr 18, 2022 · A Lawyer Will Document Your Damages After an accident, it is important to have a record of all of your damages. This includes things like your medical bills, lost wages, and more. A lawyer will help you gather all of this information and put it into a format that can be used to support your claim.

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What to bring to an accident attorney meeting?

The attorney may ask you to bring certain documents to the meeting so that they can better understand your case. These may include medical bills, the police report of the accident, and correspondence with insurers, among other things. You should be aware that the attorney-client privilege will protect the contents of this conversation, so you should be as candid with the attorney as possible. This will help both sides determine the value of your case and whether it makes sense to move forward together.

What should I know when looking for an attorney?

They also should have experience handling cases similar to yours. Trial experience can be an important asset, since insurers may take a claim more seriously if they know that a victim’s attorney is willing to go to trial. You may also want to make sure that your attorney actually will be handling your case , rather than passing the work to paralegals or other assistants.

Can I handle my car accident claim on my own?

If a car accident was relatively minor, resulting in only property damage and minimal injuries, you may be able to handle the resulting insurance claim on your own. However, if you are suffering from catastrophic injuries after a serious accident, you may have a lot at stake in terms of medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The insurance company also may put more resources into contesting all or part of the claim. In these situations, or in situations in which liability is unclear, you may benefit greatly from hiring a car accident lawyer.

How can an attorney help you in a car accident?

Perhaps the most important way an attorney can help you with your car accident case is by being your advocate. This means that your attorney acts on your behalf and for your benefit throughout the entire claims process (negotiating with the automobile insurance company) and even in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary. He or she will be your champion before the judge, jury and other attorneys, making sure that your side of the story is heard and that you are compensated for all of your losses.

What does it mean to hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident?

Hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you after a car accident means you will have a professional working for you -- one who is extremely knowledgeable about the relevant laws and procedural rules that may affect your case.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?

For instance, in many states you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident or be forever prohibited from filing your lawsuit. An attorney will also be able to inform you about any special exceptions to the statute of limitations -- for minors, for example.

Can an attorney file a lawsuit?

Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how best to mitigate any possible defenses raised by the other side. In addition, once your case gets under way, your lawyer will play an invaluable role in preparing your case for trial -- and even going to trial if your case doesn't settle.

Do you need an attorney for a car accident?

Usually, car accidents in volving serious or long-term injuries require an attorney to get the most desirable outcome.

Can an attorney do a car accident settlement?

After you have been in a car accident, taking on this time-consuming work may be the last thing you want to do, assuming you're able. An attorney can do it all for you.

What is car accident investigation?

CAR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION. After you file your personal injury claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider, the insurance company conducts an investigation of the accident. This is done by an insurance claims adjuster. The investigation involves a review of every piece of evidence that you provide to prove your claim’s validity.

What does a lawyer do in court?

Your lawyer can determine if going to court is the right choice for you and your case, and if so, the lawyer will walk you through the next steps involved in your case. The lawyer can explain what to expect during your trial. In brief, both parties appear in court and present their claims to the jury.

What evidence does an insurance adjuster review?

Pieces of evidence that the insurance adjuster reviews during the investigation of your claim include: The official police report for the accident. Photographs of the accident scene, your car and the other driver’s car. Statements from witnesses to the accident. Your medical records if you have signed a release.

What happens if you can't settle a car accident?

If you cannot reach a car accident insurance settlement through negotiation, a lawsuit and an appearance in court may be required as well.

What is an insurance adjuster investigation?

The investigation involves a review of every piece of evidence that you provide to prove your claim’s validity. When certain pieces of evidence are not available such as photographs of your car, the insurance adjuster might take them. Pieces of evidence that the insurance adjuster reviews during the investigation of your claim include: ...

How to settle a personal injury claim?

Experts can provide critical insight to your accident and subsequent damages. This insight can be used to underscore your personal injury claim. Experts whose opinions might be considered during your claim’s settlement process include: 1 Your doctor – The physician can discuss your injuries, treatment and prognosis. 2 An accident reconstruction specialist – This expert can create a digital rendering of your accident, showing how the factors at play led to it. 3 A civil or mechanical engineer – These individuals may be called on when one of the factors at play was a vehicle malfunction or a geographical feature such as a partially complete road construction project.

Where do you file a car accident lawsuit?

Car accident lawsuits typically are filed in the proper Circuit Court. This court usually will be the one located in the county where the accident occurred or where the negligent driver resides.

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Communicating with The Other Driver's Insurer

  • In any personal injury case, your lawyer will open up a line of communication with the insurance adjusterfor the other party (or parties) involved. The adjuster has the pocketbook, and so it is critical for a plaintiff's lawyer to have good communications and a good relationship with the adj…
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Obtaining Necessary Evidence of Damages

  • This is where a good lawyer can be essential to your case, especially when you've suffered significant car accident injuries. It is critical to obtain all documentation related to your injuries, but it isn't always easy to get your hands on those records and bills from health care providers. Although the records are technically yours, and you have an absolute right to them, sending med…
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Negotiating with Lien Holders

  • If you received benefits from a health, disability, or workers' compensation insurer, that insurer will have a lien on your claim. A lien means that the lien holder gets paid before you do, out of any settlement or judgment you receive. A good lawyer will work with the lien holder to try to get the lien holder to reduce its lien. This is important work. Every dollar less that the lien holder takes i…
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Negotiating with Insurers/Defendants

  • Negotiation is a very specific skill (some might even call it an art). A personal injury lawyer is always going to be far better at settling a car accident casethan a layperson would be. A good lawyer knows how much the case is worth and knows how to work the case and conduct the negotiations in order to arrive at the best outcome for the client.
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