what are some reasons i should consult a lawyer when i have a car accident?

One of the main reasons why you need to hire a car accident lawyer when you are involved in a car accident that is your fault is because all of the work would be taken care of by the lawyer. As the attorney is experienced in dealing with matters related to car accidents, he or she would know what to do.

Full Answer

Why should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?

If you're injured in a car accident, then hiring a lawyer will almost always ensure a much better settlement. 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 can a Long Beach car accident lawyer help me?

Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Learn how an experienced Long Beach car accident lawyer can help if you’ve been hurt in a car accident. Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions.

Is it a risk to handle a car accident claim alone?

It can be a risk to handle a car accident claim on your own, unless your injuries are very minor and the other side is conceding fault.

Should I take my car accident claim to trial?

If you are not presented with a just offer, you can take the case to trial. If you decide to accept a car accident settlement agreement, it will include a release of liability, by which you agree not to ask the insurance company for anything else related to your claim.

Why do you need a car accident attorney?

While the opposite party will continuously try to establish that the entire fault was yours , your attorney will help in defending you in this situation . Professional attorneys know what the ways are of collecting evidence in their clients’ favor by visiting the accident spot. They will gather hints and clues to build the matter in your favor ultimately. Do not worry; professional attorneys are experts in this segment.

Should I talk about an accident by myself?

Last but not least , it is always better not to talk about the accident by yourself to anyone. Hire a veteran attorney so that he can be your voice to everyone in the public whenever the topic comes up.

Why is it important to collect evidence about what happened in an accident?

Collecting evidence about what happened in an accident is crucial to determining if a driver may have been negligent and who is therefore liable for the crash. Evidence such as the “black box” recorder that can tell how fast a car was going when the accident occurred and whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt can often only be obtained by court order.

What do attorneys do after collecting evidence?

They include hiring medical experts to validate the seriousness of injuries and having accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the accident scene.

What does an insurance adjuster do?

Insurance adjusters negotiate insurance settlements on a full-time basis. They fight for the best interests of the insurance company. Your Slater & Zurz attorney has considerable experience as a negotiator so you can obtain the compensation you deserve.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit in Ohio?

There are time limits that can bar you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In Ohio, you must file two years from the date “the cause of action accrues.” The legal definition of accrues is “to come into existence as an enforceable claim or right,” therefore it is possible to have a claim that was not discovered until after the statute of limitations deadline.

Should I Pursue This Case?

Whether to pursue your car accident case depends on a number of factors, including your own goals for the case. The purpose of pursuing a car accident case is to secure a monetary recovery for your harms and losses. But not everyone involved in a car accident has a good case for a monetary recovery.

What Is Your Background? Have You Taken Cases like This One Before?

Just like any field, lawyers have specialties, so it’s important to find one whose experience makes them a good fit for your case. Your attorney should not only specialize in car accident law but be able to point to past experience that aligns with your case.

How Are Your Fees Structured?

Lawyers structure fees differently. Some may charge a flat fee or hourly rates. Others take cases on a contingency basis, meaning they will only be paid if a case resolves in your favor. For a car accident, you should strongly consider an attorney who structures their fees this way.

Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Lawyers are not the only team members at a law firm. Legal teams are also composed of paralegals, law clerks, case managers, litigation managers and assistants, among others.

What Kind of Damages Can I Claim?

There may be many economic damages in a serious car accident case, including property damage, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, and more. There may also be more intangible losses: pain and suffering, physical impairment, emotional distress, and others.

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.

Qualifications and Experience

You should begin your meeting with questions about the attorney’s background, qualifications and experience.

Case Management and Legal Strategy

Other areas you should be sure to discuss with a car accident attorney at your initial meeting include how your case will be managed, what the attorney’s legal style tends to be, and his or her typical strategy in handling a car accident claim. You want to make sure the attorney’s style matches what you are looking for.

Case-Specific Inquiries

Many car accident cases are straightforward from the attorney's point of view, but the client still wants to hear answers to specific questions. The free consultation provides you with an opportunity to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney and to have key questions answered (to the extent they are answerable at the outset). For example:

Fees and Costs

Finally, you should discuss the fees and costs associated with your potential case, specifically:

Should a lawyer know about an injury?

If you know about an injury, your lawyer should know too. It's vital your lawyer knows everything. It is almost more important for your lawyer to be aware of something related to your body than it is for your doctor to be aware. Well, maybe equally as important.

Is an accident lawyer a medical opinion?

What? Your opinion matters, and don't let any accident lawyer tell you differently. No, it's not a "medical" opinion but it's valid nonetheless. If you feel as though some pain, injury, or condition is not healing and you fear permanency, you should explore it with your doctor and keep your lawyer in the loop.

What to do after a car accident?

After the trauma of being in a car accident, it’s natural to want life to return to normal as quickly as possible. You want to regain your health, get your car fixed, and get back to work. So a quick car accident settlement with the insurance company can sound very inviting. Resolving your claim and getting cash quickly can take a big item ...

What happens if a driver is found to be 80% responsible for an accident?

So, if a driver is found 80% responsible for the accident, he must pay for 80% of the damages the accident caused . For cases that go to trial, the jury hears all the evidence and then allocates percentage of fault. If a driver runs into your car while texting, you would say that driver caused the accident.

Why do insurance companies want to close cases?

Insurance companies want to close your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. They will pressure you to settle before you even know what all your damages are. One of the biggest problems with speedy settlements is that some car accident injuries take time to show up or be properly diagnosed.

What is a good settlement for a car accident?

A good car accident settlement will compensate you for all your current and future expenses and damages, including: Replacement services for household tasks you perform (like cooking, cleaning, yard work, shopping, child care) Insurance companies want to close your case as quickly and cheaply as possible.

What is the compensation you accept in a settlement agreement?

The compensation you accept in a settlement agreement is all that you will receive. Therefore, it is imperative that you know whether and how your injuries will affect your future employability, mobility, health and enjoyment of life.

What happens if an insurance company offers a second offer?

If the insurance company’s second, third or even sixth offer does not feel fair, you still don’t need to accept it. It is an offer, not a demand. If you are not presented with a just offer, you can take the case to trial.

What is the goal of insurance companies?

An insurance company’s goal is to maximize their profits, not look out for your best interests. Their first settlement offer to car crash victims is based on what they think you will accept. It is not based on what you are entitled to receive.