what kind of lawyer do i need for car crash

If you’ve been in a car crash and sustained an injury, it’s important to work with a lawyer who has experience with cases similar to yours. This means hiring a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident cases. Hiring a general lawyer – or jack of all trades – is generally not a good idea.

Full Answer

Why do you need a lawyer after a car accident?

Why Do You Need To Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

• Counsel From A Professional Lawyer. ...
• Provide Essential Support. ...
• Gather All Possible Evidence. ...
• Investigate The Matters. ...
• Evaluation of Your Claim Amount. ...
• Assist Over Negotiations. ...
• Going Over Trial. ...
• Deals With Insurance Companies. ...
• Peace of Mind. ...
• Bottom Line. ...

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

• FLORIDA. Retaining a competent and experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible is vital if you are injured in a wreck.
• ALABAMA. When do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer? ...
• ARIZONA. ...
• CALIFORNIA. ...
• GEORGIA. ...
• ILLINOIS. ...
• INDIANA. ...
• LOUISIANA. ...
• MASSACHUSETTS. ...
• NORTH DAKOTA. ...

More items...

Do I really need a car accident attorney?

In short, it’s important to have a lawyer if your car accident is in any way complex. These are the types of complex accidents where you should hire a lawyer: The other driver was drunk, on drugs, or distracted by texting/phone use. Injuries involve broken bones or fractures. Your medical bills are more than $5,000.

Does everyone in a car accident need a lawyer?

There are many questions that need to be answered after a car accident. For minor car accidents, you may wish to discuss your situation with an attorney. In fact, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver, placing him or her at fault. When you are not responsible for the accident, some questions disappear.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?

To prove another driver is to blame for a motor vehicle accident, the plaintiff must prove to the satisfaction of a court that:

Do I Need a Lawyer in a No-Fault Accident Case?

If there are no injuries or they are minor, you may think you don’t need a lawyer in a no-fault accident case. It’s a common misconception that all you have to do is file a claim with your auto insurance company. Then under Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, medical bills and attendant allowance are paid out.

What Happens if There is Property Damage?

If there was some damage to the other driver’s car, they may pursue the at-fault driver through Michigan mini-tort. This is a fairly inexpensive way of settling small disputes. MCL 500.3135 (3) (c) (e) provides that damages to motor vehicles may be recovered up to a limit of $3,000.

What Do I Do if the Other Driver Files a Lawsuit for Non-Economic Loss?

Under the no-fault insurance law, the accident victim gives up their right to sue the at-fault-driver in return for insurance benefits decided upon by the state. However, the accident victim may be able to sue you for non-economic damages if they have suffered serious injuries in certain circumstances.

Can the Other Driver Claim Economic Losses from Me?

In certain circumstances, the other driver may sue the at-fault driver for excess economic loss compensation. This compensation would cover past, present, and future expenses not covered by PIP benefits through the no-fault insurance law.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer if You Are At-Fault

Michigan’s law surrounding car accidents is complex and has many factual and procedural traps for the unwary. You should seek legal advice as soon after the accident as possible so that a lawyer well-versed in this practice area can help protect your rights.

1. You Need Professional Advice

Right from the time a car crash happens, a good amount of confusion is bound to set in. Trying to evaluate the impact of the accident on your car, life, and other persons involved might be impossible. A lot of questions will arise at the same time in your mind.

2. Your Need Guidance for What Action to Take

Some state laws adhere to the no-fault insurance policy, while some follow the at-fault insurance policy. The no-fault insurance is to ensure that small claims don't need a court to be settled. In contrast, the at-fault insurance policy allows insurance companies to pay for damages according to a pre-determination of each party's fault.

3. You Need Someone to Be the Your Mouthpiece

Due to the simple fact that most accident victims are often disoriented and traumatized after an incident, it is usually advisable for them to employ the services of an accident lawyer for all correspondence.

4. You Need Someone to Conduct a Proper Evaluation of Your Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are well known for often trying to pay the least amount possible to an insured person making a claim. Without adequate knowledge, an accident victim could play into their hands.

5. You Need Someone to Prove Your Level of Liability

A lot of fuss generated from who was at fault in a recent accident might sometimes require other justifications and hard evidence. Most accident victims lack the skills necessary to get the proof and evidence, but an accident lawyer can often accomplish this task.

6. You Need Someone to Attend Settlement Meetings

Settlement meetings are commonplace in accident cases. They often happen right before the parties involved need to go to a court. It could be a one-time feature or a series of meetings.

What is an accident attorney?

An accident attorney — also known as a personal injury attorney — can help you seek damages after a car crash. Those damages can cover financial losses, medical expenses, lost wages, car repair bills and, in some states, wrongful death, according to legal information site FindLaw.com.

When is an accident attorney necessary?

The answer changes, though, if the accident is serious and the circumstances are complex — say, for instance, you were severely injured, your car was heavily damaged and you’ll be out of work for six weeks. Under that scenario, you might want to hire an accident attorney.

How to find an accident attorney

Ask lots of questions — and for referrals from family and friends — before you decide to work with an accident attorney. You can also vet candidates by reading online reviews or calling your local Bar Association.

Why should I hire an attorney after a car accident?

Hiring an attorney after a car accident can give you an objective view of your case. When you meet with an attorney, they will review the facts of your accident, your injuries, time off work, etc., and tell you what your case is potentially worth. Having this information is vital because it’s hard to remain objective when you are personally ...

What does an attorney do when dealing with insurance adjusters?

An attorney can also handle all negotiations with the other party’s insurance company. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be daunting. They may give the appearance they are on your side, but they aren’t.

What happens if your insurance company denies your claim?

When the insurance company denies your claim, your only recourse is to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will continue to push settlement through the discovery process. If the other driver’s insurance company keeps denying liability, your attorney will prepare your case for trial.

What is the goal of an adjuster?

Their goal is to gain information from you that they can use against you to reduce your claim’s value or deny it outright. The adjuster may offer you a small amount early on in the case in hopes you will settle. That way, they can close their file before you have additional treatment.

Can a case go to trial?

If your case proceeds into litigation, you need an attorney who has the necessary experience to take your case all the way to trial. Many cases won’t ever go to trial, but there is always the chance.

Should I meet with a car accident attorney?

While retaining legal representation is a personal decision, you should at least meet with a car accident attorney who offers a free, no-obligation consultation.

Can I Pursue Legal Action By Myself?

If your injuries or the damage to your vehicle are very minor, you may be tempted to file a case on your own. But, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney most always ensures that you receive higher compensation.

Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

In order for your personal injury case to be successful, a attorney has to be prepared to counteract any defenses the other party may present.

Meldon Law Is on Your Side After a Car Crash

When you have been injured in a car crash, time is of the essence in getting you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back on track. The expert legal team at Meldon Law is ready to get to work for you and your case as your Florida car accident attorneys.