why do i need a lawyer after a car accident?

by Federico Reynolds 10 min read

You may need a lawyer after a car accident if:

  • You or any other party has suffered serious injury as a result of the accident
  • Drunk driving was involved
  • Violations of laws were involved
  • Serious property damage resulted (especially that of government roads or property)
  • There are issues regarding insurance policies or insurance companies

More items...

Full Answer

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

May 06, 2020 · A car accident attorney will make sure you get the medical attention that you need along with having your bills covered by the insurance company. An accident that could be considered minor by you could result in dire medical consequences.

When to get an attorney for a car accident?

Apr 07, 2018 · An attorney does a world of good in both these situations, both by obtaining evidence necessary to support the claim and finding a legal theory of recovery that fits the available facts. The Burden of Proof in California Negligence Cases Victim/plaintiffs must establish liability by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).

What is the best car accident lawyer?

Feb 04, 2022 · The process can get complicated if you do not know your legal rights. That is why you may need to hire a seasoned car accident attorney with experience in such cases. A lawyer will get committed to help through the lawsuit process and defend your rights. They will help you get compensated as you recover from the injuries and losses. Contents

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

Jan 28, 2021 · Getting counsel advice, support, evidence collection, matter investigation, getting an estimate for compensation are some reasons to hire a car accident lawyer. Always choose a lawyer based on experience and areas of specialization. This will help you to choose the best lawyer. HedgeThink

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4 Main Reasons You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Proving liability (who’s responsible for what damages). The aftermath of a car accident can be filled with high emotions. Each party involved in the accident may find themselves feeling stressed out as they try to defend themselves from accusations said by one another.

Available Damages

A car accident lawyer can ensure that you are compensated for all of the damages you are eligible for by helping you step-by-step of the way. The following are the available damages for injuries sustained in an accident:

Need a New Car Accident Attorney? Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you have sustained injuries in the as a result of a car accident, our experienced team of car accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you recover financial compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

1. There is a Need to Collect Evidence to Prove Liability in the Crash

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.

2. You Need Someone Skilled at Evaluating Damages and Determining the True Value of Your Injury

Once evidence is collected, it must be evaluated. Attorneys generally have many resources to build a case that the average person does not have. They include hiring medical experts to validate the seriousness of injuries and having accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the accident scene.

3. You Need Someone Who Can Dispute an At-Fault Driver Who Claims They are Not Responsible for the Accident

Sometimes a driver who is at fault in an accident will try to shift the blame and assert that it was not their negligence that caused the crash. A Slater & Zurz attorney will go over the evidence to determine exactly who was at fault. They will build a strong case on your behalf.

4. You Need Someone Knowledgeable About Ohio Law and How Insurance Policies Work

Slater & Zurz attorneys are familiar with Ohio personal injury law, Ohio insurance law and the defenses to negligence that are often presented. They know how to best mitigate these defenses and will file a lawsuit for you if necessary.

5. You Need Someone Knowledgeable about the Settlement Process

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.

6. You Need Someone Who Can Offer You a Contingency Plan

Many times a personal injury victim has a big fight ahead and that fight will cost a considerable amount of money. Slater & Zurz accident lawyers have the necessary resources to fight your fight for you and they will offer you a “contingency plan” for payment of your legal bills.

How do victims establish liability?

Victim/plaintiffs must establish liability by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). If the scales of justice tip ever so slightly in the plaintiff’s favor, liability is established as a matter of law.

What is the best way to obtain maximum compensation in a negligence case?

A highly-skilled attorney is the best way to obtain maximum compensation in a negligence case. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Orange County, contact RMD Law. Home and hospital appointments are available.

Is a sculpture a hunk of marble?

A sculpture is just a hunk of marble before the artist begins work. Likewise, even the largest body of evidence is not much good without a skilled attorney. In terms of first party liability, most attorneys focus on one of the following areas of negligence:

What are the causes of car accidents in Los Angeles?

Below are the leading causes in Los Angeles.#N#• Distracted Driving- It’s caused by drivers who engage in other activities while driving. Such include using cell phones, GPS devices, eating, talking to other people, or drinking.#N#• Drunk Driving- Drinking while driving makes the driver lose focus on the road. It’s one of the leading causes of accidents.#N#• Speeding- When a driver speeds the vehicle, it becomes hard to obey traffic conditions. It causes high impact collision resulting in fatal injuries.#N#• Improper turns- An accident is prone to happen when the driver fails to follow the rules on the road, such as stoplights, turning lanes, and road signals.#N#• Reckless Driving/Aggressive Driving- Reckless and aggressive driving scenarios that cause accidents are sudden braking and speeding.#N#• Teen Driving- Young drivers, may not have adequate driving experience. They can also drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.#N#• Vehicle defects- Car accidents happen every year due to vehicle defects. The flaws include faulty brakes, faulty airbags, tires, and brakes.#N#• Bad weather- Accidents occur during bad weather seasons. Roads become slick during rainy times, ice and snow#N#• Highway construction- Drivers tend to lose focus when they can’t trace the road barrels, lights, and signs, which cause accidents.

Should I stay at the scene of a car accident?

Stay back at the scene- It’s crucial to try and remain at the scene of the accident. Moving away before getting solid documentation could make you vulnerable to the case and deny you legal rights. The case can be turned against you even if you are the victim, and you may be accused of a hit-and-run. It would be appropriate to call your car accident attorney for proper advice.

Why is it important to hire an auto accident lawyer?

When you are involved in an accident, you might be struggling with many issues like how to pay high hospital bills, how will you cover any car damage charges, and even how will you be able to cover household expenses due to missed work. Consequently, reaching out to an experienced lawyer can help you to learn how car accident compensation can play a role in overcoming these issues. Ultimately, it is for these reasons that it is so important to hire an auto accident lawyer . Above all, if you have been unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident, then contacting a local legal expert is almost always for the best. For example, if you live in Denver, Colorado, then working with a reputable lawyer in your area can help you to plan your next steps. Local lawyers know how the courts in your jurisdiction work, and this can ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.

How to make a car accident case stronger?

These can be in the form of pictures, videos, physical evidence, or contact information of eyewitnesses. Do not forget to take pictures of the car damage. Try to give as much as possible information to the lawyer. An attorney will help to make your case stronger, and the attorney will present in court with all the supporting documents.

Do car insurance companies deny claims?

Car insurance companies always try to deny payments or pay for less than the actual cost of insurance. But the attorney knows what information can boost the chances for your case victory. Even the company denies to pay for a claim; the attorney is always ready to fight for the case. Secondly, insurance companies’ objective is to pay as little as possible and as quickly as possible. So to pay you as much as a lawyer always gets ready with extensive research work.

Do car accidents settle out of court?

As you know, many car accident cases settle out of court. But not every victim needs to get the best compensation amount. It happens due to the non-hiring of professional car accident lawyers. Some people who do not have much knowledge about attorneys choose a newbie. Therefore, you need to sacrifice over negotiation price.

What are the rules for insurance?

If the following is true of an accident, it is unlikely that the insurance company will lowball you: 1 There was only property damage, and nobody was hurt or killed. 2 You suffered minor or no physical injuries. 3 The settlement you deserve is relatively small.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You are not legally obligated to hire a lawyer after a car accident. The only reason you need a lawyer after a car accident is if you are being sued or decide to sue the other driver.

What are the causes of car accidents?

There are many different causes of car accidents. Some of these may include: 1 Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) 2 Drunk driving 3 Bad weather and driving conditions 4 Mechanical failure of car or car parts 5 Disobeying traffic laws 6 Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.)

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.) Depending on the cause of the accident, either party may or may not be held liable for damages or injuries.

What is serious property damage?

Serious property damage resulted (especially that of government roads or property) There are issues regarding insurance policies or insurance companies. You need legal advice regarding your rights as a plaintiff or defendant. Personal injury lawyers are generally needed when filing a lawsuit involving a car accident.

Who is Jose from LegalMatch?

Jose (Jay) is a Senior Staff writer and team Editor for LegalMatch. He has been with LegalMatch since March of 2010. He contributes to the law library section of the company website by writing on a wide range of legal topics.

Can you be held liable for an auto accident?

Depending on the cause of the accident, either party may or may not be held liable for damages or injuries. Proving fault in an auto accident claim can often be difficult and may require the assistance of a legal professional.

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