A car accident attorney can help reduce your financial hardships after an accident. They can file a claim with your insurance company and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery. Here are some FAQs about auto accident lawyers and their services:
What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?
A car accident attorney’s primary role is to help you receive a fair settlement after an accident. They file insurance claims, negotiate with insurers, and file lawsuits, if necessary. Investigations may involve reviewing police reports and examining your movements and those of the at-fault driver before your accident.
The goal is to identify who was at fault and demonstrate the sequence of events that led up to the crash. This information can help them negotiate better with the responsible insurance company. A car accident attorney can minimize interactions with your insurance company and the at-fault party by representing you from the moment you file your claim to when you receive your settlement.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. You can hire one immediately after your accident if you have minor injuries. If the injuries are severe, you can hire a lawyer as soon as you receive medical assistance. The earlier you engage with a professional, the sooner they can learn the details of your case and help file your claim.
Only talk to your insurance adjuster with your lawyer present to improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Car accident lawyers have expert knowledge of car accident claims. They can protect you from unscrupulous insurance adjusters who may force you to accept lowball offers.
What Type of Compensation Can Your Lawyer Help You Seek?
Your lawyer can help you seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages have a definitive monetary value. They include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair. Consult a reliable attorney to get a fair valuation of these damages. An attorney will consider current and future costs when determining what to include in your claim.
Non-economic damages compensate for non-financial losses like emotional distress and loss of consortium. Your lawyer may calculate non-economic damages based on factors like the duration of your recovery, the severity of your injuries, and whether you sustained a permanent impairment. They can affect your mental and emotional well-being. If your case moves to court, your lawyer can also file for punitive damages. They’re awarded by courts to punish at-fault parties for their actions if there’s proof of malice or gross negligence.
How Do Lawyers Get Paid?
Car accident lawyers typically represent clients under contingency fee arrangements. Under a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer will receive a share of your settlement or compensation as payment for their legal services. Your lawyer may have a straight contingency fee arrangement or variations like the sliding scale contingency agreement.
Under the sliding scale contingency arrangement, legal fees are based on a sliding scale. The percentage increases as legal services progress. This means your lawyer will charge a higher compensation rate if your case moves to court than what they’d charge if an insurance company settles out of court.
If your lawyer has a mixed hourly and contingency fee arrangement, your lawyer may charge a low hourly rate if you don’t get a settlement. If they settle or win your case, they will charge a percentage of your compensation or an additional hourly rate. Ask your lawyer about their fee arrangement and percentage to make sure you’re on the same page from the beginning.
Hire the Right Car Accident Attorney
A professional car accident attorney can secure a fair settlement or compensation by negotiating with the liable insurance company or filing a negligence lawsuit. Find a reputable lawyer who offers quality services at a fair price. Engage their services as soon as possible to improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement after an accident.