Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

You want to hire the best lawyer by researching their experience in car accidents and personal injury cases and asking them about their success rate and fee structure.

You can hire a car accident lawyer by asking for referrals, through word of mouth, or attorney advertisement. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a car crash or auto accident, you should hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. There are statutes of limitations on personal injury cases. This means you have a limited time to exercise your legal rights and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Why Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?

Unfortunately, car accidents are everyday occurrences. Most personal injury claims in the United States are a result of an accident involving a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. An experienced car accident attorney can help you streamline your insurance claim or file a lawsuit to recover damages.

Experienced Representation

Many of these accidents result in minor vehicle damage in the form of a "fender bender" and can generally be handled alone through direct contact with an insurance company. However, car accidents may require legal representation with an experienced attorney if they involve:

• Physical injury

• Fatality

• Other significant property damage

An experienced lawyer can help you get compensation to cover any losses incurred due to the accident, such as:

• Medical expenses (medical care)

• Lost wages

• Car repairs

Fatal Auto Accident Cases Are Complex

A car accident lawyer may help you recover when a loved one is killed, especially if the accident involved:

• Reckless driving

• Speeding

• Drunk driving

The loss of life is clear. Yet, liability often becomes the focus of wrongful death cases. The other party might deny responsibility, or they may even claim your loved one was at fault. An attorney can skillfully use the facts to argue your case despite the legal challenges.

Questions To Ask an Attorney

Before working with a lawyer, you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible.

Documents you might want to show your attorney after a motor vehicle accident may include the following:

• Insurance policy

• Police reports

• Information exchanged at the accident scene (phone numbers, other contact information)

• Medical records related to the car accident

Below are some of the questions you should ask before hiring a car accident lawyer:

• What percentage of your practice is devoted to car accident cases?

• What is a typical settlement range for cases similar to mine?

• How much of my car accident case will you actually handle?

• How are your fees structured?

• What out-of-pocket expenses am I responsible for?

Insurance and Car Accident Law?

Insurance plays a crucial role in the aftermath of a car accident. It's the primary source of compensation for car accident victims. Understanding how it works can significantly impact the outcome of your claims process.

At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

After a car accident, you may have to deal with the at-fault driver's insurance company. The insurance company's primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect its bottom line. They use insurance adjusters whose job is to:

• Investigate the accident

• Assess the damage

• Determine how much the insurance company should pay

Having an experienced car accident lawyer can be invaluable during this process. They can negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Understanding Your Own Insurance Coverage

Besides dealing with the at-fault driver's insurance company, you'll also need to understand your own insurance coverage. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim:

• Medical expenses

• Car repairs

• Other costs related to the accident

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is a part of your own insurance policy that can help you if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Evaluating the Settlement Offer

Once the insurance adjuster has investigated the accident, they'll typically make a settlement offer. This is the amount the insurance company is willing to pay to resolve your claim.

Carefully evaluate this offer. Do not accept it without consulting with your attorney.

The initial offer is often lower than what you may be entitled to. Once you accept it, you can't go back and ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.

Maximum Compensation

If the insurance company's settlement offer doesn't adequately cover your car accident injuries, your legal team can negotiate for maximum compensation or take the case to court. They'll use their knowledge of car accident law and their experience dealing with insurance companies to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Cost of Hiring a Lawyer

Most car accident cases are handled on a contingency basis. If the attorney does not win or settle the car wreck case on your behalf, they do not collect a fee. On the other hand, if the auto accident attorney wins the case, they will get a percentage of the personal injury award.

The attorney's percentage varies from case to case but typically equals approximately one-third of the total award. There are different maximum percentage limits imposed from state to state.

For example, the standard contingency fee for personal injury lawyers in both Florida and Georgia is around one-third (33.33%) of any recovery obtained before filing a lawsuit. However, this can increase to 40% if a lawsuit is filed and potentially even higher if the case is appealed following the entry of a judgment.

Get Legal Help

Many auto accident lawyers offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis. You won't have to pay anything upfront to start seeking a fair settlement for your car accident lawsuit.

Act promptly to schedule an initial consultation with a car accident attorney for your car accident claim.