Did you know? The United States is among the busiest countries in terms of road traffic, with nearly 284 million vehicles in use by the third quarter of 2021. This heavy traffic contributes to a higher number of accidents: in 2019, around 12.15 million vehicles were involved in crashes, with more than half of them being passenger cars.
With such high traffic volume and high accident rates, the chances of being involved in a car accident are higher than many expect. Unfortunately, accidents can result in physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens from medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. In such cases, knowing when to hire a car accident lawyer becomes essential. Legal representation can help you manage insurance claims, determine fault, and pursue fair compensation, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. But how do you know when it’s time to seek legal assistance? Let’s explore the necessary factors that can help you make this important decision.
When To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
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Filing An Insurance Claim
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident, the first step to seek compensation is to file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurer will request details about the accident, including the time, date, location, and any injuries sustained. It’s crucial to document all communications and keep copies of all submitted forms. Insurance companies have specific time limits for filing claims, which can vary by state. Engaging a lawyer at this stage can ensure that you meet all deadlines and requirements, increasing your chances of a successful claim.
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Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, you need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action initiates a formal process that can lead to a court trial if necessary. A lawyer can help gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case. It’s also essential to understand that there are statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which can differ significantly based on your jurisdiction. Knowing what car accident lawyers do at this point can help you navigate the process more confidently and make timely decisions.
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Liability Concerns
Resolving liability is crucial after an accident. If the fault is contested, a lawyer can assist in investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. They may gather surveillance footage, police reports, and expert witness testimonies to establish who is responsible. Also, they can help you understand comparative negligence laws in your state, which might affect your compensation if both parties share fault. Establishing clear liability is important to successfully navigate your case.
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Settlement Offers
If your car is damaged and you receive a settlement offer, it’s important to assess whether it covers all your losses. A lawyer can estimate the total costs associated with the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and future rehabilitation expenses. Insurance companies can initially offer low settlements to minimize payouts. Their expertise in evaluating the value of your claim is crucial, as studies show that individuals with legal representation tend to receive higher settlements—on average, 3.5 times more than those negotiating on their own, according to research from the Insurance Research Council. By advocating for your rights, an attorney can help secure a settlement that fully reflects your financial needs before you accept any offer.
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Wrongful Death
In tragic cases where a car accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A lawyer specializing in wrongful death cases can navigate the complexities of such claims, ensuring that the family receives compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. Research by the CDC indicates that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury-related deaths, which shows the need for legal support in these cases.
How To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
Expertise In Vehicle Accident Laws
When hiring a lawyer, make sure they specialize in vehicle accident laws. These laws cover everything from liability to the legal obligations of drivers and insurers. A lawyer with expertise in these areas can interpret local and federal rules, ensuring your claim adheres to legal standards and procedures. Look for attorneys with a track record of handling motor vehicle cases in your state, as they will be familiar with jurisdiction-specific regulations that could impact your case.
Understanding Of Accident Reconstruction
In many cases, understanding how an accident occurred is important for establishing fault. A lawyer knowledgeable in accident reconstruction can help analyze various factors, such as the positions of vehicles, skid marks, and the physical evidence at the scene. They can work with forensic experts to recreate the accident scenario, providing a clearer picture of what happened. This thorough investigation can be critical in disputes over liability. By presenting solid evidence, including diagrams and expert witness testimonies, your attorney can strengthen your case against counterarguments from the opposing party.
Check Their Medical Knowledge
A complete understanding of the medical implications of car accidents can improve your case. An attorney who is knowledgeable about common injuries resulting from accidents—such as whiplash, concussions, and fractures—can interpret medical records effectively and argue convincingly for appropriate compensation. They should be able to work with healthcare professionals to gather essential medical evidence that supports your claim. This knowledge enables them to quantify damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs, ensuring that you receive the compensation necessary for your recovery.
Familiarity With Advanced Vehicle Technology
With modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, such as driver-assistance systems, lane-keeping technology, and crash detection, it’s important to have a lawyer familiar with these innovations. Knowing how these systems function—and how they fail—can be critical in proving liability. They can examine the vehicle data, like event data recorder (EDR) information, to understand the vehicle’s speed, braking patterns, and whether safety systems were active at the time of the crash. By reviewing this technical data, the lawyer can identify discrepancies between the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s actions.
Knowledge Of Federal And State Transportation Regulations
Vehicle accidents are governed by a mix of federal and state transportation regulations, particularly in commercial or public transportation cases. A lawyer with in-depth knowledge of these regulations can ensure that any legal actions you take comply with relevant laws, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules for truck drivers. This knowledge is also valuable when pursuing claims against companies or government agencies, as violations of transportation laws can be used to support your case.
Hire An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love is injured due to a car accident, there is no need to wait for a long time to decide what to do. Now that you know how to find a good accident lawyer, you can simply pick up your phone and call Accident Defenders. Our attorneys can help you seek justice and will help you pursue maximum compensation for your case!
