If you have been in a car accident, you might have haunting memories of the crash as well as life-altering physical, emotional, and financial effects. To make matters worse, you may quickly discover that the insurance company has little interest in your well-being and is unwilling to provide you with fair compensation for all your damages. In that situation, consider hiring a lawyer to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to. “But how do I find the best car accident lawyer near me?” you might be wondering. A quick Google search will show that there are many law firms in your area to choose from. The abundance of options will make selecting the right lawyer more overwhelming and time-consuming. While you always want to carefully consider who you hire, you should also never delay making the decision. Time is of the essence when beginning the legal process, as evidence can fade or disappear, making it more challenging for your attorney to build the strongest possible case. Below are some reasons you should always seek legal representation from experienced car accident lawyer and ideas for how to find the best law firm in your area to handle your car accident claim.
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Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Each year, Americans sustain about 5.4 million medically-consulted injuries in car accidents, but not all of these injuries are severe. Being involved in a car crash can be a devastating and life-changing experience. Unfortunately, victims often believe they do not need legal representation because their injuries are not serious, their insurance company says it will cover their costs and expenses, and other reasons. In reality, you can benefit from having a lawyer on your side, and here are a few reasons why:- Reliable knowledge of the law - The laws related to motor vehicle accidents vary from state to state. A lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the law in your state and can help navigate through legal jargon and complex processes. For example, many automobile accident victims are unaware of the statute of limitations, limiting their time to sue for injuries in their respective states. In Florida, for example, injured victims have four years from the crash date to bring a lawsuit (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). Your lawyer will meet all relevant deadlines and procedural requirements when handling your case.
- Explain your best legal recourse - If you have been in a car accident, you may not be fully aware of all legal options. A car accident lawyer can help explain your best legal recourse, including if you can file a personal injury lawsuit or work with the other driver’s insurance company to settle.
- Experience in handling insurance companies - Dealing with an insurance company can be a frustrating experience, especially at a time when you are trying to focus on your health and recovery. Insurance adjusters do not have your best interests in mind. They may try to minimize your compensation or deny your claim altogether, leaving you with less than you deserve or no coverage. Skilled lawyers know how insurance companies operate and can handle negotiations on your behalf so you can take the time you need to recover and get your life back on track.
- Pursue a court case - If your attempts to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company or the other driver have been unsuccessful, a car accident lawyer can prepare your legal case for court. Your lawyer should have the skills and experience to represent you in a trial and fight for your right to maximum compensation before the judge or jury.
- A lawyer is the only person you can trust - After a car accident, you will likely get a call from an insurance adjuster who seems genuinely friendly and sympathetic. However, you should never trust even the nicest claims adjuster because they don’t care about you and have their employer’s best interests in mind. Your lawyer is the only person you can trust to have your back and protect your rights. They work for you, not the insurance company, and are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Peace of mind - Legal representation can provide much-needed peace of mind during this stressful time. You can focus on recovering from your injuries and regaining your health while your lawyer handles the legal proceedings and paperwork for you. Knowing that you have someone you can genuinely count on can alleviate a great deal of stress and uncertainty.
What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?
Many victims of car accidents are hesitant about contacting a lawyer mainly because they do not understand what lawyers do or have misconceptions about lawyers, such as, “Only the rich can afford a lawyer.” This section discusses why hiring a lawyer may be your best decision after your car crash.Investigation and Documentation
One of the tasks a lawyer will do is to investigate the crash and document all details surrounding the accident and its consequences. This documentation includes gathering information from witnesses, collecting evidence, analyzing police reports, reviewing medical records, hiring experts to reconstruct the accident scene, and many more. By completing their investigation, your lawyer can determine who was responsible for the accident and compile substantial evidence to bolster your legal case.Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf is also the responsibility of your car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to accident victims, and without the help of a lawyer, you may end up settling your claim for less than you deserve. If you do, you can have piles of unpaid medical bills and other expenses and no more coverage to pay for them. When negotiating with insurers, a lawyer knows how to advocate for their client’s interests and fight for the compensation they deserve.Representing You in Court
Sometimes, negotiations with insurance companies go nowhere and leave no choice but to resolve the matter through court proceedings. In such situations, a car accident lawyer will prepare a compelling case for the client and argue the client’s case before a judge or jury to achieve the most favorable outcome possible while following the Code of Professional Conduct rules. A competent and trial-tested lawyer can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome in court.Assessing Your Losses
A car accident can leave you with many medical bills and other damages and losses. If you win your case, you can receive compensation for damages, including past and anticipated medical expenses, the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement, past and expected loss of income, and compensation for pain and suffering, among others. Your lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages and put a dollar figure on your non-financial losses, such as emotional trauma, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and others.Providing Legal Advice
A car accident lawyer represents your interests in court or negotiations and advises you on legal matters throughout your case. They will explain your legal rights, provide advice on specific issues related to the accident, and guide you through the legal processes from start to finish. A lawyer’s knowledgeable advice can play a vital role in helping clients make informed decisions and ensure they do not make mistakes in the process.Handling Paperwork
The aftermath of an automobile accident can be overwhelming, especially considering that it almost always involves endless piles of paperwork that you must file under strict deadlines. A car accident lawyer can navigate the numerous legal documents in your case, complete and submit the necessary forms in time, and present documentation to the relevant parties. With legal representation, you eliminate the possibility of delays and missed deadlines, which is a common reason accident victims do not get their deserved compensation.Tips to Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Finding the right lawyer for your case can bring you one step closer to the compensation you are entitled to. Below are some of the practical tips to help you hire the best car accident lawyer:- Consider your location - The first thing to consider when looking for a lawyer is where they offer their services. Some lawyers may serve the entire state, while others may be limited to specific cities in your state. Typically, the law firm’s website will contain information about the areas its lawyers serve. When hiring a lawyer, you want someone familiar with your area's laws and knowledgeable of local courts. Additionally, by choosing a lawyer near you, you will have no obstacles when meeting with them to discuss your case and ask questions.
- Conduct an internet search - The Internet can provide a wealth of information for victims of car accidents and can be one of the best places to start looking for a lawyer. You can do a quick search for lawyers in your area. Check their website and social media pages to understand their experience better.
- Ask your family, friends, and coworkers first - Although the Internet is undoubtedly an excellent resource for finding the best car accident lawyer near you, consider asking your family and friends for recommendations. If your family members or friends have gone through a similar experience, they can refer you to a lawyer who did a great job on their case. These referrals are beneficial if they had a positive experience with the lawyer and received the compensation they wanted.
- Consider the lawyer’s track record of success - When choosing a lawyer, you want to examine their track record of success. Have they won cases similar to yours in the past? What is their success rate? Are they willing to litigate clients’ cases? You want to choose a lawyer who has a strong track record and can give you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
- Read reviews and testimonials - Most law firms have a webpage or section featuring past clients' reviews and testimonials. Pay attention to this page or section; it can give you a good sense of their experience and overall performance.
- Go with your gut - Lastly, trusting your instincts when choosing a car accident lawyer is crucial. You want to work with someone who you feel comfortable with. After all, you will be working with this person for months – possibly years – so choosing someone who relates well to you is vital.
Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer Before Hiring One
After a quick search of car accident lawyers in your location shows dozens – if not hundreds – of results, you might wonder, “How do I choose the right one for my case?” You will need a piece of paper and a pen to do that. First, compile a list of candidates you will interview or meet with. Second, write down their answers to the following questions:- What experience do you have handling car accident cases similar to mine?
- Are you licensed to practice in my state?
- What is the likelihood of success in my case?
- What is the estimated value of my case?
- What kind of damages can I recover?
- How long do cases like mine typically take to resolve?
- What is your fee structure?
- Who will be handling my case?
- How will I communicate with you?
- Can you provide references from former clients?
- Who will be paying for expenses related to my legal case?
- What is your philosophy about settlement negotiations versus going to trial?