Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accident Attorneys

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident and you are attempting to recover damages for your car accident injuries, you know that whether it is the insurance company or another individual, in most situations, everyone is attempting to minimize the amount of compensation they have to pay.

Car accidents can be minor fender benders or more serious, involving significant injury or death. Minor accidents may be easily negotiated with the insurance company while more severe car accidents will require legal help from a car accident lawyer. In some states, drivers involved in a car accident may hire car accident lawyers and pursue personal injury claims.

Car accident attorneys have years of experience handling car accident cases and can help you get the car accident settlement you deserve. In most cases, the car accident lawyer will review your car accident claim at no cost to you and will only be paid if they win your car accident case or a fair settlement is reached with the insurance company.

What does a car accident lawyer do?
Most car accident attorneys will evaluate your claim, deal with the insurance company, review police reports, and ensure you get the medical care you need. Car accident lawyers will also work with the claimant and make sure the claimant avoids some of the common mistakes that can limit their payout. Ultimately, the goal of the car accident lawyer is to help you get the highest payout they can for your car accident injuries.

When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
How do you know if you should hire a car accident lawyer? If you have severe car accident injuries, if the insurance company is not willing to negotiate a fair settlement, if you have been injured by a defective product or the cost of your injuries exceeds the insurance settlement, contact a car accident lawyer.

Hiring a car accident lawyer often increases your chances of receiving a larger settlement, but car accident lawyers will take part of your settlement payout. So if you have been involved in a routine car accident or it is a car accident claim that can be easily negotiated with the insurance company, you may not need a car accident attorney.

How do you know if you should hire a car accident lawyer? A Car accident lawyer may be able to help under the following conditions:

• Serious Injuries - You have sustained serious injuries which will require significant time to heal. Serious injuries such as broken bones or back injuries may cause permanent injuries which can result in extensive medical costs and lost wages.


• Court Appearances - If your car accident claim is going to court it is a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer who understands the legal processes and can review the evidence and present your claim.


• Contested Claims - If you need help proving the other driver caused the accident, a car accident lawyer can help. This is especially important if the case has been taken to court and state laws bar you from receiving compensation if you are found even partly to blame for the car accident.


• Limited Time to fight your Claim - Some claimants may have to spend hours learning the details of settling their own car accident claim and may be able to do so, especially for car accidents which did not cause serious injury. Claimants who do not have the time to dedicate to learning the legal process may choose to hire a car accident lawyer.


• Expensive Medical Costs - The higher the medical costs the more important it is to hire a good accident lawyer.


• Offered an Insurance Settlement - If you have been offered an insurance settlement but you are unsure if it will cover your losses or if it seems to low, a car accident lawyer can review the claim and make sure it is high enough.

How much does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not get paid unless they win your claim. If they win your car accident claim, however, they are paid a percentage of the awarded compensation.

State laws may limit the percentage that a car accident lawyer can charge, but in many cases the car accident lawyer may receive 25% to 40% of the total amount awarded to the claimant. The amount may vary depending on whether or not the case is settled out of court or goes to trial.

The car accident lawyer may also charge additional fees that are separate from the contingency fee agreement, and these fees must be paid regardless of whether or not they win your car accident case. Review all charges carefully before signing any type of fee agreements.

How to find a Car Accident Lawyer
Finding a good car accident lawyer with the experience to settle your car accident claim may be as easy as talking to friends, relatives or other people who have had a car accident and had a good experience with a certain car accident lawyer. Reviewing websites and other online sources may also be a good resource.

Choose several car accident lawyers in your area and make appointments for a free consultation. Prior to the consultation, gather as much information and details about the car accident as possible. Bring copies of the accident report, insurance policy, financial details of the case, witness and driver information, and medical records.

Write down questions that you would like to ask them at the free consultation:

• How much will this cost? This is probably the most important questions. If you do win your claim the last thing you need is high unexpected legal costs.


• What additional fees have to be paid in addition to the contingency fee?


• How much of the car accident will the attorney actually handle themselves?


• How long will the car accident claim take to prosecute? Understanding the length of time it may take for a trial can help claimants plan how to handle their medical costs and other costs of living. Under certain conditions, the length of time for a personal injury trial may also be a good reason to agree to a settlement offer.


• How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit? The statute of limitations in each state can vary. Failing to file a claim within the required time may eliminate a claimant's right to do so.


• How much experience does the attorney have handling car accident claims?


• What are the types of damages or compensation I can expect? Car accident lawyers handle hundreds of cases and many attorneys have a good idea of the amount of compensation a claimant can receive for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.


• Do I have a car accident case? A good car accident lawyer can review your claim and let you know whether or not filing a personal injury claim is a waste of time. To win a car accident claim you must prove that you have suffered loss from the negligence of another person, if you cannot prove loss or negligence, you will not win a car accident claim.


• Is it better to settle my claim or should I go to court? All settlement offers should be reviewed with a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can evaluate the offer and outline the benefits of accepting the settlement. Accepting a settlement offer will eliminate the opportunity to file a car accident claim.


• How often can you expect to hear from the car accident lawyer? Car accident lawyers should keep in touch with you and give your regular updates about your car accident case. Remember, they are working for you, and you can let them know your expectations for your claim.

If you decide to hire a car accident lawyer it is important to do research and find the best car accident attorney for your case. Many victims too often hire the wrong car accident lawyer and fail to get the compensation and results they deserve.

Many times understanding the questions to ask and knowing what you are looking for is the key to finding the right person. Do not settle until you find the right car accident lawyer for you.

---

Popular Topics

• Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
• Car Accident Questions
• What to do After a Car Accident
• Contributory Negligence vs. Comparative Negligence
• Hit and Run Penalties
• Common Car Accident Injuries
• Establishing Fault for a Car Accident
• No Fault vs Fault States
• Car Accident Glossary