According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in 2021. These accidents resulted in around 42,000 deaths. If you have recently been injured in an auto accident, you likely have a long road ahead to physically and emotionally recover, deal with lost wages and mounting bills, and fight for fair compensation for your damages.Â
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During this intensely difficult period after a car crash, taking on large insurance companies by yourself can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, an experienced car accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance and drastically improve your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation the law allows. Here’s how.
Investigating the Accident
One of the first things Car accident attorneys will do is conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes visiting the accident scene, taking photos, measuring skid marks, interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, researching similar cases, and gathering other evidence. Having an in-depth investigation helps determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. It also provides supporting documentation if your case goes to court.
Evaluating Damages
Car accident lawyers will also evaluate all of your accident-related damages. This can include vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical expenses both current and future, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life after the accident, and other damages. Thoroughly documenting all your damages allows the lawyer to demand appropriate compensation from insurance companies. The average cost of damages for a catastrophic injury like a TBI can be as high as several million dollars.Â
Communicating with Insurance Companies
One of the most valuable services a car accident attorney provides is communicating with insurance adjusters and companies on your behalf. Adjusters often attempt to get accident victims to provide recorded statements or accept low settlement offers before they have legal advice. A lawyer handles all communications, negotiates firmly on your behalf, and ensures you don’t get taken advantage of by insurers.
Filing Claims and Lawsuits
If you cannot reach a fair settlement agreement, an experienced car accident lawyer can file claims or lawsuits demanding compensation. Based on the investigation and documented damages, they determine all viable legal claims, file appropriate paperwork, represent you in legal proceedings, gather expert testimony, take the case to court if necessary, and advocate for your legal rights at every stage.
Provide Legal Counsel
Throughout the claims process after a car accident, your attorney serves as your trusted legal counsel. This means explaining your legal rights and options, keeping you updated on your case’s progress, answering all your questions, preparing documents on your behalf, negotiating fair settlements, and guiding you through the often-confusing legal system. Having experienced counsel in your corner makes the process much smoother.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crash injuries led to around 3.8 million emergency room visits in 2020. Car accident lawyers help accident victims receive compensation to cover their injuries.
The aftermath of a car accident can be extremely difficult to deal with alone. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney has the knowledge and resources to conduct thorough investigations and represent your best interests every step of the way. If you have been injured in a car crash through no fault of your own, consulting a qualified car accident lawyer is highly recommended to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.