What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accident lawyers take on a wide range of duties throughout the litigation process. Their role extends far beyond just representing you in the courtroom. Here are some of the key responsibilities a car accident lawyer will handle:

• Investigating the Accident: Collecting evidence, speaking with witnesses, and gathering police reports to build a solid foundation for your case.
• Calculating Damages: Evaluating medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any pain and suffering to determine the full extent of your losses.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing directly with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer.
• Filing Paperwork and Legal Documents: Handling all necessary paperwork accurately and on time, from filing claims to preparing legal arguments.
• Representing You in Court: If the parties cannot reach a settlement, a lawyer can present your case in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Providing Legal Advice: Offering guidance at every step of the process so you can make informed decisions about your case.

This is a considerable amount of responsibility, and car accident lawyers do much more than act as courtroom advocates. From the moment they take on your case to the final resolution, they are there to manage all aspects of the litigation process.

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help

Most personal injury claims, including car accident cases, end in a negotiated settlement—more than 95%, in fact. A skilled attorney plays an essential role in helping you evaluate a settlement offer to determine whether it truly compensates you for your losses or if you deserve more.

Trial litigation can be demanding, consuming significant resources, time, and energy, with an uncertain outcome. Because of these challenges, insurance companies often prefer to settle before a case reaches trial. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can build a compelling argument, pushing insurers to offer a fair settlement rather than risking a courtroom battle.

Consider a case where a distracted motorist rear-ends a driver, resulting in a bad back injury. The insurance company might initially offer a quick settlement that barely covers immediate medical expenses. Unfortunately, they often ignore the long-term impact of the injuries.

A skilled lawyer would carefully evaluate the offer, gather medical records and expert opinions, and negotiate for a higher amount that takes into account future treatment, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. With a knowledgeable attorney by your side, the chances of reaching a favorable settlement are much greater. After all, the ultimate goal should be getting the financial support you need to recover fully.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay any upfront costs for their services. Instead, you only pay the lawyer if they successfully recover compensation for you. From there, they’ll typically take a percentage of the settlement or court award. This arrangement lowers the barrier to entry for litigating injury claims. As a result, it makes it possible for anyone to seek justice without worrying about the costs of hiring an attorney.

The contingency fee structure also motivates car accident lawyers to work diligently on your behalf. Their payment depends entirely on the outcome of your case. It aligns your lawyer’s success with yours, ensuring they are incentivized to maximize your compensation by building a strong case, negotiating aggressively, and, if necessary, presenting a compelling argument in court. This dynamic ensures that your attorney is fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.