A car accident can turn your life upside down. While recovering from your injuries, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, psychological distress, and an uncertain future. Navigating insurance claims and legal proceedings can feel overwhelming.
That’s where a car accident lawyer comes in. They handle the legal complexities and pursue compensation on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. Here’s a detailed look at what car accident lawyers do and why hiring one can make a big difference after an accident.
Provides Legal Advice and Support
After a car accident, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. A car accident lawyer provides the guidance you need to make informed decisions and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
From determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies, an attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls that could hurt your claim. They can advise on:
- Whether you have a valid claim
- How much compensation you may be entitled to
- The steps needed to protect your claim
- What you should do or not do next
- Your legal options
Legal advice is particularly valuable if the other party denies fault or if the insurance company tries to minimize your claim.
During your initial free consultation, you can ask questions, explore your options, and determine the best way to proceed.
Investigates the Accident
Car accident cases are a type of tort case. To recover compensation, you must show the other party is liable for your damages. This means they are legally responsible for the losses you suffered. Building a strong case starts with a thorough investigation.
Your lawyer gathers evidence to prove who was at fault and the extent of your damages. Evidence may include:
- Police and accident reports
- Traffic citations issued to any drivers involved
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Physical damage to the vehicles
- Medical records and bills
- Traffic or dashcam footage
- Subpoenaed cell phone records (to check for distracted driving)
If necessary, your lawyer will work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen your case. This may be necessary if your accident was complicated or liability is unclear. Specialists can help establish causation, or how the crash happened, a crucial element to prove liability.
Calculates the Value of Your Damages
Determining how much your case is worth is not simple. You are entitled to not only the losses you have already suffered but future losses caused by your crash. Lawyers consider both economic damages and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and psychological distress
- The impact on your quality of life and independence
Your lawyer ensures all damages are accounted for so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
This is another area where experts may be necessary. When necessary, your car accident lawyer will turn to their network of experts, such as medical specialists and economic experts. These specialists can assist with analyzing evidence, calculating future damages, and providing testimony about the long-term effects of your injuries.
Handles Paperwork and Communications
Throughout your case, your attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties. They will also handle the paperwork involved in your car insurance claim or lawsuit.
Your lawyer also monitors all relevant deadlines. The statute of limitations is a strict deadline that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit and hold the responsible party accountable. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation.
Defends You Against Insurance Company Tactics
As your advocate, your lawyer will protect you against unfair insurance company tactics and attempts to blame you for your crash. The insurance company may try to minimize or avoid a payout by:
- Disputing liability
- Undervaluing your claim by minimizing the severity of your injuries or the necessity of certain treatments and expenses
- Claim your injuries were pre-existing or otherwise not caused by the crash
- Unfairly delay the claims process
- Pressure you to accept a low settlement offer
- Misconstrue and use statements you make against you
- Hire a private investigator to follow you, hoping for photos or video that can be used to weaken your case or damage your credibility
Adjusters are trained to protect their company’s profits, not to offer fair compensation. While a claims adjuster may seem friendly, sympathetic, and helpful, they are hoping for statements that can be used against you.
It’s common for insurance companies to attempt to shift blame to accident victims. Your lawyer will fight back against unfair attempts to assign blame incorrectly and protect you from these other tactics.
Negotiates With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when they offer lowball settlements for serious injuries. Without legal representation, they may try to settle for less than you deserve. An experienced lawyer will use evidence to negotiate a fair settlement. Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your attorney will prepare a settlement demand outlining case facts, injuries, medical expenses, and a specific compensation amount. Your lawyer will work to secure a fair settlement that protects your rights and ensures proper compensation.
Files a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Represents You in Court
If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit. Negotiations will continue after a lawsuit is filed and while your attorney prepares your case for court. Your lawyer will:
- Preparing court documents
- Handle pretrial motions
- Question witnesses and take depositions
- Submit evidence
- Prepare you for court
- Present your case to a jury
About 96% of cases settle outside of court, but having a lawyer willing to litigate can pressure insurers to increase their offers.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer presents your case to a judge or jury. They argue on your behalf, using evidence and expert testimony to prove fault and justify the compensation you’re seeking.
Prevents Costly Mistakes
Navigating a legal claim alone can be risky. One wrong move – such as missing a deadline or making an offhand comment to an insurance adjuster – can jeopardize your case. At every step of your case, your lawyer will advise you about actions you should take and things to avoid that may harm your case. A lawyer ensures you meet all deadlines and avoid pitfalls.
When To Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Not all car accident claims require a personal injury lawyer. However, it’s important to recognize when you will benefit from legal representation.
As a general rule, you can likely handle the claim yourself if your accident involved only property damage or minor injuries. You should consult a lawyer if:
- You have pre-existing conditions such as chronic back pain or a prior injury
- You are being blamed for your crash
- You suffered serious injuries
- Liability is unclear
- You were involved in a multi-vehicle accident or a crash involving a commercial vehicle
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you recover the full compensation you deserve to safeguard your financial future. They also level the playing field against the insurance company, which employs a team of lawyers to fight payouts.
Contact the Utah Personal Injury Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming , and its surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
