When it comes to getting the compensation, you deserve in case of an accident, partnering with experienced auto accident lawyers near me and you are a must.
Like most people, you rely on your car to get around. When going anywhere, you drive your kids to school or run errands; your vehicle is an essential part of your daily life. So when you’re in an auto accident, it can be a real hassle. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional damage of the crash, but you also have to worry about all the legal paperwork and hassle that comes with it. That’s where auto accident lawyers near me and you come in. Is there a way you can tell which one to hire?
Fortunately, we have your back! Take note of a few essential details you need to know about getting the right help from car accident lawyers in your area.
Got into a car accident: Now what?
If you got into an accident, call the police or the proper authorities as soon as possible. When the police ask, let them know how and where things went wrong. They’ll file an official report for your insurance company, so they must get all the details of how it happened.
After that, call your insurance company and tell them what happened. Your auto insurance policy will likely cover any damages you’ve incurred and make sure ensure another driver has their side of the story on record. This works both ways: if they need to call you for more information, they must get in touch with you quickly so that you don’t end up having to pay for damages that you’re not responsible for.
After doing all this, the next step is finding an auto accident lawyer. While it’s possible to handle these legal matters on your own, most people find it beneficial to hire a competent car accident attorney.
Do I need to call an auto accident lawyer near me?
If you’ve been in an accident and think that the other driver is at fault, then it’s time to find the proper legal counsel. After all, this person may refuse to concede responsibility for the accident (especially if they were drinking or distracted), making getting compensation very difficult. And even if they do accept blame, their insurance company may try to deny your claim, which is where an auto accident attorney comes in.
The bottom line is that if you’ve got in a car accident and someone else was at fault, an experienced auto accident lawyer can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after the incident.
What should you expect from your auto accident lawyer during the legal process?
They will be your ally, not only in the courtroom but throughout the entire legal process. They’ll offer expert counsel on proceeding after an accident and make sure you get the best deal possible.
Of course, they’re not going to do all of this for free. After all, their time (and expertise) is valuable – which is why you should expect to pay a flat fee or contingency fee before your attorney begins working on your case. A flat fee means the auto accident lawyer charges a set price for their services, usually determined by the phases of your claim (investigation, negotiation, etc.). A contingency fee means you only have to pay if your auto accident lawyer succeeds in getting compensation for you.
While you should expect your attorney to be professional, don’t forget that they’re also human. They’re passionate about helping their clients – which means they may become frustrated if the other party takes too long to answer requests or doesn’t cooperate with their investigation. Don’t hesitate to tell them if something is wrong – after all, you hired them for their expertise, so you must let them do what they’re good at.
How much will all this cost, and is it worth it?
Before your auto accident lawyer starts working on your case, it’s hard to estimate its cost. But, before you sign up, consider these:
- How severe was the accident?
- What kind of injuries did you suffer, and were they permanent?
- Did the other driver admit any wrongdoing during the investigation process?
If you’ve been hurt a lot or your case will take a long time, you might want to hire an attorney instead of risking not getting the compensation you deserve.
What are the potential outcomes of a car accident case?
Every car accident case is different, and two similar cases could have entirely different results. That said, there are a few common possibilities: A settlement: if you and the other driver agree to settle out of court, your attorney will contact their insurance company and work out the necessary details (including the amount of compensation you’ll receive).
A court trial: if the other driver denies fault, or you and they can’t agree on a settlement, your case will go to trial. During this time, your legal counsel will gather evidence against the opposing side – including witness statements and police reports – to make their argument (which may take months or even years). In some cases, an attorney can compensate you without going to trial. However, this requires the other side to cooperate – so if they refuse or drag out negotiations, your case will have to go to court.
How can I make sure the protection of my rights after an accident?
Ultimately, you’re responsible for protecting yourself after an accident. That said, there are a few things they can do that could be helpful:
- Push for information. Asserting your right to information is critical during the investigation process – if you don’t ask questions, you may miss out on essential details about what happened or who was at fault.
- Build a case against the other driver. Your auto accident lawyer will gather evidence to support your argument in court or during negotiations.
- Negotiate a settlement on your behalf. After a lot of work, they may be able to get you fair compensation without going to court.
Taking the First Crucial Step to Recovery
The right advice from a qualified attorney is the critical first step in recovering compensation for your injury. What if you get into an accident and sustain an injury? In that situation, it’s crucial to understand that there are time constraints for claiming the driver or owner of the other vehicle involved in the incident. In some cases, these time limits may even expire before you have received medical treatment and realized how much money will be needed to cover all aspects of care going forward. So don’t delay—call an experienced personal injury lawyer near me today!