Discover what a car accident attorney does after a car accident, the losses incurred, the recovery, and the cases they handle.
Car accident lawyers handle every part of the legal process after a crash. They protect your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for full compensation.
It includes dealing with insurance companies, gathering medical records, proving fault, and negotiating against unfair offers.
Who Are Car Accident Attorneys?
A car accident Attorney is a legal professional who handles cases for individuals hurt in car crashes.
They focus on assisting victims in recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income due to missed work, vehicle repairs, and other related costs.
These attorneys interact with various parties, including insurance companies, other drivers, and sometimes even the police.
While representing someone injured in a collision, a car accident attorney advocates for their rights and interests.
They are not limited to crashes involving just two cars; they may also take cases involving pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and multi-vehicle pileups.
These situations often become complicated, especially regarding faults and negligence, so having an attorney balances the scales.
Types of Accidents Handled by a Car Accident Lawyer
Not every accident involves the same circumstances; car accident lawyers handle a wide range of scenarios. Here are several common types of cases they work on.
- Rear-End Collisions: One of the most common types of crashes, rear-end collisions often occur due to distracted driving or tailgating. These accidents range from minor fender benders to severe collisions that can result in serious injuries.
- T-Bone Accidents: These side-impact collisions often happen at intersections when a driver fails to obey traffic laws. Since the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear, the resulting injuries may be severe.
- Head-On Collisions: Crashes in which two vehicles collide head-on are among the deadliest. Lawyers handling these claims may be involved in extensive injury cases or wrongful death lawsuits.
- Hit-and-Runs: When a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their information, victims often find themselves in a difficult situation. A car accident lawyer investigates and identifies the responsible party or assists victims in seeking compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Instances in which a driver operates a vehicle under the influence have both criminal and civil implications. Attorneys assist victims in holding that driver accountable through the civil court system.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Accidents involving multiple cars often lead to disputes about who is at fault. Lawyers intervene to untangle the mess, so their clients don’t take all the blame or deny what they deserve.
While these are typical examples, many other accident scenarios exist that a car accident lawyer might handle.
No two cases are identical, and the approach often depends on specific circumstances.
What does a car accident lawyer do to help you after an accident?
These also answer the question of what a car accident attorney does, and they are:
- Investigates the accident scene, gathers evidence, and reconstructs events to prove fault
- Communicates with insurance adjusters to negotiate fair settlements
- Calculates all damages, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
- Files lawsuits when necessary and represents you in court
- Protects your rights against blame-shifting and lowball offers
- Helps with cases involving all types of crashes, including rear-end, head-on, T-bone, hit-and-run, and other types of collisions.
- Advises you on settlement decisions and long-term financial recovery
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps Your Case
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they’re worried about the cost or think they can handle the case themselves.
Understanding the value an attorney brings can ensure you make an informed decision.
Properly Valuing Your Claim
Most accident victims don’t know how to calculate the full value of their claim.
They focus on current medical bills and car repairs, forgetting about:
- Future medical treatments
- Long-term care needs
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A car accident attorney has the experience and knowledge to value all aspects of your claim correctly. They consider the long-term effects of your injuries, not just the immediate costs.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Building a strong case requires solid evidence, and collecting this evidence takes knowledge and resources.
A car accident attorney knows what evidence matters and how to obtain it before it disappears.
They include:
- Sending preservation letters to businesses with surveillance cameras
- Hiring accident reconstructionists
- Obtaining electronic data from vehicles
- Tracking down and interviewing witnesses
- Securing police reports and 911 call recordings
- Working with medical professionals to document your injuries
- You might miss vital evidence to make or break your case without an attorney.
Losses Associated with Car Accidents
Car crashes can result in a variety of losses.
They range from total vehicle damage to debilitating physical injuries, as well as emotional pain and suffering, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
A car accident lawyer can help you identify all the losses you have suffered and what type of compensation you may be eligible to pursue.
You may receive compensation for the following after your car accident:
- Cost to repair or replace property
- Cost of current or reasonably anticipated medical bills
- Lost wages for the time you missed because of your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries were so severe that you are unable to return to your previous position
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial costs (if a loved one died because of their injuries)
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps a Client Recover?
Car accidents are not only expensive but also traumatic.
Common damages recovered when a car accident lawyer handles a claim including the following:
- Property damage to repair or replace a vehicle
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Future medical costs for further treatment
- Lost income
- Future income loss/diminished future earning capacity
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for any other non-economic damages that apply, such as loss of limb, loss of one of the senses, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, or PTSD
- If a car accident causes a loved one’s death, a car accident lawyer can recover compensation for a close family member through a wrongful death claim.
Conclusion
Experiencing a concussion can be a traumatic and overwhelming event.
However, by understanding the necessary steps to take and the importance of seeking legal representation, you can navigate the aftermath more effectively.
From seeking medical attention and preserving evidence to dealing with insurance companies and pursuing fair compensation, a car accident attorney can provide the guidance and expertise needed to protect your rights and ensure a favorable outcome.
