Just because your insurance agent is an old family friend doesn’t necessarily mean filing a car accident claim is going to be a breeze. The process can be difficult and it’s also rather confusing. If you don’t want to run into a ton of issues, you probably need a lawyer who specializes in car accident claims. Just what does a car accident lawyer do and is it even an affordable option?
Common Duties of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury attorney is a licensed legal professional. The attorney is in good standing with both the state and federal bar association. This is the body governing all lawyers. A personal injury lawyer focuses on one aspect of civil law. The attorney helps accident victims receive compensation for their damages. For instance, in cases involving car accidents, individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. As a result, many people begin their search for legal assistance by searching for terms like “Car Accident Lawyer Near Me” to find an attorney who understands local laws and can effectively guide them through the claims process.
Something to note is a personal injury attorney is not a criminal defense lawyer. While injury attorneys can represent defendants accused of negligence, they typically don’t take on criminal cases.
So, if you’re being charged with a crime relating to the accident, you may be better off seeking advice from a criminal defense lawyer. With that being said, here’s a look at some of the duties commonly handled by a personal injury attorney.
Provide Legal Advice
You probably have at least a few questions about your accident claim. Using Google as a research partner only takes you so far. A car accident lawyer is there whenever you need legal advice.
Whatever your question, your accident attorney probably has the answer. If not, they can find a solution that fits your unique car collision claim.
File Your Injury Claim
Sending in a car accident claim is a little more involved than signing a piece of paper. There are rules to follow and deadlines to meet. If you’re not a pro at the process it’s easy to make mistakes. Your car accident lawyer can take care of the process so your claim has a better chance of being approved.
Investigate Your Claim
As soon as you submit an accident claim, the insurance company will get to work investigating the accident. The insurance adjuster will interview any witnesses, review the official accident report, and may even bring in accident scene reconstructionists. This isn’t an attempt to help prove your claim, instead, the insurance company is trying to discredit your version of events.
Your attorney can perform the same investigation, using recognized experts. Some law firms even keep experts on retainers to help ensure a speedy claim process. Employing experts does come with a cost, so it’s a good idea to ensure this is covered in your contingency fee agreement. This way, you’re not hit with unexpected charges after settling your injury claim.
Handle Negotiations
Most insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators and if you’re not familiar with their tactics you may end up agreeing to a low settlement offer. Your attorney is not only familiar with these tactics, but they’re also skilled at negotiating favorable settlements.
Even with contingency fees, settlements tend to be larger when an attorney is working on your claim. If negotiations fall through, your attorney is ready to file a lawsuit in civil court.
You Can Afford a Personal Injury Attorney
You’re probably aware that hiring an experienced attorney isn’t cheap. Even one fresh out of law school can have flat or hourly rates that are out of your budget. This can be especially true after being injured in an accident. You’re probably already looking at unexpected expenses and simply can’t afford attorney fees.
Personal injury attorneys have a little more leeway when it comes to their fee structures compared to other types of lawyers. Accident attorneys can charge their clients a contingency fee and this can make legal representation more affordable.
What are contingency fees and how does the payment structure work? A contingency fee is an agreement between a client and an attorney. The lawyer agrees to work on your injury claim for a specific percentage of your compensation. If your injury claim isn’t successful, your attorney doesn’t collect a fee.
If you’re wondering how much of your insurance settlement the attorney is entitled to for their services, the answer depends on the contingency fee agreement. On average, you should expect your contingency fees to be anywhere from 33% to 50%. The complexity of your personal injury claim usually plays a role in determining contingency fee amounts.
Even though car accident attorneys aren’t free, the services they provide are often well worth the cost. If you’re injured in an accident due to negligence, it’s a good idea to seek legal representation. Even if your claim stays out of court, your accident attorney can help ensure you receive compensation for your damages.
