If you were involved in a car accident, you may have questions regarding what a car accident lawyer does. Well, car accident lawyers handle everything from negotiations with insurance providers to litigation in front of a judge. The specifics of their role can change from case to case, but one fact stays constant regardless of a case’s details: a lawyer’s goal is to recover compensation for claimants’ accident-related damages.
Car accident attorneys seek to take the burden of navigating the claims process off your shoulders so you can focus on healing physically, emotionally, and financially.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Manage Communications with the Insurers
Insurance adjusters can be notoriously aggressive. In many cases, victims will hear from the other party’s insurance company within days of the accident. Some of these representatives are encouraged to resolve claims as quickly as they can––even if it means extending unfair settlement offers to claimants.
While struggling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and an inability to work, spending hours on the phone with insurance adjusters may be more stressful than you can handle. Yet, when you partner with a car accident lawyer, they can handle all communications with the insurance company.
Legal Representation May Secure Financial Recovery on Your Behalf
You do not have to work with a lawyer following a car accident. However, doing so could serve your interests in a variety of ways.
For instance, they can help you seek compensation for the following damages, per the American Bar Association (ABA):
- Medical expenses. This includes compensation for doctors’ visits, hospital stays, medication costs, rehabilitation services, and more.
- Future loss of earning capacity. If your car accident injuries affected your earning power, you can seek compensation for any harm done to your earning potential.
- Property damage expenses. This includes compensation for the cost of replacing or repairing your damaged vehicle.
- Past and future pain and suffering and mental anguish. You may be able to seek financial recovery for the emotional turmoil of your injuries.
Not only does hiring an attorney relieve stress, but it can also help you avoid admitting fault or accepting a low settlement.
A Lawyer Can Determine Fault and Liability for Your Accident
One of the primary jobs of a car accident lawyer is to gather enough evidence to paint a clear picture of the exact events leading up to a collision. This may involve a full investigation into a claimant’s situation. A car accident lawyer may use the following pieces of information to build your case:
- Traffic camera footage
- Photographic evidence compiled by the involved parties, eyewitnesses, and law enforcement officials
- The police report
- The involved parties’ medical records
- Eyewitness and expert testimony
Once your lawyer determines fault and liability for your accident, they will submit a demand letter to the insurance company. This document will outline the facts of your case and the cost of your damages.
Your lawyer’s next steps will be based on the insurer’s response. If they accept your terms, you could recover compensation for your losses without needing to file a lawsuit. Otherwise, you may need to present your case before a judge to secure financial recovery.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can File a Lawsuit and Handle Litigation Proceedings
In a perfect world, your attorney would present your case to the other driver’s insurer, request compensation, and secure financial recovery for your losses. Unfortunately, some insurance companies are known for denying claimants compensation. If an out-of-court settlement is not feasible, then you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, per NRS §11.190(4)(e).
To promote the success of your lawsuit’s outcome, a car accident lawyer will do more than just file your case. They will also:
- Take down statements from witnesses
- Gather evidence to present in court
- Cite relevant car accident laws
- Present the extent of your injuries and the cost of your damages
While your case unfolds in court, your lawyer will keep negotiating with the insurance company.
Consider Working with a Nevada Law Firm Following a Car Accident
The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident is not the time to take on new challenges. Focus your physical and emotional energy where it matters: on your healing and family. Let High Stakes Injury Law handle the details of recovering compensation for your losses.
Call (702) 444-3228 to ask our team about what a car accident lawyer does. We will review the details of your case, advise you on your next steps, and provide a realistic estimation of what you can expect to receive. From there, we work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you do not owe us anything until your case concludes.