As our roads become increasingly congested, they also become a magnet for distracted, novice and incompetent drivers. Besides, the possibility of an accident also increases.

There is no doubt, when you file a car accident claim, you are setting yourself up to receive compensation for all the damages and suffering that comes with it. However, receiving fair compensation is no walk in the park. This is where a car accident lawyer can help you. How? Let us explain it to you as simply as possible! 

What to do after a car accident? 

Let’s say you’re traveling down the freeway on a lazy Friday afternoon, just enjoying the ride, when out of nowhere, someone blasts Iron Maiden at full volume and bumps into you. What would you do? Obviously, you have to challenge the fool to a 1v1 match, right? Wrong! The first thing you do is call 911! Before that, check yourself for injuries. Whether you find yourself at fault while driving or are the unfortunate victim of someone else’s negligence, it is important to reach out to the authorities or paramedics. 

The next step is to file an accident report with the police. It is advisable to remember and keep details of what actually happened. After making sure the other passenger is okay, exchange contact and insurance information .

If possible, document the accident scene and gather evidence to support your case in the form of photos and video. Evidence includes photographs of vehicles’ license plates, property damage, points of impact, position of vehicles on the road, and other relevant property damage. Additionally, consider collecting video footage, including dashcam recordings if available.

Finally, consider hiring an auto accident lawyer to prepare your case . Getting legal help can increase the chances of your case being successful.

What are the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer? 

Legal Expertise and Experience 

The primary and arguably most important benefit that you have of having an auto accident attorney is their extensive legal expertise and experience. Most people are not well-versed with the legal aspects of motor vehicle accidents. (Yes, I’m looking at you!)

While most car accident victims receive compensation through insurance settlements, there are occasions when individuals are forced to take legal action. Therefore, court experience can also come in handy if needed (more on that later). They will also know how to gather evidence, secure witness statements, assess damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation. This leads us to the second benefit.

Smooth handling of insurance companies 

Insurance companies typically employ teams of experienced adjusters and attorneys who are solely dedicated to protecting the interests of their clients. At the end of the day, everyone is in business for one primary reason, and that is money. Additionally, many car accident victims choose to file claims with their insurance companies without legal assistance. And chances are they will try to pressure you with a settlement offer. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with the nuances of such situations and can expertly manage the negotiation. 

For one, experienced car accident lawyers are familiar with the tips and tricks that these insurance companies commonly resort to. Having a skilled attorney on your side can really level the playing field.

maximum compensation 

The situation will not be resolved hastily; This results in a much quicker settlement and a greater likelihood of accepting a lowball offer. You may suffer financial loss from medical expenses, property damage and salary loss. And don’t get me started on the pain and suffering the victim had to endure. Additionally, identifying damages eligible for legal recovery can be a challenging task. 

The best car accident lawyer can assess the impact and seek compensation for you. It’s worth noting that insurance companies will also take your case seriously when you have experienced representation advocating for you.

peace of mind 

We talked about how hiring a car accident lawyer can help you handle insurance companies, maximize compensation, and focus on the legalities of the case. Similarly, hiring an accident lawyer can help you take the burden off your shoulders and get peace of mind. This applies not only to insurance settlements but also to meeting deadlines and handling paperwork. In other words, you can prioritize your recovery and move on with your life, knowing that your accident attorney will handle the case for you.

Experience in filing court cases and trial representation 

Consider this scenario. The negotiations did not go as expected and no fair agreement could be reached. Since this is the case, the claim may go to trial or arbitration. The challenge is also that you are inexperienced in legal proceedings. Without an experienced attorney on your side, these cases can become more complex. With car accident lawyers, you won’t have to succumb to such pressure. Their investigation and evidence gathering skills may also come in handy if you plan to seek justice in court.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer? 

Yes, it is a good thing to hire a lawyer for car accidents. But doesn’t that also mean it will cost you a lot? For one, most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. Your attorney will usually take a percentage of your settlement if the case is successfully resolved. So, unless you win the case, you don’t pay the lawyer at all? Yes! What happens if you lose the case? If they fail to recover the money for you, you will not be liable to pay the fees. 

The percentage an accident lawyer receives in a contingency fee agreement can vary. However, car accident lawyers typically receive a percentage of 33% to 40% in contingency fee settlements.

Now, if you are responsible for the accident, know that a car accident lawyer like this can potentially harm your case. So, drive safely and be respectful of others on the road. After all, the law is the law, and it can turn around and bite you when you least expect it.