In the moments after a car crash, you may be confused, overwhelmed, in pain, and unsure of what you’re supposed to do next—especially if you have sustained a serious injury.
After receiving medical attention, it’s important to learn about your rights and options. You may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses associated with your crash, but the process can be complicated. You need an experienced car accident attorney on your side who will help you navigate the complex legal system, ensure your rights are protected, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Car accident lawyers help crash victims file and pursue personal injury claims, as well as seek compensation for the damages they have experienced. They specialize in personal injury law and are deeply knowledgeable about the laws in your state surrounding motor vehicle accidents.
Depending on the complexities and specifics of your car accident case, a lawyer can assist with many aspects of a personal injury claim:
- Communicate with the other driver’s insurance company
- Gather evidence to document your injuries and the other driver’s negligence
- Obtain the necessary medical records and bills from healthcare providers
- Work with expert witnesses to prove your case in court
- Organize and present evidence to establish liability and damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance adjuster or defense attorney
- Represent you in court if your personal injury case goes to trial
Unless you are a legal expert, you can benefit from the expertise of a car accident lawyer after a crash.
7 Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide extensive legal expertise and walk you through every step of pursuing a personal injury claim, among other benefits.
1. Determining Whether You Have a Case
Not every car crash victim is entitled to compensation—and the last thing you want to do is waste time and money pursuing a case that won’t amount to anything.
A car accident lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of your case and determine whether it is worth filing a personal injury claim. They will also advise you on your state’s statute of limitations for car accidents and let you know if you are able to pursue a viable claim.
2. Handling Insurance
Engaging with insurance companies—both your own and the other driver’s insurer—is a frustrating, complicated process. Insurers have legal experts on their side who are very good at making victims bow to pressure or agree to low settlement amounts. To get the compensation you deserve, you have to put up a fight.
Fortunately, an experienced car accident attorney can handle conversations (and fights) with the insurance companies for you. They know the tricks insurers use to deny victims their compensation and are prepared to stand up for your rights.
3. Gathering Evidence of Injuries
In order to secure compensation for your injuries, you first must prove you sustained those injuries in the car accident. A strong personal injury case requires evidence.
A car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your claim and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. From police reports and witness statements to medical records and accident reconstruction, your attorney will leave no stone unturned and ensure you are prepared to prove your injuries were a result of the crash.
4. Calculating the Value of Your Claim
How much is your car accident claim worth?
There’s more to personal injury damages than medical expenses and lost wages. You will also need to consider future lost earnings, property damage to your vehicle, current and future medical costs, and the emotional cost of pain and suffering. If you do not have prior knowledge of claim evaluation, however, it will be difficult to accurately calculate the value of your claim—which means you will likely leave money on the table and end up paying some expenses out of pocket.
To ensure you are compensated fairly, work with an experienced car accident attorney. They will be able to estimate an accurate figure for your personal injury claim by factoring in all the financial losses resulting from the accident.
5. Proving Fault
In many instances, it is difficult to determine who was at fault for a car crash. At the same time, the foundation of a successful car accident case is proving the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident—and your injuries.
A car accident lawyer will help you build an airtight case by proving the four elements of fault: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In other words, your attorney will prove that you were owed a duty of care by the other driver, the duty was breached, you sustained injuries because of this breach of duty, and you suffered financial losses due to your injuries.
6. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Before a car accident case reaches a courtroom, it’s likely that the at-fault party and their insurance company will want to try settling the case with you. If you are not an experienced negotiator with extensive practice arguing with insurance companies and legal counsel, it’s best to leave negotiations in the hands of your car accident lawyer.
Your attorney will use strong evidence and sharp negotiating skills to prove your case, fight for your rights, and reach a fair settlement.
7. Representing You in a Lawsuit
If no settlement is agreed upon during negotiations, your car accident case will proceed to trial. Without prior courtroom or legal experience, it may be challenging for you to prove your case to a jury—especially because you’ll be up against the other driver’s insurance company and their team of attorneys.
A car accident lawyer will file your case, represent you in court, and guide you on how to increase your chances of a fair award.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact the experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law. We have represented hundreds of personal injury clients and obtained millions of dollars in awards for our clients in Chicago and across Illinois.
Our attorneys have a wide range of experience in Illinois car crashes, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the best possible compensation. Regardless of the nature of your case, you can rely on us to guide you toward a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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