What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident attorney helps victims build personal injury claims and seek compensation for damages caused by other drivers. Car accidents can result in serious injuries that can take years to heal, and in many cases, victims never fully recover.
If you are hurt in an accident and were not at fault, a car accident attorney can help you build your case and file for compensation in a timely manner. The John Foy & Associates team can start building your case with a free consultation.
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What a car accident lawyer can do for your case
The main goal of a car accident lawyer is to obtain financial compensation to cover your expenses such as:
- Medical bills.
- Vehicle repair or replacement.
- Loss of wages.
- Permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of the consortium.
Car accident lawyers are personal injury attorneys who specialize in damage law surrounding car accidents. There are a number of ways they can help you get the maximum compensation possible.
Here are some of the main things a car accident lawyer does when working with an injured driver.
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Helps you understand your rights
Most people are not well-versed in the personal injury laws related to car accidents. That's why, when an accident occurs, it's completely understandable if you don't know what your full rights are.
If you were not at fault for the car accident, you do not have to pay for damages resulting from it. Laws regarding car accident injuries vary from state to state. In Georgia, the at-fault party in any injury accident is liable for all damages, and the injured party can seek compensation for their damages, according to OCGA § 51-1-6.
Your attorney can review all the relevant laws that apply to your case. They will help you understand your rights and how you can protect yourself legally. Insurance companies are skilled at making you believe that you don't have much choice in how your case goes. However, you probably have more power than you realize.
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Provides legal advice
After an accident, you may get a lot of different advice. Maybe you're looking online and see an article that says one thing. Then you talk to a friend or family member, and they give you their opinion on what you should do. It can quickly become confusing and leave you wondering how to best handle your case.
Turning to a car accident injury attorney is often the best place to start. Car accident lawyers know what should happen after a car accident. They have spent years of education, training, and hands-on experience in car accident claims. They can look at the details of your case and give you the best advice on how to get the full financial recovery you need.
Look for an experienced car accident lawyer if you want to have the best chance of a successful car accident case.
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Negotiating for a fair settlement
A lot of work and investigation goes into a successful car accident claim. An accident lawyer does a lot behind the scenes to build a strong case for you and fight for your rights. They can help you:
- Investigate the details of your accident.
- Gather all relevant information, including photos, police reports, witness statements, and proof of damage.
- Construct and submit a personal injury claim to the at-fault driver's insurance company.
- Negotiate a fair settlement if the insurance company tries to cheat you.
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to negotiate.
- Handle every step of the pre-trial process.
- Representing you before the court with the aim of recovering full compensation for you.
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He represents you in court
Fortunately, most car accident cases are resolved long before they need to go to court. Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement to a plaintiff who has an experienced accident attorney. Even if you end up filing a lawsuit, your attorney will likely reach an agreement with the insurance company before trial.
However, if you end up going to court, a car accident lawyer will be by your side through the entire ordeal. They will fight mercilessly for your right to compensation. Experienced lawyers are not afraid of insurance companies and their tactics. They will be ready for whatever the insurance company brings to the table.
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A car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence that would be difficult for you to obtain on your own
Most people don't realize exactly how much car accident lawyers do when working on a case. Here are some of the additional tasks they perform that you may not think about until after you decide to hire your attorney.
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Investigate the case fully
Besides reviewing evidence such as photos and witness statements from the accident, as mentioned above, a car accident lawyer can also use various outside experts, including retired police officers or their investigators.
Your attorney may recreate the accident scene if there are questions about how certain parts of the accident occurred. They're not afraid to go the extra mile (and each other) to build the strongest case possible.
Your attorney or their investigation team will visit the scene of your accident to make observations and gather any available evidence. They will obtain a copy of your accident report and review your medical records as they relate to your injuries.
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Assess the full extent of your damages
It is normal to only think about your direct costs after an accident. However, when making a claim, your lawyer will consider all the ways in which the accident will affect you, now and in the future. They will consider your current and future medical treatment costs, how your injuries affected your ability to work, and the emotional effects of the accident.
After considering all of your damages, your car accident lawyer will calculate the most accurate estimate of your total damages. This assessment of your damages helps ensure you don't foot the bill for accident costs you didn't consider.
The insurance company certainly won't help you in this area, so your best bet is to hire a car accident lawyer who knows what they're doing.
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Call to medical professionals
Some car accident attorneys maintain professional relationships with certain medical professionals who can provide helpful services for your claim. They may also have a good knowledge of serious injuries and the best experts to contact for your treatment options.
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Do I need a car accident lawyer?
While it is always possible to represent yourself after a car accident, it is not recommended. As with any profession, training and experience put a car accident lawyer in a much better position to provide you with the money you need after an accident.
Although you will have to pay your attorney if you receive compensation, in most cases, accident victims who hire an attorney still walk away with significantly more money than those who represent themselves.
One of the best things about hiring a car accident lawyer is that you can do so risk-free. These attorneys tend to work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don't get paid unless you collect compensation. When you win, your attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement. This means you will always come forward and never pay your lawyer directly.
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Is it worth it to hire a car accident lawyer if your accident was minor?
A car accident lawyer can help you even if your car accident is minor by protecting you from legal claims that the other party may make in an attempt to blame you for the accident to deny their responsibility.
An attorney can also review your claim to make sure you are claiming all the compensation you are entitled to. In addition, the attorney knows which experts to hire and what evidence to collect to help you build the strongest case possible.
To learn more about what a car accident attorney does for your case, it is best to schedule an appointment to ask questions and discuss details related to your specific case. At John Foy & Associates, a consultation is always free. Feel free to get started and protect your right to recover compensation after an accident.
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