In some cases, car accidents can cause permanent damage. This can impact the amount of your settlement. During the accident, exchange contact information with the other drivers, including name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Also, note the names and relationships of witnesses.
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Your car accident lawyer will investigate to gather evidence. This includes reviewing medical records to link injuries to the accident and evaluating policy limits. On this post, let's explore the legal process and what you can expect from your car accident lawyer.
Initial Consultation
Atlanta car accident lawyers say that car accidents often leave people with a lot of questions. Between medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, accident victims can face unexpected expenses and overwhelming stress.
To help ease the burden, many states have laws that hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and resulting damages. A knowledgeable car accident Carrollton attorney can review the facts of an incident and determine fault.
The attorney will also help their clients determine the total value of their claim. They will consider economic and non-economic losses, such as current and future medical treatments, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Lawyers will also assess insurance policy limits to ensure their client has adequate coverage. They will review medical records to establish a connection between the defendant’s actions and their client’s injuries, supporting a causation argument.
They will also ensure their client’s case is filed within the statute of limitations. Finally, they will discuss their fee structure and set realistic expectations for resolving the case.
Consultation with Experts
A car accident lawyer in Carrollton will consult experts to establish how the crash occurred. They will also use medical records to identify and link specific injuries to the accident. They will also consider comparative fault laws and apportion damages accordingly.
The severity of an injury can vary, ranging from mild to life-altering and permanent. They will evaluate the extent of a client’s past and current losses, considering medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, and other financial impacts.
The insurance company will probably make a lowball offer, but the attorney will push back to get a reasonable settlement that considers their client's requirements. A lawyer will represent their client in court to seek justice if a settlement cannot be reached.
Calling an attorney as soon as possible after a crash is essential, preventing any procedural barriers from derailing the case. The sooner an attorney builds the claim, the stronger it will be.
Negotiation
A lawyer is a valuable asset during this time as they communicate with insurance adjusters to secure compensation. They can help clients obtain fair settlements considering all their economic and non-economic losses.
They also understand unique insurance laws and how to negotiate with insurance companies. They can prevent insurance companies from using tactics to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.
During the negotiating process, attorneys will prepare what’s known as a demand package that includes medical bills and records, property damage costs, loss of income, future loss of income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
They will then submit this to the at-fault insurer for their consideration. If an appropriate settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf in court. They will guide you through this process and ensure all legal procedures are followed correctly. This can distinguish between obtaining a reasonable settlement or going to trial.
Trial and Your Car Accident Lawyer
In cases where a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, an experienced car accident lawyer can file a formal lawsuit against the at-fault party. They will use their knowledge of relevant legal procedures and successful strategies to present the case to a judge and jury.
Car accident lawyers understand the intricacies of insurance law, including no-fault rules and comparative fault. They will evaluate the value of your claim by determining the cost of all your economic losses and multiplying them by a number that accounts for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
No amount can ultimately make up for the trauma of a car accident, but financial compensation can ease your financial burden and give you peace of mind.
You can evaluate your damages and look for the best settlement offer with the assistance of your lawyer. Choosing the right attorney is a personal decision that should be based on your comfort level with them and their experience.