You Should Consider The Car Accident Law Firm Before Hiring Legal Representation
According to Forbes, car accidents are frequent, with 35,766 fatal car crashes in 2020. While some victims are lucky enough to escape road accidents merely unharmed, others sustain life-threatening injuries. Due to the economic constraints that follow after car accidents, it is only fair for victims to be settled by the liable parties. This is a complex matter that calls for guidance from a legal intellect.
Before settling for one, you must consider the car accident law firm they represent. You do not want to go for a lawyer simply because of their reputation. There is more, such as the values they believe in, as they can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Contact our law firm today for an all-rounded car accident attorney.
Benefits Of Contacting A Car Accident Law Firm
Why Does The Car Accident Law Firm Matter?
Each law firm operates under specific values, guidelines, and specialization. Therefore, before hiring a legal representative, you must ensure your needs align with the firm they work under for the following reasons.
a) Law Firm Values
We all believe in something, and so do law firms. While some law firms are dedicated to ensuring that human rights are adhered to, others are there for the money and reputation. Winning a complex car accident case is not a joke. A series of evidence evaluations are required. However, a moral standing should be adhered to throughout the process. Therefore, before hiring an auto accident attorney, investigate their firm’s standing with the state bar association and other professional organizations.
b) Client-Centered
Ideally, a law firm should demand employees to work directly with their clients. Clients should be consulted before any decision is finalized. Similarly, clients should constantly be updated on the developments of their cases. This approach affirms car accident victims of their representatives’ genuine care for their welfare, creating a good work rapport. However, this may not always be the case in every car accident law firm.
c) Fee Structure
Legal fees are structured uniquely by each law firm. Therefore, some are too high than others. Unlike most who work on a contingency basis, other law firms may also demand upfront payment. As a car accident victim, you must consider these charges before hiring. Refrain from assuming that what works for one firm is what is applied in the rest. This ensures that your budget is in alignment with your lawyer, preventing any misunderstanding from arising in the future.
d) Accessibility
Law firms have policies on how often clients should communicate with their legal representatives. Cases differ, and some may necessitate regular communication. Therefore, it is essential to review the law firm’s policies on communication and accessibility to ensure that it is workable with the nature of your case. Regular responses to your case’s progression save you from anxiety and frustration.
e) Resources
Concrete evidence is required to build a solid case after a car accident. It may mean going beyond and consulting with expert witnesses. For example, if you sustain brain injuries, your car injury lawyer may be required to gather testimonials from a neurosurgeon on the extent of your injuries for your claim’s credibility. An efficient law firm should have access to such resources.
f) Reputation And Credibility
A law firm’s credibility dictates whether it will stand by you until you acquire the compensation you deserve. It also helps you estimate your chances of winning should you choose to work with that particular firm. Therefore, when reviewing a law firm’s testimonials and reviews, ensure you pick one that has dealt with similar cases. You can find valuable insights on a dedicated website for lawyer reviews.
You Can Help The Car Accident Law Firm Acquire Fair Compensation For You
As a car accident victim, you also have a role to play to ensure the law firm you choose is in a position to help you acquire compensation that is up to the actual worth of your losses.
a) Seek Medical Attention
It is human nature to worry more about vehicle damage following a wreck. However, your health should come first. Once the EMTs arrive at the accident scene, allow them to attend to your injuries. Do not delay or question them if they ask you to see a doctor for thorough assessments. Instead, do it as soon as possible. EMTs cannot fully tell the extent of your damages until a complete examination is done.
Once you see a professional medic, keep all your medical records and prescriptions. The law firm representing you will need them as proof of sustained injuries. Without these documents, attaining compensation for your injuries may be challenging.
b) Do Not Overshare With Your Insurer
You must notify your insurer immediately after a car accident. However, this is not the time to converse and disclose all the events that led to the crash. Informing them about the location, time, date, and type of accident should be enough at the initial stage.
Insurers are in business. They might use what you disclose to them against you, significantly reducing your settlement. For example, even if you are at fault, this is not the time to admit it. Before holding further discussions with your insurer, you should consult with our law firm first.
c) Watch Your Words When Communicating With Insurers
Insurers want to pay as little as possible to make more profit. Therefore, they are very good at misinterpreting words if it means cutting coverage costs. You should never say you are sorry when communicating with insurers. This phrase can be misinterpreted as admitting guilt.
You should also avoid using harsh words, which could be mistaken for insults. Insulting insurance representatives could lead to legal consequences. Your claim can also be denied. Depending on the severity of the abuse, you could risk getting an insurance termination. Such a situation complicates things further for your case instead of making work easier for your lawyer.
d) Do Not Disclose Past Medical Records
Some insurance companies can go to the lengths of using unethical means to reduce your compensation. When asked to submit a copy of your medical history, please do not do it without consulting with your lawyer. Typically, insurers review the records, then claim your injuries result from past medical issues.
Suppose you suffered an arm fracture two years ago. If the crash causes the same arm to fracture, the insurer can claim your arm was not fully recovered at the time of the accident. Therefore, regardless of how kind an insurance representative may seem, only submit personal documents with your lawyer’s approval. It is never in your best interest.
e) Gather Evidence
If you are in the right physical state after the crash, use your smartphone to capture the accident scene. Property damage, road markings, and personal injuries should be included. It is also essential to gather several eyewitness reports. In each account, have their names and contacts. Your auto accident attorney may need these testimonies to increase your claim’s credibility.
Damages That A Car Accident Law Firm Can Help You Recover
a) Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily calculated because they sum all incurred expenses from the day of the accident until a victim is fully recovered. They include the following.
- Medical costs: After a car accident, a victim may require emergency treatment. Depending on the severity of their injuries, they may be hospitalized for observation. These costs, including medical prescriptions, should be compensated. Other medical expenses that car accident victims may incur include surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, or special equipment.
- Lost wages: After a car crash, victims are required to take a break from all work to recover. This break can interfere with their earning ability. Any lost salaries and benefits during their recovery period should be reimbursed.
- Property damage: Besides the vehicle, personal property such as phones, laptops, or watches can be damaged by a car wreck. All these are viable for compensation.
b) Non-Economic Damages
Placing an appropriate value on non-economic damages is challenging due to their nature. These damages include psychological and emotional distress caused by the car accident. Although not easily calculated, they are viable mainly because their effect on a victim’s life may be more significant than physical injuries. Non-economic damages include anxiety, PTSD, depression, trauma from body disfigurement or permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
c) Wrongful Death
Car wrecks can be fatal, leaving grieving family members behind. The ability to claim wrongful death compensation varies from state to state. However, most jurisdictions only allow immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings to file for this claim. Wrongful death claims are meant to ease the bereaved family’s financial burden. They help cater to the burial and funeral arrangements of the bereaved. Additionally, wrongful death claims cover surviving relatives for loss of companionship, loss of care, or loss of inheritance.
Conclusion
You must assess a car accident law firm before settling for a lawyer to protect your interest. The quality of the legal representation you will receive throughout your claim process is dependent on the structure of that specific law firm. Contact us today for top-notch car accident legal services.
