How an Auto Accident Lawyer Secures Compensation for Injuries
Did you know that between 2018 and 2022, fatalities from road crashes shot up by a whopping 16%? In 2022 alone, there were over 42,000 fatal accidents and another 1.6 million that left people with serious injuries.(1) (2)
If you’ve been caught up in this mess and ended up hurt, you’ve got every right to seek compensation benefits. But making sense of the legal steps that ensue isn’t easy. That’s where an auto accident lawyer comes in. Here’s what they help you with.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Car accidents leave between 20-50 million people with serious injuries, some even a disability. This could very easily be you. Think about it. You’re shaken up, maybe dealing with fractures, concussion, or soft tissue injuries, and not sure what to do next. That’s when it’s time to reach out to an auto accident lawyer.(3)
They’ll jump into action and start a thorough investigation. Remember that person who rushed over to help you? Their story could go a long way. Your lawyer will also track down anyone who saw what happened and get their version of events.
Expect the legal expert to also help you gather medical records; every doctor’s note, X-ray, and treatment plan. Why? Because they paint a picture of how the accident has affected you. It’s not just about the initial injury. It’s about your ongoing pain and recovery, too.
Lastly, there’s the police report. Your lawyer will comb through it for any details that support your personal injury lawsuit.
Determining Liability
Your lawyer will help you identify who caused this accident. Maybe it was the other driver texting. Or perhaps there was a problem with the road itself. Pinpointing fault helps determine who’s responsible for your injuries. In some cases, understanding your insurance coverage, whether it’s comprehensive car insurance, liability insurance, or collision coverage, can also play a role in assessing the situation.
They’ll also be looking at traffic laws. Did someone run a red light? Was there speeding involved? Your lawyer needs to know if any laws were broken. They may also check out the other driver’s history. Have they been in accidents before? Do they have a record of traffic violations? This kind of info can strengthen your personal injury claim.
Calculating Damages
This is where your lawyer puts a dollar value on everything you’ve been through. First up, economic damages. These are the costs you can easily put a number on.
Your medical bills? Lost wages from missing work? They all get considered. Even the cost of fixing your car gets counted. But it doesn’t end there. Your lawyer also looks at future expenses. Might you need more treatment down the road? They’ll factor that in.
Now, non-economic damages. This is the tricky part. How do you put a price on pain? Or on not being able to play with your kids because of your injuries? Your lawyer knows how to value these things. They’ll consider how your life has changed and fight for compensation benefits that reflect that.
Sometimes, there’s a third type: punitive damages. These would come into play if the other driver was being really reckless. For instance, if they were drunk driving, it’s extra money meant to punish them and deter others from doing the same.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Your lawyer’s job is to maximize your settlement in a personal injury lawsuit. They know all the tactics an insurance company can use to lowball you and shield you from that. This means they can spot opportunities for compensation you might miss on your own.
Remember, your lawyer’s goal is to get you the best deal possible. They’re not afraid to play hardball if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation.
Litigating the Case
Sometimes, insurance companies just won’t play ball. That’s when your lawyer might need to take your case to court. They’ll paint a vivid picture for the judge and jury of what you’ve been through.
Every medical record, every photo of your wrecked car — it all comes together to support your side of the story. Your lawyer also gets to challenge the other side’s story. They’ll cross-examine witnesses and poke holes in any shaky claims.
Providing You Support and Guidance
You know how frustrating it is when you’re left in the dark? A good lawyer won’t do that to you. They’ll constantly update you on your case’s progress. Also, accidents are stressful. Your lawyer gets that. They’re there to offer support, not just legal advice. Having someone in your corner can make a world of difference when you’re dealing with injuries and insurance hassles.
Last but not least, your lawyer takes care of all the boring (but important) things like deadlines, paperwork, and filing documents.
Closing Thoughts
These are a few ways how an auto accident lawyer fights for the proper compensation for injuries in your case. Remember, your lawyer is there to make this process as smooth as possible for you. With them by your side, you can concentrate on recovery while they fight for your rights.
Sources
- “Fatal car crash statistics 2024”, Source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/auto-insurance/fatal-car-crash-statistics/
- “Car Accident Statistics For 2024”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/car-accident-statistics/
- “Road traffic injuries,” Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries
