Archives 2023

1. AVOID SETTLING TOO SOON

After a car crash, you’ll likely want to put the entire situation behind you. Many people make the mistake of rushing through the legal process. They even accept the first lowball offer they receive.

Unfortunately, rushing through the process could cause you to leave money on the table. You might not receive the full amount of compensation you’re due. You might have to pay for a portion of your losses out of your own pocket.

Before that can happen, consider hiring a car accident lawyer. They’ll review the details of your case. They can help you determine how much you’re due, too.

Your lawyer will also make sure you follow the proper procedure. For example, it’s important to visit a doctor. The doctor’s assessment can help you recognize the full extent of your injuries.

Instead of settling too soon, you can gather the evidence you need to fight for a higher sum.

2. DODGE SCARE TACTICS

The insurance company might push you to accept the first lowball offer you receive. Some insurance companies even use scare tactics. They’ll want you to settle for as little as possible, too.

Don’t try to negotiate with the insurance company alone. Instead, hire a lawyer right away.

An experienced lawyer knows how to dodge scare tactics and negotiate with insurance companies. They’ll fight with your best interests in mind. 

3. PROVE THE EXTENT OF YOUR INJURIES

When building your case, it’s important to consider the full extent of your injuries. Your injuries could put you out of work. They might impact your quality of life and emotional state, too.

An experienced car accident attorney will gather your doctor’s reports. They’ll consider any specialists you visited or treatments you received. The evidence they gather will help them prove the extent of your injuries.

Then, you can fight for the full amount of compensation you’re due. 

4. EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

It’s difficult to make informed decisions if you lack prior experience. You could receive a lowball offer or pretty victim to scare tactics. Don’t try to handle a car accident lawsuit alone.

Instead, Google “best car accident lawyer near me” and hire someone with relevant expertise.

An experienced car accident attorney will lean on their years of prior experience. They’ll know how to gather evidence and what tactics opposing counsel might use. 

Take the time to ask your lawyer about the recent cases they’ve handled. Ask about the strategies they used. Discuss the outcome of those cases, too.

Discussing their prior cases can help you learn from the lawyer’s experiences. Then, you can make more informed decisions regarding your own case.

Handling the situation alone, however, could cause you to make costly mistakes. 

An experienced lawyer will help you recognize your legal options every step of the way. 

5. GATHER EVIDENCE

In order to maximize your claim, you’ll need evidence. The evidence you gather can help prove fault. Without evidence, you might not win your lawsuit.

You could struggle to gather evidence like video footage alone. Instead, hire a lawyer who has a team of experts they can call. Their network will ensure you have the evidence necessary to try your case.

6. PROVE FAULT

About 90% of car crashes involve driver-related factors. These can include:

• Driver error
• Distractions (including texting and driving)
• Fatigue

In some instances, however, it’s not easy to determine who was at fault for the crash. You’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Otherwise, the other driver might try to point the finger at you instead.

If you can’t determine fault, you might fail to receive the compensation you need to cover your losses.

In order to determine fault, you’ll also need hard evidence. Remember, a car accident attorney can gather evidence for you. Otherwise, you might struggle to gather the evidence you need to prove the driver’s negligence. 

An experienced lawyer can rely on their previous cases to determine the best strategy for proving fault, too. They’ll also protect you in case the other driver tries to indicate you were negligent. 

Once you prove the other driver was negligent, you can demonstrate how they caused your injuries. You can prove they caused your injuries, too.

With help from an experienced lawyer, you can build a strong, airtight case.

7. DETERMINE YOUR LOSSES

Your medical bills and injuries are only a small portion of your losses. You’ll also need to calculate:

• The emotional cost of your pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future lost earnings
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Current and future medical costs

You might struggle to determine your losses or set a monetary amount for your pain and suffering. Without experience, you could leave money on the table. Remember, there’s also a risk that you’ll unintentionally accept a lowball offer.

Your car accident attorney will know how to calculate your losses. They make sure you fight for the full amount of compensation you’re due. With their legal help, you can maximize your personal injury claim. 

DON’T FIGHT ALONE: 7 BENEFITS OF HIRING A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE

Don’t try to handle a car accident lawsuit alone. Instead, consider these benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer. With an experienced attorney at your side, you can win the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Hire a lawyer who has your best interests in mind today.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be wondering whether or not you need to hire a lawyer. Personal injury law can be complex, and insurance companies will often try to take advantage of people who are not familiar with their rights. Experienced car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things that you need to know when hiring a lawyer.

1. Understand what is happening

The basics of car accident compensation law

Before you hire a lawyer for your motor vehicle accident claim, it’s important that you understand the basics of how the law works. In most cases, fault will be determined based on negligence – meaning that one driver failed to exercise reasonable care and caused the other driver to get injured. You also need to know about insurance coverage and what your state requires as far as liability coverage is concerned.

Do I need a car accident lawyer?

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is almost always best to consult with a lawyer. Even if your case does not involve a large amount of money, having expert motor vehicle lawyers on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve for your motor vehicle accident.

2. Understand how motor vehicle accident claims work

The lawyer will make an estimate of the amount you may be entitled to and then prepare a motor vehicle accident claim on your behalf. The insurance company must review your car accident claim, and if they agree with the amount in the claim, they will pay out the agreed upon amount. If they do not agree with the amount in the claim, they may offer a lower settlement or deny the claim altogether. In this case, your lawyer can help you appeal the decision and make sure that you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Which motor vehicle accidents can I claim compensation for?

Motor vehicle accident compensation is available to drivers, passengers, riders and pedestrians involved in the following types of road accident claims:

1. Car accident
2. Truck accident
3. Bicycle accident
4. Motorcycle accident
5. Pedestrian accident
6. Taxis and private hire car accident
7. Bus accident
8. Forklift accident

What injuries can you claim compensation for after a car accident?

You are unable to recover damages from car accidents which you did not cause. The most commonly suffered injuries are:

1. Whiplash
2. Broken bones
3. Soft tissue damage
4. Brain injury
5. Psychological trauma
6. Economic loss of income

What happens in a motor vehicle accident claim without insurance?

In some cases, an accident may occur without insurance coverage. In Australia, a car accident involving an uninsured driver require the at-fault driver to pay for any damages that they cause in an accident. If you have been injured in an accident involving an uninsured driver, it’s important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.

How long after a car accident can I claim compensation?

You can make a motor vehicle accident claim for compensation up to three years from the date of the accident in most states. However, it is best to contact your lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so that you can begin the process of filing a compensation claim and receiving your lump sum compensation.

You may be able to file a motor vehicle accident claim immediately following a road accident in Australia. However, depending on the details of your case, it may be beneficial to wait until after medical bills have been paid and other expenses incurred due to the accident have been covered. This will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries.

How do I know if I have a good case?

Your lawyer will evaluate your motor accident case to determine if you have a valid compensation claim and what type of compensation you may be entitled to. The lawyer will look at factors such as the amount of medical expenses, lost wages, legal costs, pain and suffering, and any other damages that are related to the motor vehicle accident.

3. Benefits of hiring an experienced car accident lawyer

Know how to deal with the insurance company

The insurance company is not your friend. They are a for-profit business, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible – or nothing at all. Experienced car accident lawyers will know how to deal and negotiate with the insurance adjusters and get you the maximum settlement you deserve.

Know how to investigate your accident

In order to build a strong case, experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers will know how to investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your compensation claim. This may include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and taking photographs of the scene of the accident.

Know what your case is worth

Your car accident case is worth the full value of your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Experienced car accident lawyers will be able to calculate the value of your compensation claim and fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

Know how to take your case to trial if necessary

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, experienced car accident lawyers will not hesitate to take your case to trial in order to get you the justice you deserve.

4. Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a car accident lawyer

Not checking for experience

One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a car accident lawyer is not checking for experience. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases, as they will know how to best navigate the legal process and maximise your chances of receiving compensation.

Waiting too long to hire a lawyer

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start working on your case and gathering evidence. If you wait too long to hire a lawyer, it may be more difficult to win your case.

Not being honest

When meeting with a motor vehicle accident lawyer, it is important that you be honest about what happened during the accident. The more information they have, the better they will be able to help you.

5. Tips on how to find the right car accident lawyer for your case

Do your research

The first step in finding the right car accident lawyer for your case is to do your research. You should start by asking family and friends if they know of any lawyers who have experience with motor vehicle accident cases. You can also look online for lawyers who specialise in this area of law. Once you have a list of potential lawyers, you should research each one to see if they have the experience and qualifications that you are looking for.

Schedule a consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, you should schedule a consultation with each one. During the consultation, you will be able to ask the lawyer questions about their experience and qualifications. This is also an opportunity for you to get to know the lawyer and see if you feel comfortable working with them.

Ask about their experience

When you meet with a potential lawyer, be sure to ask about their experience handling car accident cases. You want to make sure that the lawyer you choose has significant experience in this area of law. The last thing you want is to hire a lawyer who does not have the necessary experience to properly handle your case.

Consider what you can afford to spend on legal fees

Legal fees can be expensive, so it is important to determine what you can afford to spend before hiring a lawyer. Be sure to ask about their fee structure and get a written retainer agreement that outlines the costs associated with your case. This way, you know exactly how much money you will need to pay for legal services.

Get a written retainer agreement

Once you have decided on which lawyer you would like to hire, be sure to get a written retainer agreement. This agreement will outline the terms of your relationship with the lawyer and will detail their fees and how they will be paid.

Read reviews and get referrals from past clients

Another important tip when choosing a car accident lawyer is to read reviews and get referrals from past clients. Reading online reviews can give you an idea of how satisfied other people were with the services they received. Additionally, asking for referrals from previous clients can help you determine if the lawyer is reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable.

In 2020, more than 40000 people were killed in car-related crashes in the US. For the survivors, car accidents result in severe and life-changing injuries. If you or your loved one is a victim of an auto crash, a car accident lawyer is invaluable.

Being involved in a car crash is a mentally, physically, and financially taxing experience for everyone involved. Worse if the accident resulted from negligent actions of another party. But do you know you might be entitled to compensation?

Yes, after the accident, filing for a car accident claim will get you compensated for all the consequential damages and suffering. These include pain, medical bills, lost quality of life, and lost wages. However, getting fair compensation isn’t plain sailing.

You’ll need someone with in-depth experience to help you traverse the intricate process. And this is where a reputable car accident lawyer will save the day. These attorneys are adept with filing and pursuing claims to ensure you deserve justice and compensation.

But does your case really need a car accident lawyer? Read more to learn the 7 benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer after a crash.

1. Handling Your Insurance Company

After the car accident, you are likely to engage with an insurance company to get compensated. However, to get substantial compensation from the insurance company, you must put up a fight. Insurers are in business and committed to ensuring car accident victims get the least amount or even nothing.

To achieve this, they have insurance adjusters who act in their best interest to frustrate accident victims. With their tricks, they can make you bow to pressure or frustration and settle for lowball amounts.

However, the situation becomes completely different if you hire a reputable car accident attorney. These attorneys have been in the field for years and are used to deal with insurance companies and win. They already know the tips and tricks used by insurers to deny or give victims low amounts.

With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, the insurance company will have no option but to award a substantial amount.

2. Determine Whether You Have A Case

Depending on its nature, not every case is entitled to compensation. Also, you don’t want to waste your valuable time and money pursuing a case that won’t amount to anything in the end.

But again, do you have the background experience to determine this? I guess no. Well, by evaluating your case, a reputable auto accident will advise whether the case is worth filing a claim or not.

Also, they advise you on the statute of limitation. These are provisions put in place regarding when a claim can be filed and who can file it.

3. Proving Your Injuries

To get compensated for the claim, you have to prove you sustained the injuries from the accident. However, showing the broken limbs and scars won’t be enough to show this.

So, how do you prove your claim? You need the best car accident lawyer. The attorney will thoroughly investigate and gather evidence to build a strong and winning case for your claim.

They will collect police reports, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene to prove your case.

4. Determine The Value Of Your Claim

How much is your claim worth? Well, it’s much more than just the medical expenses and lost wages. Without prior knowledge of claim evaluation, you might end up filing for a very low or very high figure.

The wrong value decreases the chance of winning the case, or you end up paying some expenses from your pocket. To ensure you are fairly compensated, work with a car accident attorney.

The attorney will estimate the accurate figure of your claim. This will factor in expenses incurred and the pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

5. Negotiating For Settlement

When pursuing the claim, negotiation is necessary to agree on a fair car accident settlement. These can involve both the party at fault and the insurance company. If you don’t fully understand your case and the details surrounding it, you’re bound to lose the claim.

Experienced car accident attorneys are pro-negotiators matching the skills of insurance adjusters. Armed with solid evidence, they will negotiate and prove your case to reach a fair settlement.

6. Represent You In A Lawsuit

The case proceeds to a trial if no fair settlement is agreed upon during the negotiation phase. Here, you’ll need to prove the case to a jury against skilled attorneys representing the insurance company. Without prior courtroom experience, this can be challenging.

To have peace of mind knowing an expert is filing the case and representing you during the court appearance. Also, they guide you on how you can increase your chances of getting a higher amount for the settlement.

When picking your attorney, confirm they have experience in handling trials just in case the case proceeds to a car accident lawsuit. A lawyer without experience might compel you to accept lowball amounts to avoid proceeding to a court of law.

7. Prevent You From Damaging Your Case

When pursuing the claim, there are some statements you can make and hurt your claim. For instance, your insurance company may require you to provide you with a recorded or written statement about your case. If you disclose the wrong details, the insurer can use it against you to avoid paying for the damages.

Insurance companies are known to use this tactic, especially to individuals who are filing for a claim without a lawyer. They will ask you tricky questions, and innocently, you respond out of context, jeopardizing your case. To avoid this, hire a car accident attorney immediately after the accident.

The road to becoming a lawyer is a long and difficult one, however, it is also an achievement that only the best talents can attain. The fact that you are even thinking about it shows that you have the determination and desire to succeed. Despite the difficulties, it is also a profession that will bring incredible job satisfaction and financial reward. If this sounds like your dream career path, here are five essential tips to reach your goals and become a lawyer. 

1. Shine During High School

Excelling during high school not only can put you ahead of your competition when it comes to applying for colleges, but it also puts you in the correct frame of mind to pursue a career in law. You are going to have to work hard, so start working hard early. Get involved in extracurricular activities and take part in other activities that involve debating and meeting people as your personal skills will be key once you leave college. 

2. Consider Participating In A Clerkship

A clerkship can give you the opportunity to work for a law firm over the summer or part-time. This will give you essential experience and law firms will look favourably upon this attribute on your résumé. There is also the possibility that the law firm that is providing you with the clerkship may take you on once you graduate from law school. If you are struggling financially and need extra funds to help you with living costs during an internship or clerkship, you can consider personal loans from private lenders. Doing so will keep you financially stable until you start to make money. 

3. Get Involved In College

Like with high school, you should be getting involved as much as possible while at college. If there are positions of responsibility available you should be applying for them. Take extra classes if you need them and try to foster good relationships with your professors, as it will be them who are writing your reference for law school. If you can find work experience, this will help you even more as it shows your willingness to put yourself out there and start learning early. 

4. Don’t Get In Trouble With The Law

It might seem obvious, but it is worth emphasising that you should not get in trouble with the law as it could prevent you from having a career in law. Bar Associations usually put candidates through a moral screening process and any involvement with the law will not look good. The number one rule of becoming a lawyer is to stay out of trouble.

5. Network

Your network can never be big enough, especially in an industry as competitive as law. Start networking early and never miss the opportunity to do so when you are at college or completing an internship or clerkship. The main importance of networking is your connections as they could provide you with opportunities that will completely change the course of your career. Networking works both ways and, to maintain your network, you will need to be prepared to help others when they are in need. A good network will also be able to provide you with advice and support during your journey.

Now 5 Helpful Questions To Ask Lawyer During The Consultation

Many lawyers offer to speak with potential clients for a free initial consultation. This helps you in finding a qualified attorney and choose if they are the right person for you. Knowing the questions you want to ask before meeting the lawyer is, therefore, very important. Here are some of the questions you should consider asking:

1. How Many Cases Similar to Mine Have You Handled Before?

It’s important to determine how long your attorney has practiced law and whether they have handled cases like yours in the course of their experience. Asking the attorney such a question will help you determine if they can handle your case.

If they have dealt with similar matters, they are likely to be sufficiently competent to handle your type of case. At this point, an experienced attorney may even be able to present you with testimonials of similar cases to yours that they have taken.

Other related questions:

• What type of cases do you primarily deal with (criminal law, family law, etc.)?
• When did you start practicing law?
• Can you give me examples of similar cases you have handled?

2. What Strategies Are You Going To Use For My Case?

Even though many lawyers won’t go into the details of the strategies they plan to use since it’s just the first meeting, the right one should give you an overview of what he or she plans to do to help you with your case, if you take him or her on as your legal representation.

Other questions to consider include:

• Which strategies do you intend to use? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• In your opinion, how long will this case take if you use this strategy?
• Have you used these strategies before? Did they work?

3. Are There Other Alternatives Apart From Going To Court?

Legal services do not begin and end in the courtroom. There are often ways that one can avoid going to court. A Lawyer can often negotiate and come to a fair conclusion before the opponent files a lawsuit. In some cases, even after a lawsuit is filed, mediation and arbitration are still options to avoid going to court.

Other questions you can ask:

• In the cases you have handled in the past, how many have you settled outside court?
• Do you see yourself as a successful negotiator?
• Are you open to the possibility of taking the case to court in case a settlement is not reached?

4. How Much Will It Cost Me?

This first meeting is the right time to talk about legal fees. When you ask about the cost, you will consider the lawyer’s response and see if you can afford it. In personal injury matters, a law firm will usually only require you to pay only after you receive your settlement.

Questions To Ask The Right Lawyer

Other questions to consider include:

• What is your attorney fees structure? Is it per hour? Flat legal fee? Contingency?
• Will there be extra costs?
• Can you give me an estimation of the total cost?

5. What Are The Possible Outcomes Of The Case?

A good legal professional should be able to predict the outcome of the case. They should not just tell you what you want to hear, but should instead tell you the truth.

Other related questions you can ask:

• Do you see us facing significant legal challenges?
• How can I avoid a lawsuit?

In conclusion, taking advantage of the free consultation to know about your Lawyer, their abilities, and their credibility will go a long way in helping you with your case. You may not get all the legal advice that you want at this stage because this is just the first meeting. In any case, the choice is of whether or not to hire a lawyer is yours to make. Hopefully, these tips provided will help you make a wise decision.

Knowing that questions to ask your lawyer during this consultation can make finding the right attorney much easier. These should include:

1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?

You need to know how comfortable the lawyer is with cases like yours. While every case is somewhat different, the attorney will likely find some similarities between your case and a case s/he handled previously.

Related questions may include:

• Where did you attend law school?
• How long have you been practicing in Pennsylvania?
• What types of cases do you handle?
• How often do you handle cases similar to mine?
• Can you tell me about a case you handled similar to mine? What was the result?
• Do you have any client testimonials?

2) What would be your strategy for my case?

Most lawyers do not offer specific legal advice in an initial consultation, but s/he should explain the possible approaches to handling your case. S/he may also offer a general overview of the strategy s/he will follow.

Related questions may include:

• What strategies have you used for similar cases in the past?
• How long do you think this case could take using this strategy?
• What are the pros and cons of this strategy?

3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?

Especially in personal injury cases, there is often a good chance you can avoid going to court. A lawyer will usually try to negotiate a fair and just settlement with the insurance company before resorting to filing a lawsuit. Even once you file a suit, mediation and arbitration may be possible. Both of these options can help you avoid going to court.

Related questions may include:

• What percentage of your cases has settled out of court?
• Do you consider yourself an effective negotiator?
• Are you comfortable taking this case to trial if you cannot reach a just settlement?
• Will you prepare my case for court even if you plan to settle out of court?

4) What are my possible outcomes?

Some lawyers may only tell you what you want to hear. The right lawyer, however, will give you an honest look at how your case may conclude. No lawyer can give you an exact value of your case or promise that you will reach an out-of-court settlement, but s/he can offer possibilities based on his/her experience.

Related questions may include:

• Do see us running into any major issues?
• What are our chances of avoiding a lawsuit?

5) Who will actually handle my case?

While you may meet with one lawyer, others in the legal office may work on your case. This often includes other attorneys and paralegals. You will want to know who your point of contact is within the office, and the experience of those working on your case.

Related questions may include:

• Who should I call with questions about my case?
• How often can I expect updates or reports? How will I receive these updates?
• Will you represent me in settlement negotiations and/or court?

6) What is my role in my case?

Attorneys desire different levels of participation from their clients. Your attorney probably will not want you to talk to witnesses or the insurance company without prior approval, but s/he may need you to compile documentation of your injuries and other similar tasks.

Related questions may include:

• What do you need from me to build the strongest possible case?
• What should I avoid in order to win my claim?

7) How much will this cost me?

It is never fun to talk about money, but this is the time to do it. Most personal injury lawyers charge based on contingency. This means you pay nothing until you receive your settlement. There may, however, be another fee structure or additional fees you need to pay.

Related questions may include:

• What is your fee structure? Contingency? Hourly? Flat fee?
• Will there be any additional costs?
• Can you give me an estimate of the total cost of my case?
• Check out our bios to learn more about our team.