Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer: What You Need to Know
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:
- Car accident
- Truck accident
- Bicycle accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Pedestrian accident
- Taxis and private hire car accident
- Bus accident
- 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:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Brain injury
- Psychological trauma
- 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.