According to the CDC, over two million people visit the emergency room every year due to injuries sustained in vehicle crashes. And as they grapple with their medical treatment and pain, many wonder whether they need to contact an attorney. While working with an attorney will always be a personal choice, it does offer several advantages. Below are a few things that a car accident lawyer does that can be helpful to you as you navigate your case:
Offer Concrete and Reliable Advice
After an accident, many victims receive conflicting advice from varying sources, like online research and well-meaning loved ones. The problem is that some of that advice can be flat-out wrong or not applicable to their cases. When you call an attorney after an accident, they’ll act as a source of sound legal guidance, able to provide you with professional advice regarding your next steps.
Gather Evidence from the Accident
Gathering evidence for a car accident involves more than just giving your side of the story to a law enforcement official. Even if your testimony seems solid, there’s nothing stopping the other driver and their insurance company from refuting what you say. An experienced car accident lawyer will gather detailed evidence that helps to build a strong case in the following ways:
- Gathering pictures
- Collecting witness testimony
- Obtaining accident reports from law enforcement
- Reconstructing the scene based on road and weather conditions
- Assessing the state of the other driver at the time of the crash
- Bringing in medical or mechanical experts, if necessary
These represent the kinds of evidence that have the potential to help victims be successful in pursuing compensation.
Handle Case-Related Administrative Tasks
Car accident cases involve a slew of legal and administrative tasks. You must find and interview witnesses, talk to medical and other experts, communicate with insurance companies, review financial data, fill out paperwork to file the claim, and file motions in court. Daunting as all of that may sound, an attorney can take care of all of it on your behalf. They’ll take on the legwork so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Assess Your Damages from the Accident
According to Forbes, the average settlement for a car accident lies somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000. The key to getting a fair settlement is ensuring a case is valued correctly. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the damages you’ve incurred and properly assign a value to your case. For example, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury that will make it harder for you to work in the future. If a loved one dies in the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for financial or emotional losses. Properly valuing your case is key when it comes to assessing whether an insurance company’s settlement offer is sufficient. It can also help ensure you pursue enough money to cover future medical bills and lost wages you may incur due to your injuries.
Negotiate On Your Behalf and Represent You In Court
One of your attorney’s most important jobs is representing you during settlement negotiation and — if necessary — your case’s trial. You won’t have to worry about responding to intimidating phone calls from insurers pressuring you to take a lower offer than you deserve. Instead, you’ll have someone with knowledge and experience on your side. Your attorney will be responsible for building and presenting a strong case to help you obtain appropriate compensation.
Gain Peace of Mind With Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Working with a car accident attorney is important because it removes the burden of pursuing legal action from your shoulders. They’ll answer your questions and gather the right evidence for your case. They’ll also know how to present that evidence in a way that proves your argument. With the help of the right lawyer, you’ll have much more peace of mind during your legal battle and give yourself the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
Contact the South Carolina Personal Injury Law Firm Of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please call Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers at (803) 373-1706 for a free case evaluation with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
