What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

You can seek compensation for your losses if you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by negligence. It can benefit you to engage legal counsel, but you may have questions about what a car accident lawyer does and if hiring legal representation is the right decision for your case. Keep reading to learn more about how an attorney can help you.

A Car Accident Lawyer Helps Personal Injury Victims Recover Fair Compensation

The primary goal of a motor vehicle accident attorney is to help clients recover full and fair compensation for personal injuries. The damages a lawyer can pursue will depend on the facts of your case, but in general, may include:

• Medical expenses: If you have a severe injury, medical damages may include current medical bills and compensation for ongoing treatments. A lawyer will ensure you recover enough money to prevent you from paying out of pocket, including compensation for extended nursing and life care if needed.
• Lost income: As with medical treatment, your personal injury attorney will pursue current and future losses, including wages and benefits from missed work and the loss of your future earning capacity if you cannot return to your job.
• Vehicle and property damages: A lawyer can seek the cost of vehicle repairs or pursue your car’s fair market value if the damages are a total loss.
• Miscellaneous losses: Your legal team will identify other damages you can recover, including compensation for household services, medical travel expenses, and medically necessary home or vehicle modifications.
• Pain and suffering: An attorney can seek monetary damages for physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.
• Wrongful death of a loved one: A wrongful death lawyer can seek compensation for a loved one’s fatal car accident injury.

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Car Accident Attorneys Build Cases and Handle the Legal Details

Winning car accident compensation means proving that a negligent driver or other liable party caused the collision. An auto accident lawyer can do the following to build your case and handle its details so you can focus on healing from your injuries:

• Investigate the accident: A lawyer will investigate your car accident and collect case evidence. Your legal team can visit the accident scene, take photos and video, gather physical evidence, interview eyewitnesses, obtain police reports and medical records, and consult with experts when needed.
• Identify liable parties: An attorney will use proof obtained in the investigation to identify those at fault for your accident and show that they acted negligently.
• Identify your damages: A car accident lawyer will identify and prove your losses, ensuring you do not leave money on the table. Proof of damages may include bills, invoices, wage statements, receipts, and estimates regarding your expected future expenses.
• Manage insurance claims: Your legal representative will file your insurance claims and demand fair compensation. They will also handle deadlines, related communications, and updates on your personal injury claim.
• Take legal action: If insurance will not offer a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer should have the experience and willingness to take your case to trial when necessary.

Car Accident Lawyers Protect Clients’ Rights

Idaho and California are both at-fault car insurance states. After an accident, the liability insurance policy of the party found at fault should pay for accident victims’ injuries and damages. However, insurance is a for-profit business, and insurance companies often look for ways to reduce settlements or avoid paying claims to increase their bottom line.

A car accident lawyer will act as your advocate and ally, defending your rights to the insurance company. Your personal injury attorney will protect you from bad-faith tactics and undue pressure and aggressively negotiate for the maximum compensation possible.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.

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Lawyers Ensure Clients Meet Car Accident Case Deadlines

If legal action is required to recover fair compensation, your lawyer will file your case within the statute of limitations set by your state.

In California, CCP § 335.1 generally allows two years to file most personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.

In Idaho, Idaho Statutes § 5-219 also sets a two-year deadline for these types of cases.

If time runs out, the court will likely refuse your suit. If you cannot take legal action, you lose your leverage over the insurance company, so these laws also affect insurance claims. The sooner you contact a car accident attorney, the sooner they can get started.

How Do You Know If a Car Accident Lawyer Is Right for You?

Most personal injury law firms, including ours, offer free consultations so you can ask questions and get acquainted with the lawyers you will work with. The following are a few things you should consider when selecting representation:

• Legal experience: When choosing a lawyer, it is important to consider how much and what kind of experience they have. For example, you would not want to hire a divorce lawyer, even one with 50 years of experience, to handle a motorcycle accident claim if they have never taken an auto accident case before.
• Case record: You want a legal team with a winning case record. Ask about settlements and verdicts and determine if they have had successes outside and inside the courtroom. Your lawyer should be trial-tested and willing to take cases before judges and juries when required.
• How you feel about the attorney and the firm: You need to be able to communicate openly and honestly with your lawyer. Any attorney you hire should treat you with compassion and respect, and you should feel you can trust them. They should also project confidence in their ability to handle your legal issues.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Charge?

Many personal injury lawyers, including car accident attorneys with our firm, take cases on contingency. With this fee arrangement, you do not pay anything upfront or out of pocket, and do not owe for legal services unless and until we obtain compensation.

Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers to Connect With a Car Accident Lawyer

Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers fights for personal injury victims in California and Idaho. If a negligent driver hurt you or your loved one, our car accident lawyers can pursue the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.