Some clients ask what does a car accident attorney do? It’s a fair question. Many people have no idea what a personal injury lawyer does until they end up hurt in an automobile wreck and need to hire one quickly.
People don’t usually hire a lawyer until they confront problems in their lives. In the case of a car accident lawyer, the issue is often their frustration over dealing with insurance companies and the need to protect their rights and receive fair compensation.
Our Houston injury team can answer your questions about what a car accident attorney does at a free and confidential consultation. Generally, a lawyer is your personal representative in your claim for compensation. Your lawyer is your advocate and champion. However, there are many facets to the car accident attorney’s job, including the following:
1 Investigating your Accident Thoroughly
Car accident victims hire attorneys for their expertise. Your lawyer, usually supported by trained paralegals, will thoroughly investigate your case. This includes requesting medical records, police reports, eyewitness accounts, video footage, cellphone records, and any other evidence pertinent to your case. A good car accident lawyer will not take the evidence at face value. He or she will check the accuracy of police reports for inconsistencies and challenge statements made by the lawyers of the at-fault driver or the experts hired by the other side’s lawyers.
2 Offers Legal Advice
People who suffer injuries in a car accident may receive advice from family members, friends, medical professionals, and insurance adjusters. The only legal advice you should trust is that of your attorney.
When you hire an attorney, you enter a contract. It is in the best interests of both parties for the legal professional to give accurate advice and be realistic about the strength of your case. An attorney cannot tell you exactly what your case is worth but he or she should know approximately how much cases like yours usually settle for. It’s not in the interests of a lawyer to exaggerate or downplay your prospects. Your attorney can also provide advice about a reasonable amount to settle a case that will cover your expenses and future medical needs.
3 Assesses How Much You are Owed.
A car accident attorney can put a more realistic figure on your losses than the insurance adjuster. As well as adding up medical bills and lost wages, lawyers use tried-and-tested formulas to place a value on so-called non-pecuniary damages such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and permanent disability. The fact the attorney used well-respected formulas and experts to calculate a figure gives more credence to your case in the courtroom.
4 Uses Medical and Other Professionals
Attorneys typically have years of experience working on car accident claims. However, they may seek third-party input to strengthen your case. Insurance companies habitually try to downplay the seriousness of the victim’s condition or pin it on a pre-existing condition if you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury. A Texas car accident lawyer may hire medical experts such as brain injury specialists, spinal experts, pediatricians, or orthopedic doctors.
Attorneys may also use loss adjusters and accident scene reconstruction experts. In complicated cases, they may use medical illustrators to show images to a jury.
5 Takes over Negotiations With The Insurance Company
A car accident attorney takes over negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. This saves the client from direct interactions with the insurance company that can harm his or her case. The lawyer keeps negotiations going between the parties, often making it easier to reach a mutually-beneficial settlement.
6 Files Lawsuits on Behalf of the Client.
The fact you hired an attorney does not mean a lawsuit will always be filed. However, if the lawyer’s negotiations with the insurance company break down, the lawyer will often file a lawsuit on your behalf. This means your personal injury attorney will be responsible for submitting form requests for evidence under a process called discovery and meeting all deadlines.
7 Representing You In Court
A car accident attorney will take your case in front of a judge and jury if necessary. Typically, this only happens in very complicated cases or instances where an insurance company is obstructive. Approximately, five percent of all personal injury cases end up in a trial in Texas.
8 Ensure you Meet Deadlines
Under Texas law, you have two years from the accident date to file a civil personal injury claim under the Texas Statute of Limitations. A car accident injury lawyer will ensure you don’t lose the opportunity to file a claim. Your lawyer will also ensure you meet all case deadlines.
Talk to a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
An attorney can answer all of your questions about what a car accident lawyer does. At the Ramji Law Group, we offer free consultations to people who suffered injuries in car accidents in Texas as well as people whose vehicles were damaged. Read the reviews from our satisfied clients and contact us as soon as possible after an accident at (713) 597-6648.
