Accidents often result in adverse outcomes, which adversely impact the lives of the victims, affecting their health, emotional status, and financial stability. Accident cases can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have an attorney to help you.
From when you contact the lawyer or law firm to when you receive compensation, the accident attorney will be your legal companion. Below is a breakdown of how an accident attorney stands with you through the process.
Case Evaluation
The legal process starts with an initial consultation, where you tell the attorney everything about your accident. There are several reasons why this meeting is necessary. Firstly, it enables the attorney to evaluate your case based on the occurrence of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and how the accident affected your life.
Secondly, it lets you ask questions and get acquainted with the legal process. The attorney will inform you of your rights and possible actions. This consultation is sometimes free and forms the basis of a good working relationship between the attorney and the client.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
After an attorney agrees to represent you, the next step is to investigate the matter and collect and preserve evidence. This is important in establishing negligence and estimating your loss or harm. The attorney will gather evidence, including police accident reports, medical records, statements of the witnesses, photographs, and expert opinions.
Accident reports give legal documentation of the accident, while medical records confirm the extent of the injury and the treatments provided. Witness statements are a source of information about the event; photos show the scene, damaged vehicles, and injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Working with insurance companies may be one of the most stressful things in an accident case. The insurance adjuster’s main goal is to pay as little as possible, which puts your chance of getting a reasonable settlement at risk. An accident attorney handles all the communication with insurance companies to ensure they do not take advantage of you.
They bargain fiercely for you, utilizing the information and the witnesses to try to secure decent compensation. This expertise is invaluable in combating underestimated offers and guaranteeing equal consideration of all aspects of your damages.
Read also: Important Things to Consider When Hiring a Truck Accident Injury Attorney
Legal Representation and Advocacy
If the insurance company fails to offer reasonable compensation for your injuries, your accident attorney will help you sue the insurer. They will seek legal redress from the responsible parties and draft all relevant legal papers. In a trial, your lawyer will be your legal counsel and will speak on your behalf during the pretrial motions, discovery, and trial.
They will argue and, in the process, provide proofs from the evidence and testimony collected from experts. Throughout the litigation process, your attorney is involved and updates you on the progress of the case and any strategy to be adopted.
Securing Fair Compensation
It is the job of an accident attorney to ensure that you get adequate compensation for the damage caused by the accident. This involves estimating the present and future medical expenses due to your injuries, paying for the wages lost due to your inability to work, and the pain and suffering that the accident caused you.
Summary
Accident attorneys are indispensable in the accident case, from consultation to claiming compensation. They help navigate this process, collect and document evidence, manage insurance issues, and give legal assistance and counseling.
