Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | July 4, 2024 | Car Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be thinking, “Do I really need a lawyer? What does a car accident lawyer do?” The answers are “Yes” and “More than you think.” A car accident attorney can be critical to getting the full amount of compensation you are owed for your property damage and personal injuries.
While it is possible to pursue a car accident claim on your own, you are almost always better off having an attorney handle the claim for you. So, what does a car accident attorney do?
Evaluate
A car accident attorney will first evaluate your situation to determine whether you have a case worth pursuing. At the first meeting with an attorney, the attorney will gather all the facts available from you, including your statement, an accident report, any medical records, and other information. The attorney may be able to give you an estimate on how much you can recover for your claim. An attorney will have the experience and knowledge to know what your claim is worth.
Without the attorney’s evaluation, you risk entering into a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company that is too low to compensate you for all your injuries. An attorney will be able to evaluate the claim and determine how much money you will need in the future to treat that injury and make sure the insurance company covers it.
Additionally, some people overlook the mental toll that the accident takes on them. Pain and suffering damages are types of damages for which you should be compensated. Lost wages and lost future wages are also recoverable. An attorney will be able to take your information and determine the types of damages you can recover and how much they may be worth.
Investigate
To get the most for your case, your attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim. This means gathering information such as the traffic accident report, medical records, witness statements, expert assessments, the other driver’s driving history, your earnings records, and other information needed to understand your claim fully. Your attorney will best understand what information is needed and how to go about getting it. Some attorneys’ offices have their own private investigators to handle these matters; other attorneys do it themselves.
In some cases, your attorney may need to consult with an expert to understand your injury and how it affects compensation. This is part of the investigation of your claim and puts your attorney in a better position to negotiate or go to trial.
Negotiate
Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the other driver’s insurance company to get you the best compensation. Insurance companies are notorious for dragging out a claim and trying to pay the least amount possible to an accident victim. Your attorney can take negotiations out of your hands and talk to the insurance company for you.
An experienced attorney is used to dealing with insurers and knows which facts of your case will influence the company to make a higher payment. The insurance company is unlikely to confuse or intimidate an attorney who handles claims on a daily basis. Attorneys are trained in negotiation and can bring about the best result for you.
Litigate
Sometimes, an insurance company refuses to pay what your attorney believes your case is worth. In that event, your attorney may have to file a lawsuit to get the amount to which you are entitled. This can happen in cases in which liability (who is at fault) is not clear or where the injuries suffered are severe and long-lasting.
A lawsuit is a complex, time-consuming, and often aggravating process of having a jury determine your damages. There are deadlines, filing requirements, evidence rules, and procedures that most non-attorneys do not understand. Your attorney will handle all of that for you. Your attorney will be experienced in managing every step of litigation and will use the legal process to move your case to trial and to a verdict in your favor.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Handle Every Aspect of Your Case
Attorneys who are experienced in car accident cases do more than just make a phone call to the insurer. Much of what a car accident attorney does takes place behind the scenes. You might not hear from your attorney for a couple of weeks, but he or she may be reviewing medical records and making calls to the insurance company, trying to get you the compensation to which you are entitled.
The attorney may also be preparing for trial by reviewing witness statements and medical bills. Your face-to-face time with your attorney may seem minimal at times, but they should be diligently working on your case.
Contact a Sandusky Car Accident Lawyer at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, contact the Sandusky car accident law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have five convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, and Norwalk.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk and Wright Co. LPA – Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200,
Mansfield, OH 44902
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857