Car Crash Lawyer

Car Crash Lawyer

According to the 2021 National Safety Council data, motor-vehicle crashes in the United States accounted for 5.4 million medically consulted injuries.

From this figure, you can imagine the significant medical expenses related to car accident injuries. The costs associated with these crashes amounted to $498.3 billion in 2021.

If you or someone you know gets involved in a car crash, one challenge is recovering the costs of medical bills and other expenses.

But what can you do if your insurance company offers an amount below what you need? What damages can you recover from a vehicle accident? Can a lawyer help your case?

This article tackles these questions and discusses what to do after a car accident. This article also explores the common causes of car accidents and what to do if the driver at fault is uninsured or underinsured.

If you recently figured in a car accident and suffered injuries, contact a lawyer for assistance. Personal Injury Lawyer Search provides a convenient online search tool to find and contact car accident attorneys in the U.S.

What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for Your Case

A car accident lawyer can assist in obtaining financial compensation if you get involved in a vehicular accident. The purpose of this compensation is to cover car accident-related expenses, such as the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Permanent disability
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (companionship)

The following sections explore the services an auto accident lawyer can provide for your case.

Helps You Understand Your Rights

You may or may not be well-versed in personal injury laws regarding car accidents. Regardless, it is entirely understandable if you do not know your rights when an accident happens.

Generally, you should not have to pay for damages due to an accident if you are not at fault. However, laws regarding car accident injuries can vary per state.

A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the laws relevant to your case. They can also inform you on how you can legally protect yourself.

Offers Legal Advice

Sometimes, you will receive conflicting advice after getting in an accident. You talk to a friend or family member and hear them saying one thing, then read an online article saying something different.

These differences can confuse you and make you wonder how to approach your case best.

On the other hand, car accident lawyers have years of education, training, and experience with car accident claims and know what happens after a car accident. One of the best ways to start your injury claim is to work with a car accident lawyer.

Investigates the Case Completely

Car accident lawyers can review evidence like witness statements and pictures of the accident and work with outside experts, such as investigators and retired police officers.

When you work with a lawyer, they can visit the accident scene to observe and gather any available evidence. If needed, they can recreate the scene to determine specific accident details.

Furthermore, they can acquire a copy of your accident report and review medical records regarding your injuries.

Assesses the Full Extent of Your Damages

When your car accident attorney makes a claim, they look at various ways the accident can affect you in the present and future. They consider the injuries that may affect your ability to work, current and future medical treatment costs, and emotional impacts due to the accident.

Your attorney can provide an accurate estimate of your total damages. This assessment can help ensure you do not bear any unforeseen accident-related costs.

Calls on Medical Professionals

Some car accident lawyers have professional connections with medical experts who can provide the right services for your case. These experts know about serious injuries and are among the best individuals to consult for your treatment options.

Knows the Insurance Process

Insurance company adjusters typically find ways to limit payments to car accident victims. In this case, working with an assertive car accident law firm to deal with adjusters can help your insurance claim.

Furthermore, lawyers from these firms can review the insurance offers and negotiate higher settlement offers.

Negotiates for a Fair Settlement

For your car accident lawsuit to succeed, an accident attorney works and investigates behind the scenes to build a strong case for you and achieve a fair settlement. To do so, they do the following:

  • Investigate the accident’s details.
  • Collect relevant information, such as police reports, witness statements, pictures, and proof of damages.
  • Create a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement if the company makes a lowball offer.

A lowball offer is when the insurance company offers less than the amount you reasonably need to cover damages like medical expenses and lost wages.

  • File a lawsuit if the company refuses negotiations.
  • Manage the pretrial process steps.
  • Represent you in court and help you recover the total compensation.

Represents You in Court

Many car accident cases usually get resolved before the involved parties go to court. The insurance carrier will likely offer a fair settlement if you have an accident lawyer.

Should you still end up going to court, a car accident lawyer will work with you throughout the trial. An experienced lawyer can deal with insurance providers and fight for your right to fair compensation.

Deals With Adjusters

Adjusters typically work for the insurance company’s interest. Even when the adjuster asks you to give a recorded statement, the information you provide them may be for their benefit.

Although you can disclose basic information, such as your name and contact information, politely decline when the adjuster requests a recorded statement. Instead, let your auto accident attorney handle the correspondence with the insurance company.

Considers Hidden Injuries

A personal injury attorney can advise you to see a doctor immediately to ensure you do not have hidden injuries.

If you get injured in a car accident, some injuries you sustain may not appear for days after the incident. It is understandable to think of injuries as lacerations, broken bones, or head trauma. However, you should also include strained tendons, contusions (bruises), and stretched ligaments.

Helps Resolve the “He Said, She Said” Dilemma

Suppose you exchange information with the other driver involved in a car wreck. You can settle on a verbal agreement and leave without reporting the incident to the police.

However, the other motorist can still file a claim against you, even if you know they are at fault and the injuries and property damage they claim you caused are exaggerated or untrue. This issue can become a “you say, they say” situation.

One insurance website recommends not admitting fault or revealing your policy limits at the accident scene. In other words, be careful about what you say and do. Also, contact your lawyer for help in resolving the case.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

The process for filing a personal injury case for your vehicle accident may differ between states. 

Some concerns have immediate answers, while others may arise days or weeks after the accident. You can still have other questions even if you know the correct procedures. 

When determining whether to call a car accident law office for assistance, consider the issues discussed in the following sections.

Are There Injuries or Fatalities?

When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a crash, one of the first things to do is to seek medical help.

Suppose you require medical care or someone does not survive the crash. You should contact an experienced auto accident lawyer immediately to determine the full impact of these losses.

Are Any Vehicles Damaged?

Car crashes can cause significant damage or destruction to your vehicle. In addition, if you rely on your car to go to work, school, or family obligations, accidents can adversely impact these activities.

If someone else causes your crash and damages your vehicle, you should not pay for its repair or replacement costs. Allow your lawyer to find a source of compensation, such as the responsible party’s insurance company.

Are State Law Enforcement Officers, Such as the Houston Police, Involved?

A law enforcement officer’s duties may vary by state. However, they should be able to identify if one or more drivers break the law, such as drunk driving.

For example, Houston police officers can issue citations for running a red light, speeding, and other traffic violations. When you need to claim insurance, invaluable police reports can also help prove who was at fault.

Are There Medical and Insurance Costs to Pay?

You cannot obtain compensation from the insurance company if you have no financial losses. But if you have medical or out-of-pocket costs, no matter how minor, you have the right to collect payment for these expenses.

Your insurance policy may or may not be sufficient to cover your car crash injuries. Sometimes, it may rely on the other driver’s insurance to cover those costs.

Furthermore, car accident-related medical expenses can range from a few hundred to millions of dollars. Regardless of the cost, call a personal injury law firm immediately to know your rights.

What Are the Drivers’ Legal Rights and Responsibilities?

State law often dictates what to do when an injury or property damage happens in a crash. For instance, in Texas, you must stop and remain at the accident scene until necessary aid has been rendered and the parties involved have exchanged information.

Your responsibilities and rights in the case depend on who causes the crash. As long as you have not acted recklessly, you can file insurance claims against the negligent driver.

Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer if Your Accident Was Minor?

Suppose you get involved in a minor car accident. A lawyer well-versed in this field can help protect you against the other party’s legal claims that may attempt to blame you for the accident and deny responsibility. 

A lawyer can assess your case to ensure you file for all damages you are entitled to. Your lawyer can also determine what evidence to gather to help you build a solid case.

Lawyers Make the Difference for Clients

Lawyers have the experience and influence to deal with insurance companies and face them in the courtroom if needed. In successful cases, some attorneys recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for injuries, medical bills, and property damage resulting from car wrecks.

Lawyers Put People Above Profits

Not every law firm in the U.S. is the same. Some can confuse you with unclear contractual language or unexpected fees that cause you to owe money instead.

To avoid this situation, consider choosing a lawyer whose fee is less than you spend on your car accident settlement.

What Is the Lawyer’s Experience?

Personal injury lawyers usually specialize in specific types of cases. Some work with class action lawsuits, others handle worker compensation cases, and others deal with car accidents.

So, know your lawyer’s expertise. Get a lawyer who has taken cases to court, especially when you do not receive a settlement before the trial.

What Are the Fees?

Lawyers can cost a significant amount, depending on your case. Most personal injury attorneys charge a percentage of the final award amount.

For example, some lawyers charge around 33% of the final settlement. This percentage can go higher if your case goes to trial. You will also likely need to pay filing and expert witness fees.

To ensure you understand what you are paying for, read the lawyer’s fee agreement and ask questions if needed. But do not decide on the fee alone. That said, some of the best lawyers are worth the extra money.

Auto Accident Attorneys Are Free

Many personal injury lawyers work and charge on a contingency basis, meaning they collect their payment from the settlement they win for you. In other words, you do not owe them anything if they cannot reach a settlement for you.

Furthermore, some of these attorneys offer free case evaluations. This offer means money will not be a deciding factor when hiring them.

Are They Able to Communicate Clearly?

You will likely have numerous questions regarding your case, especially for terms you are unfamiliar with. Consider working with an attorney who can speak in a language you understand. A lawyer who uses legal jargon may appear impressive but confuse you.

Do Their Peers Respect Them?

Consider researching your chosen attorney to know their track record and what other lawyers say about them. Ask your lawyer how much of their business comes from referrals.

A higher percentage of referrals is generally preferred, indicating that the lawyers making the referrals deeply respect the person they’re recommending and are willing to risk their reputation on a recommendation.

Do They Have a Professional Office?

A lawyer with an organized office can indicate that they run a professional business.

Consider working with a lawyer with the necessary resources to handle your case. Check to see if they have a capable staff to investigate and address rising issues.

Understanding Compensation for a Car Accident

Car accident cases are unique, and your compensation can vary depending on the incident’s circumstances. The following are some of the compensation types you can receive after a car accident.

Economic Damages

These damages compensate you for your monetary expenses due to the accident. Typical economic damages include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Current, past, and future medical bills
  • Loss of irreplaceable items
  • Present, past, and future lost wages
  • Travel costs due to the accident
  • Household expenses due to the collision
  • Repair or replacement of your vehicle or other damaged property

Noneconomic Damages

Some damages, such as emotional harm due to the accident, have no immediate monetary value but still need compensation. Among the common types of noneconomic damages are as follows:

  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement
  • Present, past, and future pain and suffering
  • Companionship loss
  • Lower life quality due to the accident
  • Mental anguish

Punitive Damages

The purpose of these damages is to punish the at-fault party for negligent behavior and function as a deterrent. Your lawyer must prove the at-fault party’s conduct was heinous enough to qualify for punitive damages.

Settlement Offer

You can settle for an insurance payout without questioning or knowing how much money you will receive. Doing so may help you not to prolong this traumatic event longer than necessary. However, an insurance payout may be insufficient, depending on your needs.

To get the most out of your settlement offer, speak to an experienced auto accident lawyer before accepting the payout.

Your Car Accident Compensation Lifeline

Car accident injuries and damages can significantly change your life, and you will likely need guidance for claiming compensation. An accident lawyer can communicate and work with you to answer your questions and guide you through the claims process.

How a Lawyer Can Assess Your Right to Compensation

Some states implement the doctrine of pure comparative fault, also called pure comparative negligence.

For instance, pure comparative fault in Arizona allows the court to allocate liability among several parties, including the plaintiff. The court can assign a portion of the total fault to each at-fault party.

A car accident lawyer can provide expert representation and help evaluate your case to ensure you get the proper compensation, whether or not you are partially at fault.

What Makes a Strong Car Accident Injury Claim?

The following are some factors to consider when determining the strength of your car accident claim:

  • Clear liability: In some states, you may not recover money from the accident if your fault is over 50%. Your case can be stronger if it involves clear liability.

  • Substantial property damage: Insurers are more likely to equate significant property damage with a serious accident, improving your chances of collecting maximum compensation.

  • Immediate medical treatment: Receiving prompt medical care can help strengthen your case. Delayed treatment can make insurance adjusters think you are not as injured as you claim.

  • Consistent medical treatment: Following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending therapy sessions after a car accident-related injury can help strengthen your case.

  • Serious or permanent injury: Suffering from severe or permanent injury forces insurance companies to take your case seriously. Consider reaching a maximum medical improvement before signing any settlement offer.

  • Evidence: Strong evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and toxicology reports, are proof examples that can help your car accident attorney win your case.

How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?

This question has no single or simple answer because your unique circumstances can affect your claim’s value. You may not know how much your claim is worth until an experienced car accident lawyer thoroughly evaluates your case.

Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive, regardless of how serious your injuries are. While your expenses may vary, the average costs for treatment for your car accident injuries are as follows:

  • Ambulance ride: Around $1,000
  • Emergency room visit: $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the service
  • Hospital stay: Around $2,750 and up per night
  • Surgery: Tens of thousands of dollars
  • Physical therapy: As much as $350 per session

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in the U.S.?

The statute of limitations is when you must file a claim after an accident. This statute can vary per state. For example, Rhode Island law requires you to file claims within three years of the accident date.

Still, consider filing your claim immediately. Aside from your memories of the accident dissipating as months pass, your lawyer must review your case, discuss it with experts, and prepare it for a legal audience.

Handling Auto Claims: Steps to File Car Accident Claims

An experienced car accident lawyer should consider each piece of evidence and evaluate the following elements of the accident:

  • The cause of the crash
  • The extent of property damage and the victim’s injuries
  • Long- and short-term financial costs
  • Potential loss of wages
  • The settlement offer

Working with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer gives you an exponentially higher chance of receiving thousands or millions of dollars more than the car insurance company can offer.

You Contact an Attorney

After a car accident, you will likely ask several questions, such as how much your claim is worth, how to prove the other driver’s negligence, or whether you need to go to court.

A car accident attorney can give you information and answers to these questions during the consultation and the claims process.

Review Your Vehicle Accident Claim

Car accidents can become complex depending on their circumstances. However, an experienced lawyer can help determine fault and fully compensate you.

They can review your claim to determine which driver or party caused the accident. A lawyer can also identify possible pathways to proving liability and getting compensation for the injuries caused by the other driver.

You Receive Your Compensation

Car accident lawyers know how to navigate personal injury and car accident cases in their state. When you work with them, you can be at ease knowing they can safely guide you through the litigation process to claim compensation for the damages.

Follow These Steps After a Car Accident

Getting involved in a vehicle crash can be scary and stressful. But if you want to claim compensation later, consider taking the steps discussed in the following sections.

Find Out if Anyone Was Injured

After getting in a car accident, one of the first things to do is to check yourself, any passengers, and other people in the wreck for injuries. Call an ambulance for medical attention if you notice anyone seriously hurt. Administer first aid if you can while waiting.

Call the Police to the Scene of the Accident

Contact the police to inform them about the driving accident. They will send an officer to the car crash scene to issue tickets, investigate the cause, and write a report. Ask for a copy of the police report if you need legal counsel.

Exchange Information With Drivers Involved in the Car Accident

Exchange personal information with those involved in the collision. Such information includes names, phone numbers, and insurance information.

At this time, do not admit fault or discuss the accident’s cause. You may not yet be in the right state of mind to fully grasp the reason for the accident.

Document Everything You Can

Take pictures of vehicles in the accident and the resulting damages. If you or a passenger was hurt, take pictures of the injuries. Such documentation can help you when you need to file a legal claim later.

Determine Liability After a Car Accident

States can differ on how they determine liability. For instance, Rhode Island requires the at-fault party or parties to compensate accident victims. The negligence of non-drivers can also affect the case.

If the investigation shows that a car part malfunctioned during the wreck, it is possible to hold the manufacturer partially responsible.

Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer

Suppose the accident causes you serious injury. A car accident lawyer can offer legal assistance and help you receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other emotional distress incurred from the accident.

What Happens if the At-Fault Motorist Does Not Have Insurance?

During an accident, the driver at fault usually has insurance for medical care, property damage, and wage loss. However, a negligent driver who causes harm without sufficient coverage can leave you struggling for compensation for your injuries.

The following sections discuss what to do when the other driver has insufficient or no insurance.

Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage

An uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is a policy on your insurance that pays for property damage or injuries due to an uninsured or underinsured negligent driver. This policy can help bridge the gap when this driver has insufficient coverage.

Do You Have an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

If you have an insurance policy, you likely already have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Some auto insurance companies automatically add this coverage to your policy. To be sure, check your insurance plan.

Mistakes You Should Avoid After a Minor Car Accident

Here are things you can do to avoid the common mistakes motorists make after a minor car crash:

  • Do not leave the accident scene without reporting the accident to the police.
  • Collect evidence, such as pictures of the accident and phone numbers.
  • Do not admit fault. Instead, let the police or your attorney figure out who is responsible.
  • See a doctor as soon as you feel you have accident-related injuries.
  • Understand that insurance companies are businesses and can try to settle your claims for less if they can.
  • Read the police report to ensure the details are correct and you agree with them.
  • Try not to take the first settlement check, as it can be the lowest offer from the insurance company.
  • Do not settle your own case, even if the accident is minor. Instead, hire a car accident lawyer to help you earn a fair settlement.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Vehicular accidents have numerous causes that can vary in frequency by state. For example, Texas has multiple intersections and a high population, leading to accidents happening daily and residents getting injured seriously.

The sections below discuss other common causes of car accidents.

Reckless Driving or Speeding

Speeding is among the common types of reckless driving. However, other forms of reckless driving are the following:

  • Unsafely changing lanes
  • Running stop signs and red lights
  • Making illegal turns
  • Tailgating (driving too close behind another vehicle)

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes actions that take attention from the road. These distractions include the following:

  • Using the smartphone, such as for texting
  • Eating and drinking
  • Adjusting the radio
  • Talking with others in the vehicle

Driving While Intoxicated or Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) increases the possibility of an accident occurring. Drunk driving is also illegal and has serious consequences.

Suppose the driver has been drinking or was under the influence when the accident occurred. The victim can receive punitive damages and use evidence from the criminal trial to claim a settlement.

Head-On Collisions

These collisions occur when two vehicles driving in opposite directions crash head-on into each other. These accidents often happen at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or death.

Rollovers

A rollover is when a vehicle tips on its roof or side during a crash. The vehicle may roll once or multiple times before coming to a stop, depending on the force of the impact. Rollovers are common in single-car accidents and can cause serious injuries.

T-bone or Side Impact

Side-impact collisions, also called T-bone accidents, occur when one vehicle’s front end strikes another vehicle’s side, forming a “T” shape. These collisions are among the most dangerous road crashes and frequently happen at intersections.

Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe occurs when two vehicles driving in the same direction crash into each other. This accident often happens in merging lanes, such as the on-ramp lane to an interstate highway.

Single-Vehicle Accident

Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle. Examples of such accidents are when the car hits an object or goes off the road. However, incidents involving hitting a pedestrian are not usually considered single-vehicle accidents.

Multi-vehicle Accidents

Collisions involving two or more cars are called multi-vehicle accidents. When two cars figure in a collision in front of others’ paths, the accident can create a chain reaction, causing more vehicles to pile up in the accident.

Collisions While Backing Up

Backing up can cause accidents, especially when the driver is unfamiliar with this maneuver. Practice can help avoid such accidents, but being aware of traffic and other objects in the backup path can also lower the chance of collision.

Rear-End Collisions

Some of the most common types of car accidents are collisions wherein one car strikes another from the rear.

These collisions are usually less damaging than head-on and side-impact accidents because the people in the front seats are further from the impact site. Also, these crashes often occur at lower speeds.

Parked Vehicle Accidents

These accidents occur when a moving vehicle strikes a parked one. When you leave a parking lot and accidentally hit a car or leave your parked car on the road, and someone hits your vehicle, these collisions count as parked vehicle accidents.

Car Accidents Involving Tractor-Trailers and Heavy Trucks

A tractor-trailer, also called a semitrailer, is a large truck with a trailer attached to its back.

Accidents involving semitrucks can cause substantial injury due to their large size. If the accident involves a smaller passenger vehicle, the truck could hit that vehicle with plenty of force.

Injuries Sustained From Car Accidents

When you get involved in a car crash, be aware of the common injuries you may receive. Recognizing these injuries and receiving the appropriate treatments can help you better understand what type of case you have.

The following sections discuss some injuries you can get in a car accident.

Head Injuries

Concussions are among the common head injuries in a car accident wherein the brain gets forcefully moved inside the skull. Loss of consciousness can happen with these injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Another car accident-related injury that can become life-threatening if left untreated is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs can occur because of a sudden blow to the head. Symptoms include the following:

  • Headache
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Speech problems
  • Loss of balance or dizziness

Other symptoms include loss of consciousness, disorientation, and memory or concentration problems.

Injuries to the Spine

Spinal injuries due to car crashes can cause the following symptoms:

  • Extreme pain
  • Weakness
  • Tingling
  • Loss of bowel or bladder function
  • Loss of the ability to walk

Typical spinal injuries include the following:

  • Spinal cord damage
  • Spinal disc injury
  • Spinal fractures
  • Paralysis
  • Whiplash

Whiplash

Sometimes called neck sprain or strain, whiplash is a neck injury due to a rapid, forceful back-and-forth neck movement. Whiplash typically occurs due to rear-end car accidents.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Skin injuries due to car accidents are common and can cause disfigurement and scarring in some cases. Some related injuries include the following:

  • Bruising
  • Abrasions
  • Road rash (friction wounds)
  • Lacerations
  • Puncture wounds

Injuries to the Joints

Joint injuries are typical in accidents involving strong forces. Affected areas include the shoulders, wrists, knees, and hips. These areas are usually at risk for injury, especially in head-on collisions.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage often occur in accidents with strong impacts. Such injuries can sometimes lead to death if not immediately detected.

Signs of internal injuries include bruising, pain in the affected area, and fainting. Such injuries may require surgery, depending on the diagnosis.

Fractured and Broken Bones

Bone fractures due to car accidents can be painful and sometimes noticeable, depending on where the broken bone is. However, some fractures can go unnoticed, so get a scan done immediately to find the break.

Amputations

When doctors amputate a limb, it may be due to an accident, or the doctor is unable to save the damaged limb. In either case, amputations can cause long-term physical and emotional stress for the driver.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a legal claim that occurs when someone dies due to another person’s reckless, negligent (careless), or intentional act. A person liable for wrongful death will not face criminal penalties. Instead, a finding of liability will require them to pay damages in monetary form.

Burns

When a vehicle catches fire after crashing, the occupant’s skin can come in contact with hot surfaces, fluids, steam, or chemicals, leading to burns. Some severe cases can require skin grafting or other surgeries.

Skin grafting involves transplanting healthy skin from one body part to cover or replace the damaged area.

Psychological Injury

Car accident-related injuries are not limited to physical injuries. A person who suffers substantial injury or witnesses someone’s injury or death may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A person with psychological injuries may feel depressed after losing a loved one or experiencing a severe life-changing personal injury due to an accident.

Intersections With Common Accidents Found

In some states, many car accidents occur at intersections in cities. Officials must assess these areas and develop driver education programs regarding the dangers of using these intersections.

One way to lower the accident risk is by being alert and cautious while driving at these intersections and other city roads.

Avoiding a Car Accident

Some ways to avoid car accidents when driving are as follows:

  • Keep your distance from the car before you so you can stop safely.
  • Do not get distracted, and keep your eyes on the road.
  • Do not drive under the influence or when drowsy.
  • Drive strategically by avoiding situations that can force you to brake suddenly.
  • Do not drive too fast.

Finding the Best Car Crash Lawyer in Personal Injury Lawyer Search

If you need to look for the best car crash lawyers anywhere in the U.S., Personal Injury Lawyers Search can help you find one for your legal needs. This online directory lets you search car accident lawyers by name and state so you can immediately work with one near you.

Speak to an Attorney Whenever You Need to

Having an accessible online directory allows you to contact and set up an appointment with a car accident attorney from the comfort of your home. Ask your lawyer about your rights and how to claim fair compensation for car accident-related injuries.

FAQs

1. Do I need an attorney to get a car accident settlement?

You do not need an attorney to negotiate with the insurance company for compensation. However, an experienced car accident lawyer can assist you with reaching a settlement or pursuing a case in court to obtain a better payout.

2. Should I get a lawyer for an accident that was my fault?

Suppose you fully or partially caused an accident but feel your own insurance company is not properly handling your case. Consider working with an attorney who can advocate on your behalf.

However, getting a lawyer works best for accidents where you are not at fault and get a judgment or settlement from the other party’s insurance.

3. What is a fair settlement to cover pain and suffering?

On average, car accident claims with pain and suffering settlements have payouts between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on your case’s unique circumstances.

4. Who is at fault in a rear-end collision in the U.S.?

Generally, a rear-end collision puts the fault on the trailing motorist. However, they are not automatically assigned the liability for the accident. An experienced attorney is better at determining who is at fault in a rear-end collision.

5. What is the deadline for filing my personal injury claim for a car accident?

The deadline for filing claims for car accidents varies usually by state.

For example, Texas’ statute of limitations allows car accident victims to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date. California‘s time limit for suing someone for an injury claim is also two years.

6. What other factors can affect my motor vehicle accident settlement?

Some states implement modified comparative negligence, a factor that can lower your damages by the proportion for which you are at fault.

Suppose your car accident damages are about $100,000, but the judge finds you 25% at fault because of your distracted driving. The amount of damages you are entitled to can be limited to $75,000. 

$100,000 x (100% – 25%) = $75,000

7. How much is your car accident settlement worth?

Your car accident case’s value depends on the accident claim in question. For example, some states, such as Texas, have no cap on civil lawsuits, meaning there is no limit to how much payout you can receive.

Contact your attorney for an estimate of your case’s settlement worth.

8. Is there a fault state for car accidents?

In an at-fault state, the driver who causes the accident compensates the other party for the loss.

Meanwhile, a no-fault state allows insurance companies to pay for their respective insured’s medical expenses, regardless of which driver causes the collision.

As of November 2023, only 12 states have no-fault insurance laws. The remaining states, including Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.), are at-fault states. The 12 no-fault states are as follows:

9. Do I have to go to court for a car accident?

Most personal injury and car accident claims are settled out of court. You can accept a settlement offer instead of fighting a draining court battle with the insurance company. However, you must still negotiate a fair settlement with that company if you want compensation.

10. What if my injuries from the accident are minor?

Even the most minor injuries, or ones that do not seem to need long-term care, have a potential for a claim. Minor injuries can become severe over time. If you have a car accident-related injury, seek medical attention immediately after the accident.

11. Should I be the one to speak with the insurance company?

Most insurance companies are for-profit businesses, meaning they prioritize their profits more than your compensation.

When claiming your insurance, be mindful of what you say to the insurance company or let your car accident lawyer speak with them. Your lawyer can help ensure you receive the payout that you deserve.

12. Can I take on this claim alone?

While handling a claim yourself is possible, you may run into problems like filing the wrong paperwork or missing deadlines.

Having an experienced representation, such as working with a lawyer, is one way to receive fair compensation to cover your expenses.

13. What are the minimum auto insurance requirements?

Some states obligate motorists to have auto insurance. Requirements vary depending on state law.

For instance, Wisconsin law requires drivers to have the following minimum car insurance liability coverage:

  • $50,000 for more than one person’s injury or death
  • $25,000 for one person’s injury or death
  • $10,000 for property damage

14. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

If you are worried about high lawyer fees, consider looking for a car accident attorney who accepts payments through a contingency fee.

This option means your lawyer only gets paid a percentage of your agreed settlement. If you do not win your case, they do not get paid.

15. Will you need to pay for legal representation?

As mentioned, you will only pay your lawyer if they win the case and recover the payout on your behalf.

The fee you pay your attorney is usually a percentage of the total recovered amount. This way, you do not need to worry about paying your lawyer if they do not win your case.

References

  1. OVERVIEW
    https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/
  2. Tractor trailer
    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tractor%20trailer
  3. Traumatic brain injury
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
  4. Whiplash
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921
  5. Skin Graft
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21647-skin-graft
  6. Personal injury cases
    https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/personal-injury
  7. Minimum insurance requirements
    https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/rcd-crsh-rpt/Auto-insurance.aspx

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