A car accident lawyer is a professional attorney who offers legal representation to those who claim to have recently been hurt, either physically or mentally, as a result of someone else’s negligence. Personal injury attorneys primarily practice in the field of law called tort law, which is the body of law that permits individuals to be held accountable for the damages they cause others through actions or negligence. Tort law is also responsible for some of the most complicated and contentious cases throughout the country. It is because of this that car accident lawyers are necessary, because the intricacies of tort law make it practically impossible for individuals to litigate their own cases without the help of an attorney.
The most common situation in which a car accident lawyer might be needed involves a minor, personal injury. A car accident attorney might also be needed when there is substantial damage due to a major vehicle malfunction. In these instances, the victim may seek monetary compensation from the other driver or his or her insurance carrier, asking that the pay a large sum in damages in exchange for keeping the car on the road. In many cases, the personal injury attorney is also responsible for negotiating the best settlement possible. If a settlement can’t be reached, the case goes to trial, at which time the personal injury attorney is entitled to serve as the defense attorney.
One of the first steps that a car accident lawyer will take is assessing the case. In evaluating a case, the lawyer will look at the details of the case and consult with his or her client and other insurance companies. In some car accidents, drivers who are at fault do not carry adequate insurance coverage, which makes them liable for the damages they cause other drivers. Because insurance companies are not usually willing to offer a large settlement, many drivers try to fight against this consequence by attempting to reduce their liability by pointing out mitigating circumstances that justify a smaller settlement. However, sometimes the insurance companies themselves are at fault, and need to be more liable than the driver or party responsible for another car accident. This is where a good personal injury attorney can make a big difference.
Many people who are involved in car accidents feel they deserve to be compensated because they were not negligent. But, what they do not realize is that the person or party responsible does have insurance, just that it was not enough to cover all of the expenses. The injured party should not lose hope, especially if they believe that the other driver has an insurance policy that could cover any damages caused. Instead, the person seeking compensation should contact a personal injury attorney, who can help determine whether the other driver is actually at fault and whether the compensation will be sufficient to cover their losses.
Another benefit of contacting a car accident lawyer after an accident is that the attorney can help determine whether or not the person at fault should be charged with a criminal misdemeanor or felony. Some states have a legal negligence statute that outlines the circumstances under which a person faces possible jail time. For example, someone may be charged with vehicular manslaughter if they hit a pedestrian while intoxicated, even if the pedestrian might not have been wearing a safety helmet. The personal injury attorney can determine if the charges should be filed in the state or federal courts, and help the client seek the appropriate compensation.
A good personal injury lawyer can also help the victim get some of their medical bills paid for their care. In many cases, the injured party simply pays for their own doctor’s visits and the medications needed for recovery. However, in other cases, medical expenses can run into thousands of dollars and even tens of thousands of dollars. If the person responsible for the accident is not insured, the injured party may only receive payments that do not cover the full extent of their injuries. A good car accident lawyer can help the victim get some of these bills covered, so they do not have to spend money on treatments out of their own pocket.
Another situation where a good car accident lawyer can help is if they figure out that the person responsible for the accident had previously been involved in another auto accident. These are known as claims of contributory negligence. If this is the case, the lawyer will work to get the settlement or judgment that covers all of the victim’s past medical expenses, lost wages, future financial losses, and pain and suffering. This is especially important in cases like these, which involve long-term or severe injuries.
If you are in need of car accident lawyers, there are many local attorneys available in your area that can help you move forward. You can contact your state bar association for a list of attorneys that practice in your area. In addition, you can contact the ABA’s National Accident Center for a list of resources and contact information for attorneys who specialize in personal injury law. Finding the right attorney as quickly as possible will help you get the settlement that you deserve.