The US may have witnessed a steady decline in road fatalities thanks to successful inventions for road safety, such as seatbelts and airbags. Effective state laws have also played a significant role in this decline. Still, car accidents continue to happen. It was estimated that 44,680 lives were lost in a preventable traffic accident in the US in 2024, according to an analysis from the National Safety Council.
Getting involved in traffic accidents may require you to call a lawyer to protect your rights. According to an Orange County auto accident lawyer, it is important to find an attorney who can help you seek accountability for any severe injuries you suffered in your accident.
Once you choose to hire an auto accident attorney, there will be an initial consultation where you will present the details of your case. They will give you an accurate understanding of your legal options and what you can expect from their end.
This article will outline the things you can expect when working with an auto accident lawyer.
The Initial Consultation: What to Expect
Lawyers from Hammond Law Firm state that each accident situation may have specific considerations. Your lawyer will be able to come up with a particular legal strategy based on the specific facts of your case.
During the initial consultation, discuss all the details of your case with your attorney. Take with you police reports and medical records since these may be useful for your attorney in understanding your situation.
They will ask questions about the auto accident. Expect them to ask about your injuries and request to see your communications with the insurers. Honesty will make it easier for the lawyers to do their job.
Your discussion with the lawyer should highlight your goals and worries. Expressing these concerns will help your lawyer guide you going forward. Your lawyer should be able to present his or her plans on handling the case. Ask the lawyer about their experience in auto accident cases.
Being attentive and comfortable will help set the tone of your working relationship with your chosen lawyer.
Understanding Your Case and Legal Options
An auto accident lawyer will be discussing liability, damages, or compensation with you as soon as you begin to understand your case and legal options.
The lawyer will help you find out who is liable for the accident, which is necessary for your claim. Your lawyer will also speak with you regarding what types of damages you can ask for in your case, including but not limited to medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The distinction between economic and non-economic damages is significant with respect to estimating how much your case is worth. Your lawyer talks to you about statutes of limitations and how they can apply to your case. Find out if any other state legislation could change the outcome of your case.
If you know how the law works, you’ll be able to make smart choices concerning your case.
Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case
Collect all evidence after you have been involved in a car collision. You need to get pictures of the accident area, along with the vehicles involved and their damages. Photograph the road condition at the time of the accident and any relevant traffic signage.
Getting witness testimonies is one way of strengthening your claim. Keep copies of anything related to your medical treatments, bills, prescriptions, etc. They will serve as evidence in support of your claims.
You must also obtain a police report, as it gives an official account of the events. Your auto accident attorney will help you through this process to prevent missing anything important and compromising your claim.
Getting organized will help you build a solid case.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Once the important evidence is established, the next step you need to take is to negotiate with the insurance companies. Negotiations are complicated, but your auto accident lawyer will be there to assist you every step of the way.
They will put forward your claim with the presented evidence and push for a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters will start with low offers, hoping that you will settle early. Resist the urge to accept early settlement offers and consult your lawyer. Your lawyer understands the true value of your case and can effectively counter the low offers of the insurance company.
They would represent you before the insurance company, taking care of your best interests. You need to be patient and trust your lawyer’s skill and ability to advocate for your interests.
The legal support provided by the lawyer means you can negotiate favorable terms and find an effective solution to your issues.
The Resolution Process: Settlements and Trials
If the insurance negotiation does not meet your desired outcome, your lawyer will prepare you for the next possible step in the settlement process, which probably will be either a settlement or trial.
Settlements indicate that your lawyer is working out a lump sum with the insurance company to settle the claim outside the courts. Once a settlement is reached, it is typically conclusive, so make sure you are satisfied with the offer.
Your lawyer will work hard to prepare your case if the case goes to trial. Expect your lawyer to be busy with the collection of evidence, the interview of witnesses, and the construction of a solid argument.
Trials can be lengthy and unpredictable, but they can also bring a larger amount of compensation in the event of a win. The best way to find a possible line of action for your case is to hire a lawyer.
