Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?

The jarring experience of a car accident can sustain long after the incident itself. You may be dealing with the expenses and injuries of your accident for days, weeks, months, or even years after that moment another car struck yours.

When your life has been turned upside-down due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s a natural instinct to ask yourself, “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?”

If a car accident left you with injuries, car repairs, medical bills, or other expenses and damages, you may be entitled to compensation. The legal process, however, is not as easy as you may think. A personal injury attorney can be the difference between whether you get the fair compensation that you need and deserve—or if you’re left to foot the bill for someone else’s negligence.

At Morgan and Morgan, we understand the emotional and physical toll that car accidents can take on individuals and their families. We care deeply about our clients’ well-being and believe everyone deserves justice and fair compensation for their losses in such situations. For this reason, we've covered some of the benefits of hiring an attorney after a car accident and how our team at Morgan and Morgan can fight for your rights and help you move forward with your life.

If you need to speak with someone right away, contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today for information about your legal options.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a car accident lawyer if you have been involved in a severe accident that wasn’t your fault and resulted in injuries or property damage. Even if you are unsure if you need a lawyer, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with one to discuss your case. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through filing a claim.

A car accident lawyer can also help if you are facing difficulties obtaining compensation from insurance companies or if the other party blames you for the accident. They will handle all the legal aspects of your case, including negotiations with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, and representing you in court if necessary.

At Morgan and Morgan, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, and we are committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?

After a car accident, you may struggle with injuries, medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress, among other things. Knowing where to turn for help can be challenging during such a difficult time. At Morgan and Morgan, we understand the pain and suffering you may be going through, and we want to help.

Our team of experienced car accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We can help you understand state-specific laws that apply to your case and use our knowledge and experience to negotiate a reasonable settlement for you or your loved one. We can also handle all the legal proceedings associated with your case, from filing a claim to submitting a demand letter, dealing with insurance companies, and even going to trial if necessary.

Having a car accident attorney on your side also gives you peace of mind and ample time to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal matters.

What Should I Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right attorney for your case is important. In fact, it could be the difference between recovering the full and fair compensation for your losses and injuries or nothing at all. That said, here are some things to look for in such an attorney.

Experience

Look for an attorney with experience handling car accident cases. You want someone with a track record of success who knows how to navigate your state's legal system to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Communication

You want an attorney to respond to your questions and concerns within a reasonable timeframe. In addition, your lawyer should keep you informed about the progress of your case and be available to answer important questions you may have.

Compassion

Dealing with a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and you want an attorney who understands that. Choose a compassionate and empathetic lawyer who will take the time to listen to your concerns and needs and treat them like their own.

Results

The main goal of filing a claim is to recover financial compensation after a car accident. For this reason, you need a lawyer with a proven track record of winning such cases. That alone can give you peace of mind knowing that your attorney knows how to navigate the claims process with their client's best interests in mind.

What Damages Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me Recover?

An experienced attorney can help you recover economic and non-economic damages when you're involved in a car accident. Depending on the specifics of your case, the judge or jury might also award you punitive damages.

Here's what these three types of damages entail.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include quantifiable monetary losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. A competent attorney can help you calculate the financial damages you have suffered and fight for fair compensation for these losses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are immaterial losses that are more difficult to quantify, but they do exist. They include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

These damages usually apply in cases where the defendant's behavior was particularly reckless. It's the court's way of punishing the defendant and deterring similar behavior in the future.

What if I Lost a Loved One in the Accident?

You may claim financial compensation for your loss if someone else's negligence caused the accident. A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit for your loved one and fight for your rights as a survivor.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, you may recover economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages for a wrongful death claim include but are not limited to medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and future financial support the deceased would have provided their family. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. The deceased's spouse can also file a loss of consortium claim in such a case.

Depending on how the death occurred, the judge or jury may award you punitive damages, especially where the at-fault party was grossly negligent or if the harm to the deceased was intentional.  

While no compensation can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide some measure of financial security and closure—and may provide you with the means necessary to move forward with your life. At Morgan and Morgan, we understand the pain and grief of losing a loved one, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients whose loved ones' lives were cut short by someone's negligence.

Do I Still Need a Lawyer if I Was Partly at Fault for the Car Accident?

Yes, you may still need a lawyer even if you were partly at fault for a car accident. Some states have comparative negligence laws that allow victims to recover damages as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed a certain threshold, typically between 50 and 51 percent. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate these laws and fight for your rights to recover damages.

What Information Will the Attorney Need From Me During the Initial Consultation?

During your initial consultation with a car accident attorney, they will need specific information from you to determine the strength of your case and the potential damages you may recover. This may include details about the accident itself, such as the date, time, and location, as well as any police reports or witness statements that are available.

The attorney will also want to know about any injuries you sustained, including the type and extent of your medical treatment. If you sought medical attention after the accident, they may want to review medical records and bills related to your treatment.

Additionally, your lawyer will need to know about any lost wages or other financial losses you have experienced due to the accident, such as property damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings. Being honest and forthcoming with your attorney is also important, as any missing or inaccurate information could potentially harm your case. Remember, the attorney is on your side and is here to fight for your rights and best interests.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident to Maximize My Settlement?

After a car accident, there are a few things you can do to help maximize your settlement.

• Seek medical attention immediately and document any injuries.
• Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene and any witnesses' names and contact information.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone except the police and your attorney.
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney for a case evaluation.  

After evaluating your case, the attorney will determine whether you have valid grounds for legal action against the other party. If so, they will help you throughout the claims process.

Do I Still Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Is Willing to Settle My Claim?

It's always best to have legal representation, even if the insurance company is willing to settle your claim. This is because insurance providers often try to minimize their payouts. However, a lawyer can help you determine the actual value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How Much Will a Morgan and Morgan Car Accident Attorney Charge to Handle My Case?

We work on a contingency fee basis at Morgan and Morgan, so we don't charge any upfront fees to handle your case. Our payment is contingent on winning your case, and our fee is a small percentage of your compensation. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits varies from state to state. Therefore, contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the accident is essential to determine the statute of limitations in your state and protect your rights. Waiting too long could mean losing your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Makes Morgan and Morgan Different From Other Car Accident Law Firms?

At Morgan and Morgan, our law firm differs from others in several ways.

First, we are the largest personal injury law firm in the United States, serving clients from coast to coast. With over 1,000 attorneys and a support staff of over 3,000, we have the resources and expertise to take on the most complex cases.

Since 1988, we have recovered over $20 billion for the injured and filed more cases than any injury firm in the country.

One of the things that set us apart is our powerful legal resources. When you hire us to fight for you or your beloved, you get a team of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and other experts with access to the latest legal technology, research tools, and resources. We use these tools to build a strong case against the other party, increasing your chances of getting a reasonable outcome.

We also have a reputation for taking on insurance companies regardless of their size. As a result, these companies know we will see them in court if they refuse to cooperate with us.

Contact a Morgan and Morgan Car Accident Attorney

If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?” then to put it in the simplest terms—yes, you should at the very least speak to an attorney about your legal options.

An attorney at Morgan and Morgan can help fight for your rights and for the compensation you deserve. At Morgan and Morgan, we have the resources, expertise, and reputation to do just that.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help.