Should You Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Experiencing a car accident can be a distressing ordeal resulting in physical, emotional, and financial harm. Unfortunately, that is a situation Morgan & Morgan car accident attorneys know all too well. If you or your beloved have sustained injuries in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your losses.

While hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you or your loved one is important, you should understand how exactly such an attorney can help and when you need them. That is one of the many things we will discuss in this article. 

When Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident? 

Anyone involved in the accident who has been injured will likely need legal assistance. A lawyer can help navigate the process of seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Secondly, if the accident caused significant property damage, a lawyer can assist in dealing with insurance companies and the other driver's legal team. This process can be particularly challenging for anyone unfamiliar with it, making it beneficial to have a lawyer's support.

A lawyer can gather evidence and build a case to prove liability if the other driver is at fault. The kind of evidence that may be required will depend on the specifics of that case. At Morgan & Morgan, we have handled thousands of car accident cases since 1988 and have the results to show. For this reason, we know what type of evidence is good enough to prove liability and what won't work. It takes years of experience to obtain that kind of knowledge, something that makes our firm stand out in this industry.

Suppose the insurance company offers an unfair settlement. In such a scenario, our insurance claim lawyers can help negotiate with the insurance company or take the case to court, if necessary, ensuring you receive reasonable compensation for your injuries and damages.

Finally, keep in mind that car accident cases are complicated. And when complicated legal issues arise, such as multiple parties being at fault, it is crucial to seek legal assistance. A lawyer can offer valuable advice and the right legal strategy to pursue your claim.

Speaking of multiple parties being at fault, such cases are not uncommon. For example, a car accident caused by brake failure would need the attention of a product liability attorney to determine whether the brake manufacturer, car dealership, mechanic, or anyone down the line was negligent.

That is one of the many benefits of hiring a big law firm like Morgan & Morgan. You will have access to different injury attorneys all under one roof.

The bottom line is that it is advisable to consult with a lawyer after a car accident to understand your legal options. This step can help you make informed decisions about the case and understand your rights and responsibilities.

What Are the Risks of Filing a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?

Filing a car accident claim without a lawyer can lead to various negative consequences. Here are some examples.

Without a lawyer, you may not be aware of the full extent of damages you can claim or how to properly value your claim, resulting in less compensation than you deserve.

Additionally, filing a car accident claim involves a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and legal procedures that you must follow strictly. Without legal knowledge and experience, you may make procedural errors that could jeopardize your case. For example, missing a crucial deadline is all it takes to have your case dismissed and lose your right to compensation.

But you may not know about such strict deadlines if you do not have someone experienced in handling these cases guiding you throughout the journey.

Do not forget that negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with their tactics. And because insurance companies are in business just like other companies, they will likely try to convince you to settle for less than you deserve. If they fail to convince you, they may use different tactics to frustrate the claims process.

Without a lawyer, you may be unable to negotiate effectively or withstand the stress and pressure of dealing with insurance carriers or their legal team. As a result, you may end up settling for less than you deserve or nothing at all.

Furthermore, if your case goes to court, you will be at a disadvantage without a lawyer. Bear in mind that the other party will likely have a legal team representing them. So if they appreciate the importance of working with an attorney, so should you.

What Should I Do if I Cannot Afford a Car Accident Lawyer?

Do not worry if you cannot afford an attorney. Morgan & Morgan is an injury law firm for the people. We fight for the rights of the common person, who may not be able to defend their right to compensation because they cannot afford an attorney.

That is what our contingency fee structure is all about. Simply put - you do not pay us anything unless we win. And if we win, we will only deduct a small, pre-agreed percentage of the settlement to cover legal costs and attorney fees.

What Percentage of the Settlement Will My Car Accident Lawyer Take?

At Morgan & Morgan, we usually take between 33% to 40% of the total settlement or judgment amount. The exact percentage will depend on the complexity of your case, and that is why we strongly recommend that you consult us first to understand whether you have a valid claim, how we may be able to help, the costs involved, and more.

What Damages Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover?

In a typical car accident case, an experienced attorney can help recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.

Medical expenses may include but are not limited to hospital bills, doctor visits, medication costs, and ongoing rehabilitation expenses. In addition, suppose your injuries prevent you from working. In that case, a Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer can help you recover lost wages, including future lost wages if your injuries are likely to result in long-term or permanent disability.

Another scenario is when your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident. If so, our lawyers can help you recover compensation for repair or replacement costs.

In the past, we have also been able to help our clients recover punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior that led to the car accident, such as driving under the influence. However, keep in mind that the judge or jury has the final say on whether or not to award punitive damages.

What Are Some Qualities of a Good Car Accident Lawyer?

Now that you know why hiring a car accident lawyer is important, let's discuss some of the qualities that define a good attorney.

The right attorney should have expertise and experience in handling car accident cases. For instance, at Morgan & Morgan, we have been fighting for the rights of the injured since 1988. That is over three decades' worth of experience.

The attorney or law firm should also communicate legal concepts clearly and understandably to their clients and possess analytical and critical thinking skills to develop effective strategies to win cases. But how do you determine whether that particular attorney possesses such skills?

The answer is simple—check their results. If they have a positive track record of winning, chances are they will be able to fight for you. For example, at Morgan & Morgan, we have helped our clients recover more than $20 billion as compensation for various injuries, including car accidents, so far.

Attention to detail is also essential to ensure all necessary documentation and evidence are gathered and presented accurately. Additionally, the attorney should show empathy and understanding towards clients experiencing a difficult and traumatic time after a car accident.  

You also need an attorney who is accessible and responsive. For example, at Morgan & Morgan, when we take on your case, we will assign you a legal team you can contact 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with any questions about your case.

Finally, you need an attorney with excellent negotiation skills to secure the best possible outcome for you. Those are just some of the many qualities that define our attorneys.

What Questions Should I Ask a Car Accident Lawyer During the Initial Consultation?

During your initial consultation with a car accident lawyer, it is crucial to ask the right questions to determine if they are suitable for your case. Here are some questions you should consider asking:

• How much experience do you have handling car accident cases?
• What is your success rate in car accident cases, and what was the largest settlement or verdict you obtained for a client?
• How will you communicate with me throughout the case, and how often can I expect updates?
• What strategy do you propose for handling my case, and what potential outcomes do you anticipate?
• Will you handle my case personally or delegate it to someone else in your firm?
• What is your fee structure?
• What additional costs can I expect to incur during the case?
• How long do you expect my case to take, and what challenges or delays could arise?
• Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
• What should I expect during the legal process, and how can I best prepare myself?

Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of the lawyer's experience, strategy, and approach to car accident cases, enabling you to decide whether to hire them.

What Information Will My Car Accident Lawyer Need From Me During the Initial Consultation?

During the initial consultation with a car accident lawyer, they will need some information from you to understand your case even better and determine if they can help you.

Your lawyer may ask for details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and whether there were any witnesses.

Additionally, your lawyer will need to know the nature and extent of your injuries and any medical treatment you have received or will need in the future.

They will also need the name, address, and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident and details of your own insurance policy.

If you file a police report, your lawyer will need to know the details. That is one of the reasons it is always advisable to obtain a copy of the report after filing. The attorney may also ask for any other relevant information about the accident, such as photos or videos of the scene.

That said, given that each case is different, there is always a possibility that you may not fully remember what happened during the accident. Or, you may not have followed the right procedures due to unavoidable circumstances. For example, let's say you did not take pictures of the accident scene because you were in severe pain. In that case, an attorney can help you collect relevant evidence to support your claim.

So just because you do not have all the information required should not stop you from contacting an attorney. They can help.

What Are My Chances of Winning a Car Accident Claim if I Hire a Lawyer?

Predicting the outcome of a car accident claim with certainty is impossible since several factors influence such cases. Examples of such factors include but are not limited to the following:

• the strength of evidence against the other party;
• the severity of injuries;
• your contribution to the accident; and
• the experience of the lawyer handling the case;

Nonetheless, hiring a lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of winning a car accident claim. One study by the Insurance Research Council showed that 85 percent of cases won involved a lawyer. The study also found that cases involving lawyers are 3.5 more likely to settle than those that do not.

We Are Here to Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we treat our clients as a family because we know how painful it is to feel hopeless after such a tragic accident. We also know that insurance companies do not care as much as they seem to; they need someone to stand up to their bullish tactics and force them to do the right thing. If that is what you are looking for, there is only one Morgan & Morgan.

Tell us about your case; we might be able to fight for you or your loved one.