Where Can I Find Car Collision Lawyers Near Me?
In one split second, your entire life can change forever. However, when someone else causes your accident, you are generally entitled to damages for your injuries and expenses. Unfortunately, the process of recovering what you deserve can be lengthy, complicated, and frustrating. You may be in the middle of recovering from your physical and emotional injuries and having to fight with an insurance company wanting to deny or reduce your claim.
A car collision lawyer can take the pressure and stress away and help you fight for a fair settlement. They can also file a lawsuit on your behalf if the insurance company is dragging its heels or treating you unfairly. Morgan & Morgan can match you up with an experienced and dedicated car collision lawyer near you. Contact us now for a free case review.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
You might be able to handle a car accident injury case on your own if you suffered minor injuries and damages. However, consider seeking legal advice to clarify your rights and understand the settlement process. If you suffer a severe or disabling injury and fail to hire a car accident lawyer, you could have trouble recovering an adequate settlement for your damages.
Insurers may only offer the bare minimum or less if they realize that you are without professional legal representation. Moreover, you might not be aware of all the damages you could qualify for, such as emotional distress and loss of life enjoyment.
If your entire life is turned upside down due to a permanent injury, you may never work again and could have astronomical future medical costs. Receiving an adequate settlement can be crucial for your future financial security and comfort. A car accident attorney can analyze your case to determine your damages and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Finding Car Collision Lawyers
One of the best ways to find a suitable car collision lawyer near you is by word of mouth. Car accidents are relatively common occurrences. You are bound to know someone at work or in your circle of friends who has worked with a car accident attorney before. Other ways to find an attorney include:
Your State’s Bar Association
Most state bar associations have a website where you can search for a personal injury lawyer near you. You could also contact the bar association directly for help.
The Internet
You could google car accident attorneys or use one of the many available online databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell to find information about lawyers in your area.
What to Consider When Looking for a Car Accident Attorney
There is no shortage of personal injury lawyers. However, you will want to work with someone who has the right experience and can give you the best chance of winning.
Experience
Rather than working with a generalist personal injury attorney, consider hiring a specialist car accident lawyer who has many years of experience in the field. They will know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and have a track record of recovering settlements for their clients.
Your ideal attorney should also have won some trials. Although most personal injury claims never make it to court, some do. If your case goes on to trial, you will have an attorney with the right experience who knows how to fight for your best interests.
Fee Arrangements
Litigation can be expensive. If you do not want to incur financial risks, find a personal injury lawyer who works on a contingency fee. This means you only have to pay their fee if you win your case. Some attorneys charge upfront for court filing costs and other legal expenses. Therefore, before agreeing to hire a lawyer, read their fee agreement closely so you know exactly what you are responsible for.
Communication Skills
If you have never had to fight an insurance claim or lawsuit before, you will likely have a lot of questions and concerns. Therefore, try to find a car accident lawyer who is happy to answer all your questions, listens to your concerns, and can translate “legalese” for you.
Respectability and Reputation
Before hiring an attorney, research their reputation online and try to find client reviews. Consider contacting your state’s bar association to determine any disciplinary actions against the attorney. Ask your prospective lawyer whether any of their business comes from other attorneys referring clients. If your lawyer gets a lot of referrals, they are most likely highly respected in the legal community.
Resources
A successful attorney typically has a professional office environment and support staff. They need team members to carry out various tasks such as investigative work, paperwork, and others. An attorney without professional support staff and an organized office environment may not have the resources to handle your case efficiently and successfully.
Morgan & Morgan Is Here for You
The time after a car accident can be distressing and challenging. However, with America’s largest personal injury firm on your side, you can concentrate on your health instead of getting embroiled in legal issues. Ways in which we can progress your case include:
- Communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Obtain evidence proving the fault of the other driver
- Organize evidence of your damages such as medical bills and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Liaise with your health providers to prove your injuries and level of impairment
- Negotiate an adequate settlement with the insurance company
- Build a comprehensive case against the at-fault party
- Fight your case vigorously in court if necessary
We want you to have the best chance of receiving the settlement you need to get your life back on track and look forward to a secure future.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Collision?
Being involved in a car accident can be upsetting and overwhelming, especially if someone else’s recklessness or negligence caused the crash. However, try to stay calm and only engage with other drivers to exchange contact and insurance details. Under no circumstances should you apologize, admit fault, or argue with other drivers, as this could severely harm your legal case.
Your next best step is to call the police. Dial 911 and ask for medical help if there are any injuries. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries. If there are any witnesses, ask them for their contact details. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible to get promptly diagnosed and treated for any injuries. Finally, speak to a car accident attorney to determine whether you qualify for compensation.
What Information Do I Need to File a Claim?
If you intend to file a lawsuit or insurance claim, you will need to provide certain documents and information. Some of this documentation includes:
- Accident reports
- Medical statements and bills
- Photographs of the accident and vehicles
- Contact details of other drivers and witnesses
- Records of your out-of-pocket expenses
In general, the more documentation and evidence you can gather, the faster an attorney can get to work on your case. However, your lawyer can also help collect proof of your damages and other evidence to prove your claim. During your first consultation, an attorney can walk you through the documents required for filing a claim or lawsuit.
I Felt Fine After the Car Collision; Should I Still Visit a Doctor?
It is essential that you seek medical advice after a car accident, especially if you notice any minor symptoms, such as neck stiffness or headaches. It can be common to feel fine immediately after a car crash. An accident is a stressful situation that can distract from pain and discomfort. Moreover, our bodies release endorphins and adrenaline in stressful situations, which can suppress pain for hours. Some accident-related injuries may not show symptoms for days or weeks after a crash, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or whiplash.
Consider also that a medical report is essential if you hope to claim compensation for your injuries. If you leave it too long to see a doctor, the at-fault party’s insurer could argue that your injuries have nothing to do with the collision. Visiting a doctor for a check-up after a car accident can be the best course of action for protecting your health and legal rights.
What Are My Options if the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
Dealing with an uninsured at-fault driver or a hit-and-run can be a challenge if you hope to receive a settlement for your damages. However, you could file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. To file an uninsured motorist claim, you must prove that the other driver is responsible for the accident and that they are uninsured. Most insurers have strict deadlines for filing an uninsured claim, so timely action could be critical. You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a crash.
Consider consulting with a car collision lawyer near you to determine whether you have legal options for holding an uninsured driver to account.
What if My Accident Occurred Due to a Vehicle Defect?
Most individuals assume that they only have a legal case if another person caused their accident. However, this is not always the case. You could also pursue a claim if a vehicle defect contributed to or caused the accident. If you experienced any of the following faults or others, a manufacturer could be responsible:
- Defective seat belts
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Defective airbags
- Faulty tires
You could have a product liability case against your vehicle’s manufacturer or a part manufacturer. To determine all potential avenues for compensation, it is critical that your accident is investigated and assessed fully. A car accident lawyer can work with professional accident investigators to identify all liable parties and build your case.
Which Types of Damages Could I Pursue?
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, depending on your accident’s circumstances and your injuries, you could pursue the following damages and others:
- Medical bills
- Repair or replacement of your car
- Lost wages
- Transport costs
- Physical and emotional anguish
- Disability
- Permanent disfigurement
In very rare cases, victims could receive punitive damages in addition to compensation. A court could award punitive damages if the at-fault driver or another party acted maliciously or exceptionally recklessly in causing an accident and injuries.
How Much Does a Car Collision Lawyer Near Me Cost?
Most car accident lawyers work on contingency. This means you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket attorney’s fees. The lawyer only gets paid when they win your case and you receive a settlement. The lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of your recovery.
However, before hiring an attorney, make sure you mention the issue of fees, as some lawyers charge hourly fees or retainers. Others may work on contingency but charge you for legal expenses upfront, which can work out expensive.
Morgan & Morgan never charge clients a dime upfront. Our fee is free unless and until you win and receive damages. This is advantageous for clients because:
- Our lawyers are highly motivated to achieve maximum compensation
- You have no upfront costs or financial risks
- A lawyer can start working on your case immediately
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Car accidents can leave your life in ruins and cause a physical, financial, and emotional meltdown. Morgan & Morgan sees every day what car accident victims are going through. We understand that the time after a car accident can be challenging for you and your family. However, you do not need to struggle with getting justice and compensation on your own.
If you are looking for a car collision lawyer, get in touch with us. We have protected car accident victims and their families since 1988. Our dedicated and compassionate attorneys are waiting for your call or email and are ready to fight on your behalf. Contact us now to determine if you qualify for compensation.
Injured? Getting the compensation you deserve starts here.
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