One decision car accident victims need to make soon after a collision is whether to hire a car accident lawyer and if so, who to hire. While this may seem like an overwhelming decision, it doesn’t have to be. Below is some imperative guiding information which you will find helpful in your endeavors of hiring a lawyer who can successfully represent you and to assist you in navigating through all the legal matters.
When You’re Injured in Your Car Accident
If you were injured in your accident, you probably need to hire an attorney. Suppose another party was responsible for your injuries and the costs associated with them. In this case, you want someone on your side who knows how to deal with insurance companies and can help ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Legal representation will also ensure that nothing gets lost in translation during the claims process. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you will be fairly compensated for the suffering that you have (or having) to endure.
No-Fault Insurance States
If you were injured in an accident, then there is no question about it – you need to hire an attorney. This is because car accident laws can vary drastically from province to province. For instance, in several provinces (including British Columbia), insurance companies operate under a “No-Fault” policy. In these provinces individuals injured in auto accidents cannot sue for compensation for their injuries and damages unless they can prove that another individual or party was 100% at fault for causing the accident. So if someone else caused your injuries, then hiring legal representation right away will be to your advantage.
When You’re Unsure If Someone Else Was At Fault
Although it’s easily said that you should hire an attorney if you’re unsure who was at fault, it isn’t always black and white. Unfortunately, this is where people struggle to determine whether or not hiring legal representation is worth their time or money. It’s understandable that car accident victims wouldn’t want to pay an auto accident lawyer unless they have to – hiring professionals can be extremely costly. This all being said, having an experienced professional on your side could save you thousands of dollars and ensure that you are well-compensated for the hardship that you are having to endure.
When You Don’t Know How to Prove Fault in a Car Accident Claim
In the majority of cases, determining who was at fault for causing a car accident can be very complicated. In these instances, being represented by an experienced attorney who knows how to read between the lines and determine where fault lies is crucial because he or she will know the type of evidence which needs to be gathered to prove that the other party is liable for your injuries. Ultimately, this will ensure that you receive the compensation which you deserve.
When You Are Confused About Your Rights and Options Regarding Compensation
After a car accident, many people feel overwhelmed by the process of determining their rights and how to best go about fighting for the compensation that they deserve. While auto insurance companies can answer your questions, it is in your best interest not to rely on them for answers about what you can do after being injured or what you should expect next. This is because they have one main objective – ensuring that they save their company as much money as possible.
So, if you’re unsure about whether someone else was at fault for causing your collision or would like to learn more about the laws governing car accidents in your province, then, hiring an experienced lawyer is something worth considering. This way, you can be sure that somebody is looking out for your best interests. The longer you wait to hire legal representation after being injured, the more likely significant evidence will be lost or destroyed, which could hurt your case if you choose to pursue compensation from a negligent driver later on down the road.
Getting Started With Your Car Accident Claim
If you were involved in a car accident and believe that another driver’s negligence may have caused your injuries, then hiring legal representation as soon as possible is always going to be beneficial.
An experienced lawyer will help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks in terms of issues regarding liability. These professionals can also advise you on other important factors, such as insurance coverage and the types of compensation you should expect to receive. Hence, hiring a car accident lawyer is something that you should consider should you ever be involved in an accident.
What Qualities Should One Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer?
Finding a competent, experienced lawyer can be a difficult task for many people. This is because the right individual will need to have a thorough understanding of auto insurance laws and personal injury law, as well as solid communication and problem-solving abilities. In addition, it’s crucial that you feel comfortable working with this person consistently because he or she will be your primary point of contact throughout the entire legal process – from start to finish.
Here are some important qualities to look for in a lawyer:
Extensive Experience and Expertise
In order to ensure that your case is in experienced and professional hands, you should ensure that the lawyer you hire have represented clients who were victims of car accidents, and that he or she is aware of the types of compensation you could be entitled to for all your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and loss of enjoyment in life.
Professionalism
Professionalism refers to how well the lawyer responds to your phone calls, emails, and texts. When you hire a lawyer who values professionalism, You can expect a quick response every time you reach out with questions about new developments in your claim or when your next appointment is scheduled.
Courageousness
Look for an individual who is not afraid to speak up on your behalf in the court of law and to fight tooth and nail to negotiate for a fair settlement offer when the going gets tough.
Strong Communication Skills
It’s vital that you find a lawyer who can effectively communicate with you to examine and understand your accident. He or she should ask you pertinent questions about the collision and listen intently as you answer them. This person should also be receptive to your ideas about what type of compensation is fair for your pain and suffering, as well as any disability or lost wages you have incurred over time. Furthermore, your lawyer should also question you on what specific goals you hope to accomplish through this claim.
Problem-Solving Abilities
When it comes down to it, many car accident cases are won based on how strong the legal arguments are, rather than which party is telling the truth. This is why your lawyer must have experience resolving issues by delving into the minds of opposing parties to discover their motivation behind taking certain actions. He or she should also be able to determine who is lying about certain events that took place on the day of your car accident and what type of evidence should be utilized to prove that these individuals are being untruthful.
Solid Track Record
When you speak to prospective car accident lawyers, you must ask them about cases which they have previously handled. These professionals should provide specifics about the types of compensation their clients received, as well as information regarding the timelines of these cases. If a lawyer cannot answer basic questions regarding their previous cases, then he or she might not have an outstanding success record in this field.
Caring and Compassionate
After being involved in an auto accident, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed of your injuries, as well as overwhelmed by the thought of having to deal with the aftermath of these issues over time. Furthermore, any car accident victims also suffer from depression, which can greatly impact your outlook and how you go about your regular routines.
When looking for a car accident lawyer, make sure to ask him or her about the type of support which he or she offers to those who are suffering from mental health issues caused by car accidents, as well as what he or she suggests a treatment plan should entail.
In order to avoid experiencing additional stress from filing a car accident claim, it’s important that you find someone who has a calm demeanor and a variety of positive character traits. People who work with vulnerable individuals who have experienced trauma should be able to empathize with the struggles that they are going through, while also encouraging them throughout this trying time in their lives.
Types of Compensation You Can Expect to Receive
When you choose to file a car accident claim, there are many different types of compensation that may be awarded to you depending on the results of the legal proceedings. In the following section, we will present a few of the most common types of compensation awarded in car accident lawsuits and discuss some related considerations that may affect your case.
Lost of Wages
If you missed time from work following a car accident, an award for lost wages could help cover a part of your lost income. In order to receive this type of compensation, however, you must have documentation from your employer proving how many hours you have missed subsequent to the car accident, as well as proof that you were not negligent when reporting the scope of the accident to your employer.
Property Damage
Auto insurance carriers sometimes settle claims where individuals seek reimbursement for property damage or vehicle repairs without taking these cases to court. However, it is important to note that this type of compensation does not cover all auto repair costs. For instance, there are often deductible fees associated with these types of agreements (i.e., the insurance carrier and car accident victim must agree upon a specific amount before initiating repairs).
Pain and Suffering
Compensation is often awarded based on the seriousness of the injury which you suffered from the accident. This type of compensation is meant to reimburse you for any physical or lingering mental effects that may remain with your well after your car accident. A competent lawyer can work with you and medical professionals to determine the extent of your injury, and what your compensation should cover.
Conclusion
All car accident claims are different. Hence, it is important to understand where your case stands compared to others. This is why it is crucial to hire a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. He or she can assist you in obtaining a fair compensation for all the hardship that you have endured (or are still enduring), as well as ensure that you get the opportunity to fully heal before returning to work following your accident.
