Car accidents can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. From the emotional, physical, and mental pain caused by car accidents, many car accident victims feel hopeless and helpless.
The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming, and after the initial shock, you will likely have questions that need to be answered. For this reason (and others), you will need the expertise of a car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
We’re often asked, “What does a car accident attorney do?“. We understand why that question comes up. It’s a valid question. Many people do not know what a car accident attorney does until they are involved in a car accident and need one.
When many car accident victims discover they need a car accident attorney, it’s usually after they’ve learned that the insurance companies have not been easy to deal with. After being involved in a car accident, the last thing anyone wants to feel is that they don’t matter and are just another number.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need someone on your side who will protect your rights and help you receive fair compensation. For some people, knowing they have someone on their side is enough. However, car accident attorneys do more than provide peace of mind.
What Can an Auto Accident Attorney Do to Help Me?
Provide Legal Advice
A car accident attorney can advise you on your legal rights and options. They can help you understand the legal process and help protect your rights. Also, a car accident lawyer can work to ensure you can get access to the medical care you need to treat your injuries.
Investigate and Build a Strong Case
Car accident attorneys collect and analyze evidence from the accident scene, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and photos. They can also obtain video footage, cell phone records, medical records, and other essential documents to paint a picture of what happened and how it has impacted your life.
Use Evidence to Prove Fault
To receive compensation for your damages, you must prove liability. During their accident investigation, car accident attorneys will use the evidence they have found to determine who was at fault and build a case that proves liability. Car accident attorneys can also identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from multiple sources.
Calculate Damages to Maximize Your Recovery
Car accidents can result in more than just damages you can see with the naked eye. The damages caused by an accident include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and property damage. Car accident attorneys can help calculate and fight for the full extent of your damages so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Advocate for You When Dealing with Insurance Companies
If you’ve ever had to contact an insurance company for anything, you know they are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than in compensating accident victims. Dealing with an adjuster can be very frustrating for anyone. Car accident attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Advocate for You in Court
If necessary, car accident attorneys can take your case to court to fight for your rights and secure fair compensation. They can present evidence and argue your case before a judge and jury to get you the best possible outcome.
What Evidence Does a Car Accident Lawyer Need to Win My Case?
Police report: Police reports can have critical details about the accident, including the location, time, and cause of the accident. Police reports can also include witness statements and any citations given after the incident.
Witness statements: These statements can be difference-makers in car accident cases, especially when proving fault. Your car accident attorney will talk to the witnesses who saw the accident or have information about the other driver’s behavior before the accident.
Photos and videos: Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be critical pieces of evidence in a car accident case.
Medical records: Medical records can document the extent of your injuries and help establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
Expert testimony: In some cases, a car accident attorney may need to call on an expert witness to help prove liability. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can be called on to shed light on how the accident happened. Further, a car accident lawyer must prove your damages to get compensation.
Often a treating doctor is called to testify about the cause of injuries, your problems, and future medical expenses.
What Can I Be Compensated for After Getting Injured in a Car Crash?
Medical expenses: This includes any expenses related to your injuries, such as medical bills, medication, and physical therapy.
Lost wages: If you cannot work because you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages.
Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
Pain and suffering, and mental anguish: This includes compensation for physical and emotional damage.
Disfigurement: Scarring or physical changes from the accident.
Incapacity or loss of enjoyment of life: These are damages relating to your inability to do things you could do pre-accident.
Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s actions were blatant, like being hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and prevent the defendant from causing more incidents in the future.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help with the Emotional Impact
In addition to helping you navigate the legal system and what you can expect to happen as your case moves forward, a car accident attorney can also provide emotional support.
Compassion and Understanding: An experienced car accident attorney who has helped clients immediately after a car accident is familiar with the emotional impact of a car accident and can provide compassion and understanding. They can listen to your worries and provide emotional support throughout the legal process.
Helping You Move Forward: A car accident attorney who takes the time to listen to their clients understands how difficult it can be to move forward after a car accident. They can help you move forward by offering guidance and support. A car accident attorney can explain your options and help you create a plan to get your life back on track.
Connecting You with Others Who Can Help: If you need outside resources, a car accident attorney can connect you with resources to help you cope with the emotional impact of the accident. These may include a therapist, support group, or other resources to help you heal.
Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for My Car Wreck?
Yes, it is worth having an attorney for your car accident. Navigating a car accident case is something no car accident victim should do alone. Not only will it likely lead to you receiving unfair compensation, but you will have no one to advocate for you. You want to be seen, and you want to be heard. A car accident attorney can ensure you have a voice and are in the best position to receive justice.
If you’ve been in a car accident, time is of the essence, and you need to have a car accident attorney on your side as soon as possible. Having a consultation with a car accident attorney early in your case can help alleviate your fears and any uncertainties you may have after the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help!
If you need an advocate in Houston to fight for you every step of the way, contact the top-rated Houston personal injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm. Call us today at (281) 587-1111, or feel free to use our contact form to request a free case evaluation.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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