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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,593,390 injury crashes were reported in 2020. No doubt, these injuries led to many unplanned medical bills. The good news is that, if you have been injured in a car accident, an insurance company can compensate you for your injuries and any losses incurred.
However, handling such claims on your own may not be as easy as you hope. Filing an accident claim involves much legal footwork and paperwork. Some tasks include proving negligence, proving that your injuries are related to the accident, and negotiating a fair settlement. Injured victims may not be familiar with the best way to take these steps, but car accident attorneys are.
Judd Shaw’s car accident attorneys have many years of experience navigating car accident claims and lawsuits. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for you and your family. Contact us at (866) 909-6894 to schedule a free case review with us.
What Is a Car Accident Lawyer?
A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in car accident cases. These attorneys assist with filing insurance claims and pursuing lawsuits to recover damages.
With years of experience backing us up, car accident lawyers understand how compensation cases can play out. Seasoned attorneys can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your legal battle.
Tasks that car accident attorneys perform include:
- Providing legal consultations and case assessments
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding accidents
- Negotiating fair settlements with insurance companies or other liable parties
- Advocating for fair compensation in court
Having a dedicated car accident lawyer on your side makes all the difference. When you hire an experienced car accident attorney, you can rest assured that he will handle all the necessary legal tasks. This gives you more leeway to recover from your collision.
Car Accident Lawyers Offer Case Evaluations and Legal Guidance
Car accident attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal rights and options. They may review documents such as police reports, medical records, and insurance policies to understand your unique situation.
During a case evaluation, your attorney will explain the following:
- The strengths and weaknesses of your case, based on the information and evidence you provide
- The financial losses and non-economic losses in your case
- The probability of success and the potential compensation amount
- The legal procedures involved, such as filing deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances
- The attorney fees and any additional expenses, like court or expert witness fees
- The responsibilities you have as a client during the legal proceedings
A case review clarifies everything you need to do to get compensation and how much you may recover. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we offer a free, no-obligation case review. During this initial meeting, we can discuss the details of your case and explore your legal options.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Investigate Your Accident
Car accident attorneys may hire investigators to look into your case and gather more supporting evidence for your claim. When working on maximizing your settlement, it is always beneficial to have the help of experts, like professional investigators and medical experts.
Collecting hard-to-obtain evidence
After a car accident, victims are often too preoccupied with their injuries to gather all the evidence needed for their cases. This is understandable, as your physical and mental recovery is vital for your well-being – all this takes time.
However, an attorney’s assistance could maximize the time and money you get to dedicate to your recovery. Evidence supporting your case, for instance, may not be easy for you to obtain as a civilian, but an experienced lawyer will know what to look for and where to look.
When conducting an investigation, your legal team can:
- Interview witnesses
- Analyze accident reconstruction reports
- Obtain surveillance footage
- Examine the vehicles involved and the extent of damage
- Search social media platforms for posts, photos, or videos related to the accident
- Obtain the medical records of the parties involved
Working with medical professionals
Some car accident lawyers collaborate with healthcare professionals who can provide detailed medical reports to support your claim. These professionals provide expert opinions on the treatment required and any future medical needs.
A car accident lawyer can use detailed medical reports to bolster your compensation case. The lawyer may even request the medical professional to offer expert testimony if required. This can build your credibility and improve your chances of receiving maximum reimbursement for your losses.
Lawyers Prove Negligence in Car Accident Cases
Liability is not always easily determined in car accident cases. In some states, you might not be allowed to seek compensation if you are partially to blame for the accident.
In states like New Jersey, an injured person can recover damages even if he or she is partially at fault for the accident. However, New Jersey also follows a no-fault system, which can make matters complicated for accident victims when their own insurance money is not enough to cover all damages.
Understanding the different fault systems and how these may affect your case can be quite challenging. But it is comforting to know that you are in good hands when you hire a car accident attorney. A skilled car accident attorney understands state negligence laws and knows how to prove the other party’s negligence while lowering your percentage of fault.
Car Accident Attorneys Negotiate With Insurance Companies
When you have been in an accident, you probably worry about paying off immediate expenses. While you may overlook future costs or damages you are not yet aware of, car accident attorneys can help you consider, calculate, and recoup current and future losses.
Insurance companies may offer you a lowball settlement, but a knowledgeable attorney will advise against it and negotiate for a higher amount of money on your behalf. Effective negotiations will ensure that the settlement is fair and adequate.
Car accident lawyers can help clients seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property repair or replacement
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
If your lawyer and the insurance adjuster cannot agree on the settlement amount, your lawyer may recommend taking your case to court.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Represent You in Court
There are several circumstances in which you will have to take your case to court.
A car accident lawyer may recommend this course of action in the following cases:
- Dispute over who is at fault for the accident
- Denial of a claim
- Inadequate settlement from the insurance company
- Complex car accidents involving multiple parties, commercial vehicles, or a government entity
- The statute of limitations is about to expire
These scenarios often require the assistance of a car accident lawyer. Attorneys with trial experience can guide you through the process, overcome the complexities of the case, and advocate on your behalf during court hearings.
Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today
The aftermath of a car accident can confuse injured victims. You may receive advice from many different sources, but the most reliable source is a seasoned car accident lawyer. If you have been injured in a car crash, don’t hesitate to call Judd Shaw Injury Law.
Our attorneys are both experienced and dedicated to fighting for car accident victims. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable and protecting the rights of those in our community.
Contact us at (866) 909-6894 or complete our online form to schedule a free case review. With our No Fee Guarantee®, you won’t pay us anything unless you get money for your claim.