What Does A Car Accident Attorney Do?

What Does A Car Accident Attorney Do?

The stress that comes with the aftermath of a car accident can be overbearing. You probably have a million questions going through your mind about the legal process and how everything works. And for this reason (and many more), you need an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal procedures.

In this article, we will fill you in on the specific tasks that a car accident attorney will perform. Along with providing you with the peace of mind in knowing that you have a legal expert on your side, there are various responsibilities of a lawyer that many people may not know about.

What It Takes To Win A Case

Let’s talk about some of the things that a lawyer will do for you after a car accident. For starters, a lawyer will provide knowledge of the law and procedural rules. Utilizing this combination of expertise and experience is will ensure that you are in position to win your case.

Maybe one of the most important things a lawyer can do is handle communications with these aggressive insurance companies. When you are going up against a big insurance company with vast resources, you need an experienced lawyer who knows how to deal with them. These insurance companies have been known to do whatever it takes to avoid a payout. Your lawyer is there to level the playing field so that you come away with the compensation that fits your situation.

Here’s a quick list of some of the legwork we your lawyer will complete for you:

• Deal with insurance companies. We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. There is a lot of back-and-forth with insurance companies after a car accident. This is a difficult task when these insurance companies are trying to avoid paying a settlement. Let your lawyer handle this.
• Obtain evidence. This includes talking to witnesses, gathering and analyzing police reports, gathering medical records and evaluating lost wages (if necessary). These pieces of evidence are so vital to the success of your claim. Your lawyer will ensure to leave no stone unturned during this part of the process.
• Prepare a settlement demand letter. This is a very important document that lays out all of the facts in a way that will lead to injury settlement negotiations.

File the proper paperwork to go to court. Even though going to court is rare, it’s nice to know that you will be in good hands with your lawyer if need be. Your lawyer will deal with the defense attorneys and build your case based on the facts that were gathered.

 

How can a car accident attorney help with insurance companies?

Your car accident lawyer will also help you pressure the insurance provider into getting you your deserved compensation. Insurance companies are notoriously stubborn when it comes to reaching fair settlements. As a result, they can come up with some pretty believable statements in an attempt to make you think you don’t deserve compensation.

Your car accident attorney will help you make the insurance company pay you what you deserve. Auto accident lawyers can cover a wide variety of issues, including wrongful death, property destruction, personal injury, and liability determinations.

 

What Should I Be Looking for in an Accident Attorney?

When you’re looking for a car accident attorney, there is a plethora of things you need to focus on. The lawyer’s fee structure, customer satisfaction, experience, and skill level are all critical components in finding a lawyer who is a good fit for you.

Your car accident lawyer should be knowledgeable about national and state transportation laws. They must be able to prepare and settle a case efficiently. A skilled attorney has the will power to handle greedy health care and insurance companies.

You should also carefully research the lawyer’s track record, references, and background. A good attorney usually works on a contingency fee. This means they don’t get paid unless you do.

 

When Should I Get an Accident Lawyer?

It is best to hire the auto accident attorney sooner rather than later. That way, you’ll be able to avoid any costly mistakes that might result if you tried to handle your case on your home. There are specific deadlines for filing any personal injuries vary from state to state. Because you’ll have to cover your lost wages or medical bills, the sooner you are able to gain the assistance of a lawyer the better. It is best to contact the lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. You shouldn’t wait any longer than a week or two before contacting the attorney, and you should speak with the lawyer before reaching any sort of settlement with the insurance company.

There are numerous ways in which you can find a high-class car accident lawyer. Researching online or getting referrals from family and friends is a great place to start. However, attorney referral services vary, and unless you have a virtually unlimited timetable, you may want to locate an auto accident lawyer in your area using a top-notch lawyer directory.

 

How Does The Car Accident Settlement Process Work?

When you are injured in a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. This compensation can cover your medical bill expenses, wages you were unable to earn due to being out of work during your recovery and your pain and suffering. How does the car accident settlement process work?

This process involves more than simply submitting a claim to the negligent driver’s auto insurance provider and receiving a check to cover your losses. It can – and often does – involve a lengthy investigation of your accident and negotiation between your attorney and the insurance company. If you cannot reach a car accident insurance settlement through negotiation, a lawsuit and an appearance in court may be required as well.

Your claim could be resolved fairly quickly, or it could become a long, drawn-out process that requires substantial court involvement. By working with an experienced Memphis car accident attorney, you can give your claim a better chance of resulting in a favorable settlement for you and your family.

The following are steps that go into the settlement process:

CAR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

After you file your personal injury claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider, the insurance company conducts an investigation of the accident. This is done by an insurance claims adjuster.

The investigation involves a review of every piece of evidence that you provide to prove your claim’s validity. When certain pieces of evidence are not available such as photographs of your car, the insurance adjuster might take them.

Pieces of evidence that the insurance adjuster reviews during the investigation of your claim include:

• The official police report for the accident
• Photographs of the accident scene, your car and the other driver’s car
• Statements from witnesses to the accident
• Your medical records if you have signed a release
• The other driver’s testimony
• The area where the accident occurred.

Other pieces of evidence that may be considered when investigating your claim include evidence of your financial damages and content on your social media accounts.

CAR ACCIDENT CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS

Experts can provide critical insight to your accident and subsequent damages. This insight can be used to underscore your personal injury claim. Experts whose opinions might be considered during your claim’s settlement process include:

Your doctor – The physician can discuss your injuries, treatment and prognosis.

An accident reconstruction specialist – This expert can create a digital rendering of your accident, showing how the factors at play led to it.

A civil or mechanical engineer – These individuals may be called on when one of the factors at play was a vehicle malfunction or a geographical feature such as a partially complete road construction project.

REVIEWING INSURANCE POLICIES (THE AT-FAULT DRIVER’S AND YOUR OWN POLICY)

Tennessee is a “fault” state for car accidents. This means that when you are injured in a crash, you must seek compensation for your damages through the other party’s liability insurance provider. However, he or she may not have insurance or may have insurance that fails to cover all of your damages. As a result, you may be required to go through your own provider to make up the difference between his or her coverage and your financial needs.

NEGOTIATING A CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT

Even if you file a lawsuit, it is possible to settle your claim out of court. Settlements are negotiated between an attorney and an insurance provider. In fact, some insurance providers will only speak with attorneys, which is why it is important that you work with an attorney who has experience negotiating this type of claim on behalf of his or her clients.

GOING TO COURT

Your lawyer can determine if going to court is the right choice for you and your case, and if so, the lawyer will walk you through the next steps involved in your case. The lawyer can explain what to expect during your trial.

In brief, both parties appear in court and present their claims to the jury. After both sides examine witnesses and present evidence, the jury will reach a verdict. The judge will read this verdict to the involved parties, who both have the option to appeal the judgment entered in the case.

Remember, settlement discussions can continue even if you file a lawsuit. They can even continue after the jury reaches a verdict for your case. Settling a claim out of court is often less expensive and less stressful for all parties involved, but sometimes, it is impossible.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

When choosing a personal injury attorney, you are putting your trust in someone to represent you and look out for your best interests. Not all Florida injury attorneys practice solely personal injury, nor do they all have the same qualifications and experience

Convenience

A law firm should make it as easy as possible for clients to hire representation, especially when your case involves a serious injury. That’s why we will come to your home or hospital to have you sign any necessary documents and answer your questions. We want to ensure your focus is on getting better, so we do our best to help put you at ease and make hiring a lawyer as convenient as possible.

Trial Experience

Trial experience does matter when handling personal injury cases. In fact, our lead trial attorney Eric Roslansky is a Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law. Fewer than 7% of eligible FL Bar lawyers are Board Certified in a specialty area. Insurance companies know which firms are ready and willing to take a case to trial and which are not. They’re aware that if they don’t offer a fair settlement, we aren’t afraid to litigate a case. Our attorneys are known in the courtroom, and our case results speak for themselves.

Practice Areas

While it can be tempting to choose an attorney who is a “Jack of all trades,” it may also mean they are a “master of none.” Choosing someone who handles many types of cases may not be your best option. Consider selecting a firm who handles only personal injury cases. This means their focus, day in and day out, is handling cases similar to yours and representing only injured persons

Fee Structure

Generally speaking, personal injury lawyers in Florida work on a contingency-fee bases. This means clients pay no upfront costs, and we do not send bills to you in the mail. In fact, there are no costs or fees to you unless we win. Once we make a financial recovery on your behalf, our fee is a portion of that amount.

 

How to Be a Good Client During Your Personal Injury Case

When you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer, you want to make sure you end up with the right person for you and your case. And that expectation can work both ways. Every lawyer wants a “good client” if at all possible. But what is a “good client,” and how much of being a “good client” is actually within the client’s control?

Respond to Your Lawyer

Clients get pretty upset when their lawyer doesn’t return phone calls. And lawyers feel the same way. If you don’t return your lawyer’s phone calls, emails, or letters promptly, you’re not just wasting your lawyer’s time, you could also be hurting your case.

Attend All Medical Appointments

Your health care provider will note any appointment that you miss, and, if you miss too many, the insurer adjuster (or the jury) is going to assume that you must not have been hurt as badly as you claim. This will cost you and your lawyer money. Be sure to keep all of your appointments.

Cooperate in the Discovery Process

If you end up filing a personal injury lawsuit in court, the defendant will send your lawyer written questions called interrogatories, as well as document requests. Your lawyer will send these on to you. You will need to promptly answer the interrogatories and provide your lawyer with the requested documents, or your case could be dismissed. Help your lawyer, and help yourself. Respond to all discovery as quickly as you can.

Practice for your deposition. Your personal injury deposition is a very important step in your case. Your lawyer is there to help you prepare, to offer guidance during the proceedings, and even step in if the other side is taking a questionable approach. Follow your lawyer’s advice and recommendations.

 

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer – What you Need to Know

If you’ve been seriously injured, it’s in your best interest to make sure you have full information about your legal rights before signing any documents presented to you by ICBC or any other insurance company. Getting legal advice early on is an important part of this essential information gathering exercise. Personal injury lawyers usually offer free initial consultations because of how important it is that you know what your claim is and what your rights (and obligations) are

Based on this information a lawyer can usually explain:

Who is at fault in the eyes of the courts.

What types of compensation you can expect to receive.

Where that compensation will come from and when.

Possible complications related to your claim.

What out-of-pocket losses you can recover and what receipts you should keep for reimbursement.

What you can expect ICBC or an insurance company to do.

Where do I find a lawyer?

Many people turn to family, friends, colleagues and trusted advisors for a referral. A referral from your personal network can work well but, as with any legal matter, you should make sure you have the right type of lawyer for your case. A lawyer who has practiced real estate law for 30 years and has never seen the inside of a courtroom is not likely to have the expertise needed to handle a complex personal injury or medical malpractice case. The consequences for you (as the injured person or caregiver of an injured child) can be financially disastrous, so it is important to take the time to make the necessary inquiries and satisfy yourself that you have the right lawyer for the job. In other words, clarify that you are looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer.

In addition to canvassing your personal networks, you may want to Google “personal injury lawyers” in your location to see other options. Even if a friend has provided you with a referral, take the time to check the lawyer out online before you add them to your shortlist.

Review the lawyer’s website to learn more about the kinds of cases he or she has done and what success they have had. If you find a lawyer you want to talk with about your case, look them up on the Law Society of BC website to confirm they are a member in good standing and have not been the subject of any discipline proceedings.

 

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer is a type of civil litigator who provides legal representation to plaintiffs who are alleging physical or psychological injury as the result of the negligent or careless acts of another person, entity, or organization.

Personal Injury Is Tort Law

Personal injury attorneys specialize in an area known as tort law. This covers private or civil wrongs or injuries, including defamation and actions for bad faith breach of contract. The main goal of tort law is to make the injured party whole again and to discourage others from committing the same offense.

Personal injury lawyers help plaintiffs receive compensation for their losses, including loss of earning capacity due to an inability to work, pain and suffering, reasonable medical expenses, both present and expected, emotional distress, loss of consortium or companionship, and legal costs and attorney fees. They also work to safeguard clients from being victimized by insurance companies and the legal system.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Any case or claim that involves an injury to the body or mind falls under the umbrella of personal injury law

Some of the most common types of cases handled by this type of lawyer include:

Animal bite injuries

Auto accidents

Aviation accidents

Bicycle accidents

Boating accidents

Brain injuries

Burn injuries

Construction accidents

Defective products

Insurance/bad faith claims

Medical malpractice

Motorcycle accidents

Nursing home abuse

Pedestrian accidents

Slip and fall accidents

Spinal cord injuries

Wrongful death

 

Things You Need to Know about Personal Injury Cases

What Should I Know About My Personal Injury Case?

If you were hurt or a loved one died due to the negligence of another, there are some basic facts you should know if you’re considering legal action.

Personal injury law is about more than car accidents.

Although car accidents and other types of motor vehicle collisions make up a substantial number of personal injury cases, personal injury law applies to any instance in which a person suffers harm due to the negligence of another individual or entity. Personal injury lawsuits may also relate to defective consumer products, accidents caused by unsafe premises, dog bites and wrongful death

Insurance company settlement offers are not always fair.

Insurance providers often attempt to limit what they pay for medical expenses and other damages in the interest of protecting their own bottom lines. But undervaluing your claim can leave you facing immediate and long-term financial adversity, especially if you’re temporarily unable to work due to your injuries.

Working with an experienced lawyer matters.

Victims of severe injuries often find themselves facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, and may be unable to return to their jobs or require long-term rehabilitation. A personal injury claim led by an attorney who understands the physical, financial and mental hardships associated with severe injuries provides the best opportunity for receiving adequate compensation. Working with a lawyer can also relieve some of your personal stress, offer peace of mind, and allow you to focus on your recovery

So does your lawyer’s experience.

The Frickey Law Firm has an extensive record of success in personal injury cases, and our attorneys are consistently recognized as top lawyers in their fields by Martindale-Hubbell, U.S. News & World Report, Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum among other esteemed organizations. Our attorneys’ legal wisdom, medical knowledge and negotiating skills are backed by substantial trial experience, as well as the resources to thoroughly investigate and aggressively pursue your claim.

Importance Of Immigration Lawyers

What is the importance of immigration lawyers? The big picture reply is to ask what is the importance of immigration to your country? For the United States, immigration is very important! Immigration has been the keystone of the US’ growth and prosperity for almost three centuries.

The purpose of immigration lawyers and the federal immigration law they uphold is to ensure an orderly process for people to (legally) immigrate to and emigrate from the United States. This includes ensuring due process and fair treatment of people subject to immigration law, including those people who comply with that law and those who break that law.

 

What is the Role of an Immigration Lawyer?

The role of an immigration lawyer is somewhat unique when compared with other types of lawyers.  Most immigration lawyers spend their time helping persons who are having difficulty dealing with immigration requirements.

The role of immigration lawyers is usually that of an advisor or counselor to foreign citizens and immigrants who must interact with U.S. immigration authorities.  Immigration lawyers provide advice and guidance for matters such as visa applications, green cards, citizenship and naturalization, deportation issues, and employment for non-citizens.

Immigration lawyers spend far less time handling civil disputes in court than other types of lawyers.  Instead, they usually act as mediators between clients and immigration authorities such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

On the other hand, immigration lawyers do make appearances before immigration judges if a client is facing an immigration hearing.  Many immigration lawyers also handle matters involving an interaction between immigration and criminal laws.

 

What do immigration lawyers do?

The immigration issues that have seen intense political debate and media coverage in recent years are only part of the story.

The United States sees a constant influx of people hoping to live, work, and study within its borders, and immigration lawyers can help individuals, families, and businesses navigate those various and often complex immigration pathways. A person’s immigration status might impact and intersect with other legal matters too, such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law, and being well versed in immigration law is necessary for attorneys practicing in those areas as well.

Immigration lawyers may represent clients in administrative courts, or they may counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations related to immigration, among other things. They also suggest courses of action based on their knowledge of immigration law.

For example, immigration lawyers might help citizens of other countries through the process of gaining legal status to work in the United States with the H-1B visa program. This program provides a framework for American employers to hire non-U.S. citizens in jobs where their skills are needed. Individuals hoping to come to the United States to fill such positions must gain approval through a complex and often intimidating process. They (or often the employers hoping to hire them) often turn to immigration lawyers, who provide assistance in completing forms and taking other required steps. The lawyers may also represent clients in dealing with government officials in matters related to the visa application.

 

Many Services Available to Help You

Professional immigration law firms offer a broad variety of services to clients. These firms serve families, students, employees and employers, refugee claimants, and individuals seeking employment and immigration to Canada.

The services available in most immigration and refugee law practices include:

• Business Services – Assistance with Intra-Company Transfers, Labour Market Impact Assessments, NAFTA Transfers, Business Visitor Visas, Provincial Nominations and Permanent Foreign Workers.
• Immigration Appeal – Frame and argue your immigration and refugee appeal with the help of legal representation that will strategize and articulate your arguments.
• Fighting Removals – Handling of urgent immigration matters immediately and effectively and representing clients competently and effectively in these stressful situations.
• Permanent Residency – Careful, complete, and professional representation of your documents and information, presenting you with the most suitable immigration solution.
• Temporary Residency – Professional legal advice on your temporary residency application for business visas, NAFTA work permits, study permits, super visas, visitor visas, and work permits.
• Citizenship Services – Legal representation for your citizenship application and appeal. Changes in the Federal Government has made this process more challenging; immigration lawyers will ensure you are firmly positioned to succeed in this process.
• Refugee Claims – Legal advice and representation through the refugee claim process, reparation for questioning at hearings, and effectively strategizing oral submissions on behalf of the client before the Refugee Protection Division Board Member.

Each service is specifically tailored to the needs of the client to offer efficient and effective solutions that will yield the best results.

 

A Good Immigration Lawyer Can Provide a Path to Citizenship

Most immigrants are working towards the American dream – U.S. citizenship. An expert attorney has made this dream a reality for thousands of immigrants, completing their journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.

An immigration lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the blueprint for citizenship, and can impart that wisdom to you during every confusing and complicated step in the arena of immigration law.

No immigration procedure is easy, and most of the time, there are many steps to take and papers to file. You might feel like you’re in over your head, especially if English isn’t your first language. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, a skilled immigration lawyer can guide you through this complicated process, one step at a time.