Updated: October 7th, 2024
When Hiring an Attorney for a Car Accident Is a Good Idea
If you have been in a car accident, you may be dealing with debilitating injuries, thousands of dollars in medical bills, and other financial hardships from time missed off work. Even when a crash is not your fault, there is a possibility that you may be left covering these ensuing expenses.
While hiring an attorney for a car accident will not be necessary for all cases, determining when to hire depends on your own level of comfort in filing an insurance claim and independently navigating the legal process. Consider these vital factors when determining if legal representation is needed for your car accident claim.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer If…
The decision of when hiring an attorney is the best decision for a car accident case will depend on the overall severity and complexity of the accident. If any of the following circumstances are present, it is advisable to contact a Newport Beach car accident attorney:
- The victim or a loved one has suffered significant injuries.
- Fault for the accident has not been clearly determined.
- There are discrepancies in the police report.
- The accident involved an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Substantial medical expenses or lost income are being experienced.
- The accident involved multiple vehicles or parties.
- The insurance company is being difficult.
Given these complexities, it is essential to consult with a California auto accident lawyer as soon as possible, even if you are uncertain about filing a personal injury lawsuit.
But Don’t Wait Too Long to Speak with an Attorney
California’s statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of injury being sustained. However, specific deadlines may be shorter in certain cases, such as those involving government agencies.
For example, if a government employee causes an accident, a claim must be filed within six months–with no exceptions. If the filing date is missed, the right to seek compensation will be lost.
Qualities the Best Car Attorneys Should Possess
It is understandable to delay seeking immediate legal assistance, as most victims believe that insurance companies will fairly resolve all matters. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Therefore, when ready to explore hiring options, ensure that the car accident attorneys possess the following traits.
1. Car Accident Claim Experience
When selecting car accident attorneys, their experience in handling similar cases is paramount. While a general personal injury attorney can assist, hiring a professional specializing in car accident cases offers significant advantages.
For example, a car accident attorney will be more familiar with the specific California laws governing a case and better equipped to navigate its complexities according to state traffic rules and regulations.
Additionally, a lawyer with court experience is essential, as some cases may require filing a personal injury lawsuit. Attorneys with trial experience will not hesitate to pursue litigation, as they are committed to achieving a favorable outcome regardless of the circumstances.
To assess an attorney’s auto accident experience, inquire about their past casework. Ask questions like:
- How many similar car accident cases have you handled?
- Why are some personal injury cases unsuccessful?
- Can you help me if my car accident case needs to go to trial?
2. Overall Success Rate
In addition to extensive experience in car accident law, it is crucial to seek an attorney with a reputation for success.
The best kind of law firm will maintain records of their case outcomes and can provide information on past wins through online testimonials or on popular review sites, like Avvo, Yelp, and Google’s reviews.
An attorney with a high success rate is more likely to secure a favorable outcome in a client’s case. It also exemplifies how the legal team will prioritize a client’s best interest and commitment to achieving optimal results.
When attorneys genuinely care about their clients, they will work diligently to recover maximum compensation–and possess the track record to prove it.
Recover Economic and Non-Economic Damages
There are common car accident injuries, like broken bones, whiplash, and head injuries. While these accidents can be documented and proven with medical records, other types of car accident “injuries” are not as apparent yet still qualify for compensation.
Regardless of what an insurance adjuster may value a car accident claim at, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer to evaluate the case accurately, taking into account both economic losses and non-economic losses.
- Economic damages: Tangible financial losses that can be calculated based on actual costs, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and funeral or burial expenses
- Non-economic damages: Intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium
This is why it is vital to work with a car accident lawyer who has handled cases involving other damages, like pain and suffering or future medical expenses for severe injuries.
3. Prioritize Communication
Effective communication is essential when selecting a car accident lawyer. Legal matters can be complex and involve unfamiliar terminology. Additionally, cases can always take a turn or evolve with new developments.
Therefore, car accident attorneys should be able to effectively explain the legal process, address questions, and keep clients informed throughout the case proceedings.
Most importantly, clients should feel valued and encouraged to reach out to their legal team for all matters pertaining to their cases. Conversely, attorneys should respond promptly and provide regular updates.
It’s crucial to assess an attorney’s commitment. Do they genuinely care about your outcome? Are they dedicated to obtaining the best possible settlement?
Discussing these non-negotiables and legal goals ensures that expectations and deliverables are aligned on both ends.
4. Pricing and Accessibility
Pricing is a significant factor to consider when hiring a car accident attorney, and often, why so many forego legal representation.
Many injured car accident victims avoid legal help due to high hourly rates or flat fees. When dealing with lost income and medical bills, additional financial burdens are certainly an understandable concern.
However, some of the most qualified Newport Beach car accident lawyers work on contingency fee agreements. This means clients pay no upfront legal fees, and the attorney is only compensated after delivering a successful verdict.
This billing structure not only eliminates the risk of incurring substantial legal costs, but it also makes the best representation accessible to those who need it.
5. Deal with the Insurance Company
After a motor vehicle accident, the initial step in seeking fair compensation is to file an insurance claim with either your own insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance company.
In severe cases, the other motorist’s insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of damages. Then, there are other instances where the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
This is particularly problematic, as car accident statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that many car accident injuries require immediate hospitalization. This means a longer recovery time and extensive procedures, equating to thousands in medical costs.
The severity of these sustained injuries will determine the overall viability of a successful car accident settlement. However, without the right legal representation, victims may be left paying for these accumulated expenses.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often neglect victims’ legal rights and push to settle car accident claims for much less than their actual value. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer will not only help assess the value of losses, but doing so will also explore the available options through each client’s personal insurance policy.
Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?
While some personal injury cases can benefit from legal assistance, car accidents involving minor vehicle damage and minor injuries can sometimes be handled independently.
However, if you have sustained injuries or significant vehicle damage, seeking legal representation is strongly recommended to protect your legal rights–even if the other driver’s insurance company is reassuring you that they will handle everything.
Insurance companies employ teams of attorneys and adjusters who immediately evaluate reported accidents, looking for opportunities to minimize the claim, regardless of insurance coverage.
Experienced legal counsel ensures a level playing field and maximizes the chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Ask for a Consultation to Learn About Hiring
Free consultations allow potential clients to meet with car accident lawyers and discuss their cases before deciding to work with them. This free assessment also offers professional insight into whether a case is worth pursuing.
Meeting with a car accident lawyer can also inform victims about filing a claim with the insurance company, preparing them for any hurdles along the way.
The key benefits of a free consultation with our award-winning personal injury law firm, Beach Accident Attorneys, will include the following:
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Guidance on Next Steps
Our car accident lawyers provide legal advice, explaining your legal rights related to the suffered injuries.
Our law firm offers guidance on what to do next, including how to deal with the insurance company, gather evidence, and evaluate the full extent of damages.
Case Evaluation
A car accident lawyer will also assess where damages are owed, taking into account lost wages, current medical costs, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Our analysis will confirm and justify what a “fair settlement” is.
Additionally, we analyze a case’s strengths and weaknesses, including the likelihood of success and the possibility of recovering maximum compensation.
Identifying Potential Issues
A car accident lawyer can identify potential legal complexities you might not be aware of, like a shorter statute of limitations when a government entity is involved.
Consulting with our legal team before speaking with the insurance company can also prevent mishaps or the acceptance of an undervalued settlement offer.
This meeting will help you feel more informed and prepared to handle your personal injury claim.
Need Help Hiring Car Accident Attorneys? We Can Help
When you are involved in a car accident, you must find the most reliable lawyer to help you with your case. This will make it more likely that you will get fairly compensated for your damages.
If you are looking for a car accident attorney in Orange County, Beach Accident Attorneys can help. We specialize in representing victims of car accidents. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.
Call Us
