If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for economic damages. These awards are meant to cover present and future expenses, as well as losses, that you have suffered due to the accident. These awards must be backed by documentation to be valid. However, some injuries are difficult to quantify in dollars.
Find a car accident lawyer with a proven track record
When you’re in a car accident, you want to find a lawyer with a proven track record of winning significant cases. This means winning settlements and judgments against big companies and insurance companies. Experienced car accident attorneys are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies and are often able to get you the highest settlement possible. You also want a lawyer who understands the different types of damages that can be incurred during a car accident. A car accident lawyer will be able to calculate the damage accurately and understand deadlines so that you get the maximum settlement possible.
Consider a contingency fee agreement
When you’re hiring a car accident attorney near you, it’s important to consider whether the fee is contingent. Contingency fee arrangements are usually negotiated between the client and attorney, and the amount charged will depend on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s reputation, and the amount of compensation won. The fee can range from 33% to 45% of the recovery.
Avoid premature declarations about fault
During a car accident, it is important to avoid making premature declarations about fault, even if you believe that you are at fault. Doing so may hinder your claim and cause further complications. It may also result in traffic violations and increased insurance rates.
Negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to know how to negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies. Insurance companies may try to argue that you were at fault for the collision, so it’s best to be prepared with as much information as possible. This can include witness testimony, police reports, and photographs of the accident site. You should also emphasize any emotional points, such as the amount of damage to your vehicle. These points can be a strong counterargument and help you push for a higher settlement.
Collect evidence while waiting for police to arrive at scene
If you have a crime scene to protect, the best thing you can do while waiting for police to arrive is collect evidence. The most important aspect of collecting evidence is to protect it from tampering and contamination. The state of the physical evidence will make or break a prosecution. It is crucial that the evidence collected at the scene is as fresh as possible.
Be a tough negotiator
When hiring a car accident attorney near me, you need to know what you want in a lawyer and what you hope to achieve by working with them. You can search for law firms and attorneys who have handled similar types of cases and see which ones have the experience, qualifications, and results you want. When evaluating potential lawyers, schedule meetings and ask questions to get a feel for how they approach their cases.