Car accident lawyers fight ruthlessly to level the playing field with insurers and ensure that you receive all of the compensation you deserve. Their duties include establishing fault and liability, taking photographs of the accident scene, obtaining statements or examinations, estimating accurate settlement value, and more.
They will consider all losses, including current and future medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, mental anguish, and wrongful death compensation for survivors of deceased victims.
Consultation
A car accident lawyer is your legal advocate and represents you in court. During your consultation, establish what you hope to accomplish in your case. You may want compensation for medical bills, missed work, car repair costs, and emotional distress.
Your lawyer will begin by asking questions about the accident and your injuries. You should write down your responses before your meeting to remember them afterward.
In addition, a car accident lawyer Greenville NC, will also ask about your health insurance coverage, how you’ve felt since the accident, and any other relevant information. They’ll use this information to build a case that accounts for your losses and ensures you receive maximum compensation.
Your lawyer will then review any available evidence, such as pictures from the crash scene, witness statements, and the police report. They’ll also consult experts to help them determine fault and liability, if necessary. They’ll also review your medical records, assess future treatment costs, and calculate non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Discovery
Before the trial begins, attorneys for both sides in an auto accident lawsuit engage in discovery. This involves exchanging information relevant to the case, such as documents and witness testimony. Generally speaking, all data is fair game during discovery, but some exceptions exist. For instance, information that invades the privacy of a witness or is confidential can be protected from disclosure.
Your lawyer will gather all available evidence for your claim, including video footage from the scene, photographs, police reports, eyewitness testimony, medical records and treatment expenses, and repair estimates for vehicle damage. They will also consider all the ways the accident has affected your life, such as current and future costs of treatment, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
They will also prepare you for depositions in-person interviews where you answer questions from the defendant’s attorney under oath. You will likely spend several hours answering these questions, and a court reporter will transcribe your answers.
Negotiation
Insurers are in the business of protecting their bottom line by denying or offering low amounts to accident victims. With an experienced car accident lawyer on your side, you won’t fall prey to their tricks.
Your lawyer will assist you in assembling a compelling case that covers the whole extent of your losses. This will include current and future medical treatment costs, your loss of earnings, and other expenses. To determine the accurate value of your claim, your attorney may use several expert opinions.
Your attorney will make a reasonable settlement proposal to the insurance company. If they don’t offer a fair amount, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. Although filing a lawsuit is costly, it is your best option for getting the money you are due. Attorneys in Greenville, NC, have years of experience negotiating with insurers, so they’ll work hard to get you a substantial settlement that accounts for all your losses.
Trial
Car accident lawyers go the extra mile (and beyond) to build a strong case that gets you a fair settlement. They work with investigators to gather crash footage, source police reports, collect eyewitness statements, analyze vehicle damage, and more. They are also pro-negotiators and can hold their own in court against skilled insurance attorneys.
They take your current and future costs into account when building your claim, from medical treatment to lost wages. They will also consider how your injuries have affected your emotional health and quality of life. They know the legal deadlines per state and work quickly to get your lawsuit filed on time.
It is rare for a case to go to trial, but when it does, your lawyer will be by your side every step of the way. They will prepare you to testify and fight ruthlessly for your rights. On average, clients with an attorney earn settlement checks 3X larger than those who settle independently.
