What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
If you were hurt in a car accident, you might be considering working with a lawyer. You might also have questions about what a lawyer can really do for you after the accident. It’s completely normal to have quandaries and concerns in this situation, and our goal is to help you know what to expect.
Car accident lawyers focus on personal injury law. They represent those who have been injured in a car accident caused by another person or party. If you hire a car accident lawyer after being injured in an accident, they will work to help you get compensation for your costs.
Four Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
A car accident lawyer’s exact methods will depend on the individuals involved and the details of each case. However, below are four main areas that every lawyer should address when helping with a case.
Our Dallas car accident lawyers specialize in car accident cases. We’re happy to give you a FREE consultation to answer your questions and discuss your legal options risk-free. Call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to talk to a lawyer for FREE today.
1. Gather Evidence to Prove Liability
Car accident cases are based on the concept of negligence. When someone acts in a way that can put others in danger, it’s a form of negligence. If a car accident results from another driver’s negligence, they can be deemed at fault for the accident.
As the victim of a car accident, you hold the burden of proof to show that:
- The other driver was negligent.
- Their negligence led to your accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages from the accident.
A car accident lawyer can help you gather the information needed to show the other driver’s fault in your accident. Even if you have already compiled some evidence from the scene of the accident, your lawyer will know where to turn for solid proof of liability in the accident.
Your lawyer will gather evidence through actions like:
- Obtaining a copy of the police accident report
- Talking to any witnesses to your accident
- Consulting with experts they trust to support your case
- Examining the accident from all angles to get the truth
You can rest assured that an experienced car accident lawyer will do whatever they can to obtain strong evidence of liability and prove the at-fault party’s responsibility for your accident damages.
2. Handle the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
To pursue compensation for your car accident damages, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. You’ll be dealing with the insurer more directly than the actual driver — but that doesn’t make the process easier.
Insurance companies are for-profit companies, and they are skilled at saving as much money as they can. It’s very important to be wary of the insurance adjuster and their tactics.
Thankfully, your car accident lawyer can protect your rights from the beginning by handling all communicating with the insurance company. You won’t have to worry about the insurance company taking advantage of your vulnerable state after the accident.
3. Calculate and Compile Proof of Damages
Before filing your claim, you will need to understand the value of your damages. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 41.003, the damages you can claim are defined as:
- Economic damages: damages awarded for actual economic losses
- Non-economic damages: damages awarded to compensate for losses without a monetary value
- Exemplary damages: damages awarded as a penalty or punishment rather than as compensation
Let’s look more closely at each type of damages your car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence to demonstrate.
Economic Damages
Economic damages often make up the largest part of a car accident claim. These damages account for losses like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
Your medical expenses may include doctor and hospital bills, prescription medications, testing, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Lost wages refer to work time you’ve had to miss because of the accident and your injuries. You can also include vehicle repair or replacement costs in your claim.
An experienced car accident lawyer will help you obtain evidence of these damages and ensure they are calculated as accurately as possible. The goal should be to get you compensation for all costs you experience from an accident that was not your fault.
Non-Economic Damages
Texas law includes the following as examples of non-economic damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional pain or anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of companionship and society
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Clearly, these types of losses will not have a clear monetary amount like medical bills and lost wages. Your car accident lawyer can be invaluable in calculating your non-economic damages.
Exemplary Damages
Exemplary damages are only available in certain types of car accident cases. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer rather than provide compensation. They might be available if your accident involved malicious or reckless behavior, such as drunk driving.
Your lawyer can make sure you obtain access to all documentation and other proof of your total damages. They will also calculate the full value of your damages, which is a vital step in recovering all of your costs and more.
4. Negotiate for a Better Settlement
It’s common for the other driver’s insurance company to offer a lowball settlement soon after the car accident. The insurer is hoping that you will accept this offer out of desperation, but you should never accept the first offer without speaking to a car accident lawyer first. The first offer rarely comes close to covering all of your damages.
Your car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to seek a settlement that is actually fair based on what you’ve suffered.
Your lawyer can also help you by:
- Making sure you understand your full legal rights
- Providing the most experienced, hands-on, and knowledgeable legal advice
- Representing you in court (if necessary)
- Calling on any experts needed to support your case
Free Consultation and No Upfront Costs
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer, there is good news. Most injury lawyers do not charge a fee unless they win you money. You can begin working with them and not worry about upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Plus, the initial consultation is completely FREE.
Talk to a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer During a Free Consultation Today
Our Dallas car accident lawyers know what it takes to win all types of accident cases. We aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you, and we’re here to answer your questions. Call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.
