Sean O’Rourke | November 20, 2024

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you may have read or heard from a friend or colleague that you should reach out to a car accident lawyer for help. It’s helpful to understand why you would do this and what a car accident lawyer does to help you. 

What a Car Accident Lawyer Does to Help After an Accident

Some of the most important and common ways a car accident lawyer helps after a car accident include the following: 

Explain Your Rights

The first thing a car accident lawyer can do is help you understand your rights. They’ll explain the claims process and what you’re entitled to under the law, ensuring you have a clear picture of how to move forward.

Gather Evidence

Collecting the right evidence is crucial for your case. Your lawyer will gather police reports, eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and any other evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Speak with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and frustrating, as they often try to minimize the value of claims. When you hire a lawyer, they will handle all communication with insurance companies, so you don’t have to.

Negotiate Settlements

Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to reach a settlement that truly reflects your losses and suffering. The goal is to secure compensation that covers medical bills, lost wages, and more, so you can focus on recovery.

Represent You in Court

Your lawyer will represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. They will present your case in front of a judge and jury and do everything they can to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Hiring a car accident lawyer provides peace of mind and practical benefits.

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer

While it’s always a good idea to consider speaking with a car accident lawyer, there are certain situations in which it becomes incredibly important to act on these thoughts. Even if you find yourself in a minor car accident, reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Serious Injuries

If you suffered serious injuries in the accident, it’s important to have a lawyer who can focus on securing the best possible outcome for your recovery. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and on top of lost wages, this can be devastating for many people. A lawyer will make sure you have the best chance of recovering these losses.

Disputed Liability

When there’s disagreement over who is at fault for the crash, a lawyer can help resolve the situation. They will analyze the evidence and work to establish responsibility, protecting you from blame.

Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than they’re worth. If you’ve received a low settlement offer, a lawyer can negotiate a fairer deal that meets your needs. In most cases, the simple act of working with a lawyer means an insurance company will take you more seriously and provide you with a better offer.

You’re Partially at Fault

If you’re partially at fault for the accident, working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is a good idea. In these cases, you will likely face pushback from the insurance company. 

If you can obtain a settlement offer, it could be significantly lower because of your shared liability. A lawyer can help mitigate the situation, explaining clearly why you aren’t as much at fault as they are claiming. 

Uncooperative Insurance Companies

If you’re working with an uncooperative insurance company or agent – for instance, they won’t return your calls or keep requesting unnecessary documentation – it’s time to bring a lawyer in. This is likely to force them to respond to your claim.

By understanding these situations, you’ll know when to seek legal help, ensuring you get the support and compensation you deserve. 

For more information, please get in touch with the Houston personal injury attorneys at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
440 Louisiana St Suite 2300-A, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 667-4081