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Being injured in an auto accident can derail your life in an instant. One moment, you are going about your day – the next, you are facing a devastating situation. Car accidents can catch you off guard and result in significant losses.
Tragically, car accidents are very common. In 2021, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)reported 39,508 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash and you find yourself among the statistics, you need solid legal representation in your corner. An experienced auto injury attorney can be your biggest advocate.
Hiring an auto accident lawyer gives you the best chance of recovering fair compensation for your losses. Here is an in-depth look at why having skilled legal counsel is crucial after a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Why Hire an Auto Injury Attorney?
Hiring an experienced auto injury attorney is a crucial step toward compensation for many accident victims. Below are the key reasons why you should strongly consider legal representation after a crash.
To protect your rights and interests
While auto insurance aims to provide peace of mind for drivers, your coverage may not always offer the level of protection you might expect. Insurance companies are motivated by profits, not your best interests, even in the event of an accident.
Even if you have a legitimate claim, the insurance company may:
- Downplay the extent of your injuries
- Shift the blame onto you
- Catch you off-guard and obtain recorded statements harmful to your case
- Delay in handling your case
- Mislead you into accepting a lowball settlement
Experienced auto injury attorneys can level this unequal playing field. They understand all the tactics insurers use for payouts and can tenaciously counter them at every turn. With a skilled lawyer by your side, you do not have to face the insurance giants alone during this difficult time.
To prove liability and negotiate effectively
Auto accident attorneys help their clients get compensation by proving the other driver’s negligence.
Determining liability requires an extensive investigation gathering all available evidence, such as:
- Photos and video footage of the accident scene
- Police reports and first responder records
- Eyewitness testimony and statements
- Vehicle black box data and maintenance records
- Cell phone records proving distracted driving
- Analyses from accident reconstruction experts
Attempting to collect and analyze all such evidence can be complex and daunting for victims injured after a crash. That’s why we advise you to hire an auto accident lawyer.
Your lawyer will know what evidence to look for, what experts must be consulted, and how to build indisputable proof. The aim is to build a strong case on your behalf that irrefutably establishes liability, negligence, and causation.
To calculate and pursue maximum compensation
Hiring a lawyer ensures that your settlement fully compensates you for your losses. This includes current and future losses resulting from the accident. Auto injury lawyers have experience with calculating fair compensation.
The calculation should consider losses such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Without an attorney working in your interests, you risk settling for an amount that only covers basic current costs. A low settlement amount can leave you paying out-of-pocket expenses for years.
To meet all legal requirements and deadlines
There are very strict statutes of limitations for how long you have to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit after an auto accident. In most states, you generally have just 2 years from the date of injury to take legal action or else your case will likely be dismissed.
Beyond this time limit, there are procedures and specific court filings that must be completed properly. Simple mistakes or missed deadlines can jeopardize your ability to pursue a car accident claim.
An experienced auto injury lawyer ensures every legal requirement is handled and that critical deadlines are met. With a competent lawyer by your side, you will avoid having your case dismissed because of filing errors or expired deadlines.
Let your attorney manage all the complicated paperwork, communications, and other complexities. This will allow you to prioritize your health and recovery.
To represent you in court
Sometimes personal injury claims may require legal action. If the at-fault party is uncooperative, an attorney can proceed with filing a lawsuit.
During a lawsuit, an attorney’s knowledge and experience prove advantageous in the following areas:
- Conducting questioning under oath to gather more evidence
- Consulting expert witnesses to provide testimony
- Preparing legal arguments and motions
- Presenting opening and closing statements
- Cross-examining the opposing party
- Protecting your rights and representing your case in court
Handling a Personal Injury Case Alone Is Not Ideal
Managing a personal injury case is a complex process. After a car crash, you would find it exhausting to look after yourself and your family, conduct a thorough investigation, calculate your total current and future damages, and formulate a solid legal strategy.
Most injury victims are already overwhelmed dealing with losses after their accidents. They should not have the additional burden of learning legal processes while recovering.
An auto injury lawyer takes full responsibility for building and managing every facet of their client’s case in a thorough, systematized manner. This allows the injured person to focus on healing and getting back to their daily routine.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
In auto injury cases, lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer will receive payment only if they secure a settlement or court award for their client. This arrangement eliminates the need for clients to pay upfront and makes legal representation accessible.
The lawyer’s fee comes as a percentage of the total amount awarded, typically ranging from 33 to 40 percent. If no money is recovered in the case, the client owes the attorney nothing. There is no financial risk to the client.
The contingency fee arrangement benefits injury victims by allowing them access to experienced legal representation – regardless of their current financial situation. Otherwise, many could not afford expensive hourly legal fees after a serious accident.
Consult an Auto Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been hurt in a car accident in New Jersey, Judd Shaw Injury Law can guide you through the legal process to a satisfying resolution. Our seasoned attorneys, with decades of experience, are dedicated to defending the rights of accident victims and ensuring they receive full compensation.
We understand that the stress of an accident is overwhelming and you need time to recover, so trust us to advocate for you and your family. Our No Fee Guarantee® means you pay us only if we win your case.
Our team is ready 24/7 to offer a free case evaluation without any obligation. Call 732-888-8888 or fill out our online form to get started.
Content edited by personal injury attorney Judd Shaw. From the beginning, Judd established a set of Core Values laying out the pursuit for excellence in client service. He is a regular host of the Working The Wow podcast, with the belief that providing an exceptional client experience is just as important as delivering a quality service or product. You can find us in Red Bank and Tom‘s River, New Jersey.