Thousands of car accidents occur every year in Missouri. If one of them happens to you, you may find yourself in the position of needing to hire a car accident attorney. A person who hires a personal injury attorney may be working with the lawyer they choose for months to come, so it can be helpful to know in advance how to hire and work with a lawyer. Steelman Gaunt Crowley offers a free case review in which one of our experienced car accident attorneys can explain how we may be able to help with your case. Call (573) 341-8336 today to learn more.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common examples include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological harm, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Impact of Car Accident Injuries on Daily Tasks
These injuries often represent a substantial drain on the injured person’s time and attention. The person may need to attend multiple doctor’s appointments during the course of their recovery, and depending on the extent of the injuries they may feel unwell or be significantly limited in their mobility, energy, and other areas for some time. They may have other responsibilities, too, such as coordinating with their employer about when (or if) they can return to work, often while trying to take care of their families.
Navigating Car Accident Injury Claims
The combination of all these factors means that car accident claims can be complex and demand a great deal of attention, time, and resources, which a person attempting to recover from their injuries may not have when they are already dealing with so much. In these circumstances, it may make sense to consider hiring a car accident attorney after a crash.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
There is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, car accident lawyers may be able to provide crucial legal assistance following a crash. They may be able to help by taking some or all of the following actions on their client’s behalf:
Investigating the Accident
A personal injury attorney will often initiate a comprehensive investigation of the accident. Crashes are often due to driver error, such as:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Texting while driving
- Following too closely
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving
Many car accidents are due to the negligence of others, but some are due to other factors such as defective motor vehicles or parts. A thorough investigation can help uncover who is responsible for the damages a car accident victim has sustained as a result of the accident. Correctly identifying the responsible parties is an essential step toward seeking fair compensation, whether through a negotiated settlement or in court.
Gathering Evidence
Personal injury attorneys will generally have the legal knowledge and professional training to gather evidence that may help to establish fault and determine the full extent of an accident victim’s damages, such as:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident
- Broken car parts
- Repair reports and estimates
- Employment loss statements
- Information stored electronically, such as information from any event data recorder in the vehicles involved
Explaining Your Legal Rights and Options
After investigating a car accident victim’s case, a lawyer will typically hold a consultation with the client to explain their legal rights and options. Some of their next steps could include filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, filing a claim with the victim’s own insurance provider, and/or filing a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances involved.
Handling Communication With Insurance Companies
One of the most important roles of a car accident lawyer is to protect their client’s legal claim. One of the ways they can do this is by handling communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize the value of claims by blaming the victim or using recorded statements against them. A lawyer will often manage communications with the at-fault party’s insurance company on their client’s behalf so the victim does not say anything that might harm their claim.
Preparing a Demand Package
A car accident lawyer frequently uses the evidence they have collected in the case to prepare a demand package that states the basic facts surrounding the accident and explains why the other driver was at fault. This package will typically specify the amount of compensation demanded. The sum is based on the injured party’s damages and may include:
- Medical expenses
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace the victim’s vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
A lawyer will usually try to settle the injured driver’s claim with the insurance company for the maximum amount possible under the circumstances. The insurance company may respond to the demand package by making a counter offer with a lower figure. The attorney may then respond to that offer with a counter offer of their own, on behalf of their client. Some cases may take several rounds of negotiations before a final car accident settlement is reached. If a settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury attorney may then prepare a complaint and file a lawsuit to seek compensation through litigation.
How To Find a Car Accident Attorney
There are several different ways a car accident victim can find a qualified car accident attorney. The Missouri Bar offers a lawyer directory of lawyers licensed in the state. You can learn more about attorneys here. While you are looking for a lawyer, be sure you check with the Missouri Courts’ ethics and discipline committee to see if the lawyer has any disciplinary record, such as running afoul of ethics. You can also ask a friend, family member, or other trusted person for a personal recommendation. Another option is to read client testimonials and more information about lawyers on their websites.
Steelman Gaunt Crowley offers a free, no-obligation case review. This allows you to learn more about the firm and how they may be able to help you.
What Is Your Role With the Car Accident Attorney?
If a car accident victim decides to hire and work with a personal injury attorney, the client’s role with the car accident lawyer will depend on a combination of their own preferences and the working process of the lawyer they have selected. Some clients prefer to be hands-off, while others like to be more involved in the process. A lawyer may ask their client to help with the claim by:
- Providing them with all accident-related documents
- Signing medical release forms so the attorney can obtain those records
- Updating them with doctor’s visits and the status of injuries, especially medical expectations for ongoing treatment or projected timelines for recovery
- Keeping a daily pain journal to record injury symptoms and side effects
When an injured driver contacts an attorney for a free case review, they should be sure to ask about how often they can expect to hear from the lawyer and how the victim can help in their own case. They may also want to ask about the attorney’s fees, as well as about strategies for recovering future medical expenses, especially if their injuries are severe.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
You may be able to learn more about your legal rights and options following a car accident that was not your fault by contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley. An experienced Missouri car accident attorney can meet with you during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (573) 341-8336 today to learn how we may be able to help, what you can expect from us if you hire us, and the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer.
