May 29, 2023
There are over 6 million car accidents in the United States every year, so it’s likely that you or someone you know has been involved in an accident recently.
When this happens, you want to do everything you can to get compensated fairly for your injuries and other losses, which will require hiring a car accident lawyer at some point.
If you haven’t gone through this process before, here are five helpful tips to help ensure that your car accident insurance claim is successful.
Know when it’s time to seek legal help
Knowing whether or not to take legal action after a car accident can be difficult.
Many people try to handle their claim on their own, but as with any legal matter, you might be better off seeking professional help.
Suppose you’re looking into hiring a car accident lawyer. In that case, it’s important to know what kind of damage your case is worth and if there are any additional costs or expenses associated with taking legal action.
A lawyer will let you know exactly how much your claim is worth based on your specific situation—and they might be able to negotiate lower medical bills or get you more compensation than you would have received otherwise.
How long do I have to file?
Most states have a statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits, which is a specific period of time after an accident in which you can file a claim.
This time frame varies from state to state, but it’s important to know that you could be barred from recovering damages if you fail to file your lawsuit within these guidelines.
Your attorney should review your case and let you know whether or not your statute of limitations has expired. If it has expired, you may want to consider filing as soon as possible so you don’t lose out on valuable time.
Car accident lawyer: Don’t be surprised if friends or family members try to convince you against filing an insurance claim and hiring a car accident lawyer in Jacksonville or another city.
Should I settle?
Before you settle a car accident lawsuit, make sure you’ve considered all your options. Should I settle my case?
Every car accident lawsuit is different and each case can have different factors influencing settlement negotiations, so it’s important to get advice from an experienced attorney.
It may be in your best interest to pursue a lawsuit and put forth legal action in some cases.
For example, suppose there were extenuating circumstances that led to your injury or property damage. In that case, your lawyer might advise you to file a suit because filing could help strengthen your claim.
Car accident law firms with experience dealing with settlement negotiations can guide you through that process based on legal precedents in similar cases and what occurred during any discussions with insurance companies.
Where can I find car accident lawyers?
In order to file a car accident lawsuit, you need a qualified car accident lawyer on your side.
The firm you choose can make or break your case. So how do you find an excellent law firm?
Start by asking friends and family if they’ve had an experience with a great accident lawyer in your area.
Then call up several well-reviewed lawyers and see which one speaks to you best.
All consultations are free, so it’s worth taking advantage of them before making your final decision.
How much will this cost me?
Even if you’re confident you have a case, car accident law firms typically won’t take on clients unless they think they can settle or win your case.
That’s because it costs money to investigate and try a case. And in most cases, if an attorney loses, you have to pay that attorney.
It’s why these firms are called contingency fee arrangements—if they can win your case, their fees will be paid out of any monetary award or settlement, not out of your pocket.