The unfortunate happens, and you or a family member has been injured or faced financial loss after a car accident. While deciding how to proceed, you may consider hiring a car accident lawyer in Denver or its surrounding areas, but you may have some questions about what exactly they do and how they can help.
As you continue reading below, we’ll provide some clarity on what a car accident lawyer is, what they do, and when you might seek one out.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in tort law related to car accidents. These legal professionals represent and provide guidance to victims after being involved in a car accident caused by another driver.
Their goal is to build the strongest case to help you receive compensation that will cover the expenses and consequences you’ve incurred as a result of being injured in a car accident, including:
- Vehicle replacement/repair
- Bills for medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
Main Responsibilities of a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident lawyers put a great deal of time and resources into building your case and helping you seek the compensation you deserve.
Based on their years of experience, personal injury lawyers understand the tricks and strategies that insurance companies often employ to take advantage of car accident victims and avoid payment. Personal injury law firms work to tip the advantage in favor of the car crash victims, advocating for their best interests by building a solid personal injury claim.
To give you a better idea of how an auto accident attorney may help in your situation, here are some of the duties they can have when working on car accident cases.
Providing Legal Advice
Consulting with a car accident attorney can help you gain a better understanding of your legal options and how personal injury law applies to your case. To untrained professionals, tort law can be shrouded in mystery and legalese, and often vary state by state.
A car accident lawyer’s job is to leverage their expertise to help you determine what the best course of action is to protect yourself legally and recover any compensation you may be entitled to.
When you’re going up against a big insurance company, it may feel like your options for recourse are limited. But, working with an experienced attorney can provide you with personalized advice based on the details of your case.
As one of the top auto accident attorneys in Denver, we are well-versed in local and state-specific laws for motor vehicle accidents in Colorado. At Sandene Law, we’re not just knowledgeable, but we know how to put this successfully into practice. We provide expert guidance to our clients based on our 10+ years of experience with personal injury claims in Colorado. In other words, we understand the nuances of the process that can only be learned through familiarity and experience – which we’ve done successfully time and time again.
Investigating the Accident
Car accident lawyers get to work behind the scenes to thoroughly investigate the accident and prove the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence. They may review existing evidence, police reports, and witness statements, consult with experts, and hire their own investigators to seek out additional supporting evidence for your case.
Many car accident lawyers, like the team at Sandene Law, are willing to go above and beyond with investigations to help you build the strongest case. Even for small or difficult cases, if we believe the claim is just and in the best interest of our clients, we will go the extra mile.
Working with Insurance Companies
Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies can be a stressful task for those who are unfamiliar with the system.
These companies handle injury claims on a frequent basis, meaning they typically have the upper hand over victims when it comes to negotiating settlements. Often the last thing a car accident victim wants to do while recovering from their injuries is add more to their plate.
They may not have the time, energy, or knowledge to successfully make and negotiate a personal injury claim with insurance companies, which providers are hoping for so they can make the minimal payout possible.
An experienced personal injury firm like Sandene Law is familiar with the tactics of major carriers and can communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to file a personal injury claim on your behalf.
We have an excellent track record for fighting insurance companies to get our clients the best possible settlements and filing a lawsuit if they fail to cooperate.
Handling Medical Records
Another responsibility that car accident lawyers take on is requesting your medical records related to the vehicle accident and providing them to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Again, handling paperwork and knowing how much to divulge to the at-fault party’s insurance company can be challenging for car crash victims. Experienced lawyers, like the team at Sandene Law, are dedicated to protecting your privacy and know how to do so while still building a solid claim. We only provide the insurance company with medical records pertinent to the case and redact any private information that is unrelated to the claim.
Trial Representation
Should the insurance company fail to offer a fair settlement after reviewing your claim, a car accident lawyer will represent your case in court with the goal of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
The expert team at Sandene Law understands the tactics and strategies of the big insurance companies. We know how to build a winning case for a jury that will provide you with adequate compensation.
What if You Don’t Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
It can be very challenging to build a personal injury claim without the assistance of a car accident attorney. For starters, understanding the local laws and filing deadlines in your area is the first hurdle that car accident victims will come across. Being able to consult with a legal professional who is well-versed in this area provides much more peace of mind and clarity around personal injury law and how it relates to your case.
Plus, as we’ve discussed throughout, negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company can be very intimidating for the average car crash victim. Their team handling personal injury claims is trained to maximize company profits to the benefit of their shareholders, hoping you’ll settle for the minimal payout possible or accept the fault of the accident yourself.
After going back and forth with the insurance company for months or even years, you may feel like you have no other choice but to accept their offer. Put simply, while not impossible, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to receive the maximum compensation you deserve without the help of a car accident lawyer to advocate for your best interests.
When Should You Seek Out a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were in a car accident that resulted in injury, financial loss, or even the death of a loved one that was caused by another driver’s recklessness or negligence, you may consider contacting a car accident lawyer to help you receive fair compensation.
Car accident lawyers can provide guidance on both minor and major accidents, helping you reach a fair and timely outcome for your circumstances.
At Sandene Law, we understand that being involved in a car accident is already a stressful situation, so we seek to remove any unneeded stress in the aftermath. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when you do.
To see if a car accident lawyer can help you with your case, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
FAQ’s
How does the process of determining compensation differ in cases where the accident resulted in permanent disability or loss of consortium?
Compensation determination in cases of permanent disability or loss of consortium can be complex, with car accident lawyers working to quantify future damages and negotiate for adequate compensation to cover ongoing expenses.
Can a car accident lawyer assist with navigating any potential criminal charges resulting from the accident, such as DUI or reckless driving charges?
While primarily focused on civil aspects, car accident lawyers can assist in navigating potential criminal charges resulting from accidents, often referring victims to specialized criminal defense attorneys for DUI or reckless driving charges.
Are there specific circumstances under which hiring a car accident lawyer might not be necessary or beneficial for the victim?
Hiring a car accident lawyer may not be necessary in minor accidents with no injuries or significant property damage, but consulting one can provide clarity and ensure protection of the victim’s rights in cases with uncertainties or complexities.
What steps can a car accident lawyer take to ensure the protection of the victim’s rights and privacy during the legal process?
Car accident lawyers safeguard the victim’s rights and privacy by managing communication and negotiations with insurance companies, redacting private information from medical records, and providing legal guidance throughout the process.
In what ways can a car accident lawyer assist with addressing emotional trauma and psychological effects resulting from the accident, beyond just financial compensation?
Beyond financial compensation, car accident lawyers can support victims by referring them to mental health professionals for counseling, advocating for inclusion of emotional distress compensation, and providing ongoing assistance to cope with the accident’s emotional impact.
