If you were recently injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you might be eligible for financial compensation covering all medical expenses and damages. The reckless behavior or fault of another party shouldn’t be something you have to pay for, especially in the event that your insurance company isn’t providing you with adequate funds. To get the financial support and settlement you deserve in Colorado, you’ll often need the assistance of an experienced Denver accident lawyer.
Many individuals injured in car accidents aren’t even sure where to get started when it comes to finding justice or financial support for their concerns. If you aren’t sure if your case merits legal action or you have questions about the potential value of your case, you should consider setting up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. You’ll get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your next move towards reaching a settlement.
This article will walk you through the basics of what a car accident attorney can do for you. We’ll answer some of your common questions, including how you might be able to pay for legal services and what type of evidence you’ll need.
Initial Consultation
To start working towards a settlement that helps you pay for the medical expenses and damages resulting from a car accident, you’ll need to set up a consultation with a personal injury or car accident attorney. Initial consultations are often free, though this isn’t always the case depending on the attorney’s prestige and bandwidth for taking on new cases. Fees can range up to $100 an hour- though this usually isn’t the case. Initial consultations for car accident cases typically run between 15 and 30 minutes.
At the initial consultation, you’ll get answers to questions about the value of your case, your potential for a settlement, and the type of process that you’ll need to go through to seek justice. Remember, initial consultations are also an opportunity to investigate if an attorney will be the right fit for your case. If you believe you will find more reliable expertise elsewhere, don’t hesitate to search for more specialized legal professionals. No two car accident injury cases are alike. The circumstances and details of the case will be discussed and revisited many times over in later negotiations or in court.
Understanding Your Case Type
Not all personal injury and accident cases involve a collision of two cars. Truck accidents are another common form of accident injury case. These cases are unique in that many truck drivers have special insurance and representation options given the size of their vehicle and blind spots. Bicycle accident and pedestrian accident injury cases are also unique circumstances in which you might want to consider hiring a personal injury attorney.
Gathering Evidence
To prove the fault or negligence of another driver, your attorney will gather all available evidence on your behalf so that it’s presentable in either negotiation or court. The evidence in question can include a wide array of items. Police reports and damage inspections are usually an important place to start. Traffic camera footage can be beneficial, as can dashcam footage if you have it available.
Any photos you take in the time immediately following the collision can help prove the value of your case, as can statements from witnesses. Medical bills, reports from doctors, and information about the treatment required for recovery from the injury is often necessary. The evidence necessary for proving fault or negligence varies significantly from case to case. Even in accidents where another driver was acting under the influence, it can be tricky to prove fault.
Negotiations
When you’re selecting an accident attorney for your case, you’ll need to evaluate their ability to represent you at the negotiations stage. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf with both the opposing counsel and the relevant insurance companies, particularly if you’re seeking a more significant dispensation. Most cases are resolved during the negotiations process, but for particularly high-value investigations, the two parties may be required to appear before a judge to reach a resolution.
Taking Your Case to Court
The right lawyer for your car accident injury case will know when it’s time to elevate your case and bring the evidence you have on hand before a judge. Most of the time, accident injury cases only require court when the financial value of the case is exceptionally high. A judge can rule which party is at fault, or assign a division of fault, where the opposing party may be required to pay for a portion of the injuries and damages you’ve experienced.
Paying for Legal Services
It’s no secret that hiring an attorney isn’t cheap. When it comes to seeking compensation for a car accident injury, many individuals are hesitant to reach out simply because of the cost. However, many attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if you win your case. Certain settlements may also include financial compensation for the cost of legal assistance. You should consider asking about the attorney’s fee structure or billing requirements at your initial consultation. While paying for a lawyer might seem like an insurmountable expense from the outset, it often ends up costing less than you think.
Conclusion – How to Seek Compensation for a Car Accident Injury
If you have recently been injured in a car accident because of someone else’s fault or negligence, you should consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able. You shouldn’t have the pay for other people’s poor decisions when operating a vehicle. The right lawyer for your case can guide you through the entire process of reaching a settlement, from initial consultation to final compensation.