Millions of car accidents occur nationwide every year. They range from minor fender benders to fatal collisions involving multiple vehicles. If you need to file a compensation claim for an auto crash, car accident lawyers can strengthen your case and increase your chances of earning a fair settlement. 

Several types of lawyers may play a role in your case, but personal injury attorneys are most commonly associated with these cases. 

Personal Injury Law and its Relevance to Car Accidents

Personal injury law allows a hurt victim to sue the negligent party for legal damages. When another person’s actions cause you harm, you may have the right to pursue compensation to cover the losses caused by your injury. 

In personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, a party is often at fault for the collision, so injured victims can hold them responsible for their actions. Car accident lawyers will help victims assess their damages, gather evidence, and support their compensation claims. 

Types of Legal Claims in Car Accidents

You can pursue multiple types of claims with the help of an experienced car accident attorney

In a personal injury claim, you can seek damages suffered because of your injury, such as lost income from missing work, medical bills, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. You could also file a property damage claim to cover the repair costs involved with your damaged vehicle. 

If a person dies in a car accident, their surviving family members can sue the at-fault party for additional damages like funeral costs and loss of companionship with the help of a wrongful death attorney

Personal Injury Lawyer & Specialization in Car Accidents

Personal injury lawyers handle many cases. Although severe injuries can occur in workplaces, healthcare clinics, warehouses, construction sites, and other common locations, car accident injuries are prevalent. As such, many personal injury lawyers specialize in supporting car accident victims through the claims process. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities of Cat Accident Lawyers

Your personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in the legal process. In a car accident case, you must prove that the at-fault party was responsible for the collision and directly caused your injuries or property damage. 

Although the burden of proof is not the same as a criminal proceeding, you still must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the defendant caused you harm. 

A personal injury lawyer will investigate your case and look for evidence supporting your claim. Some examples of evidence include medical records, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, images of the accident scene, police reports, and expert consultations. 

Your car accident lawyer will then negotiate with the defendant or insurance company to ensure total compensation for all damages. 

If litigation is necessary or your case advances to court, your auto accident attorney will represent you. 

Personal Injury Car Accident Attorney

Other Types of Attorneys Who May Handle Car Accident Cases

Although personal injury lawyers are most frequently associated with these cases, other types of law firms could get involved. Here are a few legal professionals who could play a role in your legal pursuits after a car accident. 

Insurance Defense Attorneys

Insurance companies want to avoid making hefty payouts to crash victims. When they are involved in compensation negotiations, their goal is to undermine the plaintiff’s case and offer as little as possible. Often, the insurance company will hire its own defense attorneys who will represent the carrier’s interests. 

These insurance companies have significant financial resources, so hiring an attorney may be necessary to level the playing field. If you have your own car accident lawyer, they will engage with the attorneys hired by the insurance company when negotiating compensation. 

Criminal Defense Attorneys

A car accident lawyer specializes in civil lawsuits for victims of auto accidents. In civil cases, defendants are held accountable and may pay the victim for damages suffered through their insurance company or out of their pocket. However, if a crime was committed, such as DUI or reckless driving, then there may also be a criminal proceeding. 

Criminal defense attorneys will also play a role in this situation. Criminal trials are separate from civil cases, so you could still pursue compensation with a lawsuit even if a court case is ongoing with your car accident case. 

Other Specialized Attorneys

A few other legal professionals could become involved in your claim. Product liability lawyers are more suited to handle cases where product liability caused an accident, such as a defective car part. Employment lawyers could strengthen your compensation claim if you miss out on your paycheck while recovering from your injury. 

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Car Accident Attorney for Your Case

An experienced lawyer can make all the difference as you pursue legal action after a car accident. Whether you have suffered a minor injury, damage to your motor vehicle, or lost a loved one in a car accident, your best chance of compensation is with guidance from a legal representative. 

Here are a few things to consider when searching for the best car accident attorney for your case. 

Experience and Expertise

When you hire a lawyer to help you secure the compensation you deserve, you must pick an experienced attorney with deep knowledge of car accident cases. You need someone with a long track record of success with past car accident victims. 

As you research various car accident attorneys, find firms that have been around for years and can prove their track record with client testimonials and online reviews. 

The more experienced and successful your attorney is, the more likely they will help you win a significant car accident settlement. Even minor accidents deserve the attention of a long-time auto accident lawyer to ensure you receive what you deserve for legal damages. 

Communication and Accessibility

In an accident caused by someone else, the burden is on you to prove that they are at fault and caused you harm, a challenging prospect for those with no legal background. When you hire an attorney, you want someone who has excellent communication and is always accessible. 

The right kind of lawyer will answer your call, communicate with you throughout the process, and guide you through your claim. Availability is critical, especially when you have questions about your rights or the legal process itself, so if a law firm offers free consultations, you can take advantage of this service. The best car accident lawyer will be responsive to your needs.  

Fee Structure and Payment Options

Most personal injury attorneys may work on a contingency fee basis. However, some will require upfront payments or billable hours throughout the claims process. A contingency fee agreement is the best format for injury claims because personal injury lawyers only get paid if the claims are successful. They get paid out of the settlement based on an agreed fee or percentage.

This setup significantly benefits victims in car accident cases because they do not have to worry about upfront fees. Since they may also be dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or other financial concerns, a contingency fee agreement makes it easier for plaintiffs to afford car accident claims. 

Secure Expert Legal Representation for Your Car Accident Claim

Personal injury lawyers help victims of car accidents seek compensation for damages suffered. Whether there are injuries sustained, property damage, or a lost loved one after the accident, the right law firm can increase your chances of winning your claim. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers has vast experience with motor vehicle accidents and has won many claims on behalf of accident victims. 

Call us at 888-424-5757 or complete our contact form for your free consultation.