A car accident lawyer is your #1 advocate after a crash. Car accidents can turn your life upside down, adding extra trauma and stress to your daily routine. Some accidents might alter your routine entirely, leaving you with lifelong injuries and an inability to work.
So, what does a car accident lawyer do to help? While you focus on recovery, we focus on earning you compensation for injuries and other damages, such as lost wages or property damage. Insurance companies do not want to pay what you are owed—an accident attorney will hold these companies accountable.
The legal system seems complex and unforgiving on the surface, but with an experienced attorney by your side, the path to justice is more accessible than ever. A car accident attorney like the ones at Naqvi Injury Law focuses on your well-being above all else. They will do the heavy lifting while you recover from trauma.
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The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer’s primary goal is to secure maximum compensation for injured victims.
After a car accident, injured parties file a claim with their insurer. Insurance companies are massive institutions, and many focus on maintaining profits instead of properly covering their customers.
Your insurer will take any opportunity to find weaknesses in your claim. A car accident attorney will help you craft the strongest possible claim and earn you compensation for the following:
- Medical bills and long-term care
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost or reduced wages
- Lower quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
It’s important to hire a top-tier lawyer after a car accident. Not all lawyers have the same experience or knowledge, so making the right choice could alter the outcome of your case. A trustworthy car accident lawyer will have significant knowledge of tort law and state-specific regulations.
Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer is Important
Car accidents are incredibly common in the United States—most drivers will be involved in an accident at some point during their lifetime. Unfortunately, many accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities. Recovering from these situations requires the assistance of a car accident lawyer.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes led to over 36,000 fatalities in 2019. Serious injuries and fatalities can alter the lives of individuals and families instantly, leaving loved ones in emotional and financial distress.
Filing a claim by yourself can be challenging. In some cases, it is counterproductive. An accident claim has many moving parts—an attorney will help you organize evidence, negotiate compensation, and seek legal action if necessary.
Without a lawyer’s counsel, you face a complex legal system and predatory insurer tactics. You have already dealt with enough stress after an accident—the last thing you need is another challenge. A car accident attorney can give you a leg up over your insurer, helping you secure proper medical care and financial compensation for your losses.
You should still seek an accident attorney after a minor collision. An attorney can help you prove that the other driver was at fault, secure compensation for vehicle repairs, and protect you from unexpected insurance issues.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can help you during every step of the claims process. Most lawyers will assemble an expert team to strengthen your case, using their vast network of legal and medical connections to develop a watertight strategy.
If necessary, they will negotiate your compensation or take your insurer to court. A trustworthy accident attorney will be prepared for anything, assisting you with the following:
- Evidence collection (gathering photos, reports, and witness statements)
- Accident investigation and reconstruction
- Communication with insurance companies
- Development of a claim strategy
- Filing paperwork and meeting deadlines
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Providing regular case updates and client support
Legal Guidance Throughout the Claims Process
Filing a claim can be complicated when done alone. Having an advisor is important, especially when confronted with injustices or confusing gray areas.
An accident attorney will give you tailored legal advice from initial consultation until resolution, offering valuable insight into how your insurer appraises a claim. They will provide expert guidance during negotiations and represent you during a settlement or trial.
In some cases, the fault is more complicated than it seems on the surface. A two-car crash may be the fault of a third party rather than one of the drivers. A car accident attorney can discover this fact when collecting evidence. Possible third parties include government agencies, ride-sharing companies, or auto manufacturers.
Damage Evaluation and Compensation Types
Economic Damages
Economic damages from a car accident may include current and future medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair or replacement. If your insurer denies your claim or offers poor compensation for your claim, these costs could place you in extreme debt.
A skilled car accident lawyer will ensure that you build a strong claim and are protected from falling into economic hardship.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages typically compensate for emotional trauma. You may receive payment for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
Wrongful Death Damages
If a car accident victim dies from another party’s negligence, wrongful death damages are provided for the victim’s beneficiaries. These damages might include:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
Managing Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies operate like businesses, often interested in profits instead of their customers’ well-being. They use a variety of tactics to reduce payouts, but an experienced lawyer will identify these lowball offers and counter them with irrefutable evidence.
The negotiation process can be taxing, but you don’t need to go through it alone. A quality car accident lawyer will fight for you through thick and thin, aggressively negotiating fair payment for you and your beneficiaries.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Timelines
In the wake of a car accident, it may seem like you have no free time. You must focus on recovering and filing your insurance claim while performing your day-to-day tasks. This schedule can become overwhelming and impossible to maintain, but a car accident attorney can take the weight of the world off your back.
It’s important to stay on schedule when filing an accident claim. Each state has a specified timeframe in which you can file, called the statute of limitations. If you attempt to file a claim after the statute of limitations expires, you will likely be rejected and lose all chance of receiving compensation.
Filing a claim with your insurer and filing a legal claim are two different things. An accident attorney will ensure you stay on schedule for both filings. Nevada’s statute of limitations is two years, but your insurer’s requirements can vary.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
A car accident attorney will streamline the legal process and provide a clear roadmap to earning you compensation. Instead of approaching your claim with uncertainty, you can be confident in your opportunity to receive proper compensation.
An accident attorney will guide you through the following steps:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation: An attorney reviews the facts of your case and determines whether you can receive compensation for your losses.
- Investigation and documentation: Evidence, witness testimony, and official documents are collected in support of your claim. Outside assistance from medical professionals and crash experts may also be requested.
- Claim filing and negotiation: Your claim is filed with evidence designed to increase compensation. If your insurer denies your claim or offers subpar compensation, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf.
- Trial preparation (if necessary): If a settlement is not reached, your attorney will prepare your case for trial.
- Settlement or court judgment: Once a decision is made, your attorney will advise your next steps.
- Post-settlement support: Your attorney will update you on the timeline for payouts and protect you from unexpected insurance difficulties. An insurer may try to recover money they lost, but don’t worry—your attorney will stand up for your rights.
Special Case Considerations
Some car accident cases are more complex than others. If you are in an accident involving the following, a car accident attorney will help you navigate the claims process:
- Multiple drivers, pedestrians, or other parties
- Government or commercial vehicles
- Underinsured/uninsured drivers
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can make all the difference. Here’s what to look for when hiring an attorney:
- Extensive experience in their field (and in your state)
- Proper credentials and reputable awards
- A track record of success
- Favorable customer reviews
Remember that a lawyer’s resume isn’t everything. They may seem great on paper, but you’ll truly know their character once you meet them. You deserve a lawyer who is communicative, responsive, and genuinely interested in your well-being.
Trustworthy lawyers typically offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay a cent until your case is won. Once the legal process is complete, your attorney will receive a portion of your compensation as payment. This structure protects you from hidden fees and dishonest legal practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Yes, it is recommended that you hire a lawyer for accidents of any severity. A lawyer will protect you from accusations of fault, predatory insurance practices, and other legal difficulties. They can also earn you compensation for minor damages.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Car accident lawyers typically work with a contingency fee structure. This means you don’t pay until your case is won. Your lawyer will be paid with a portion of the awarded compensation.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You can be compensated for economic, non-economic, and wrongful death damages. Economic examples include lost wages and medical bills, while noneconomic examples include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other trauma-related damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of your car accident to file a claim.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Safety should be your priority after an accident. If you or a passenger is injured, call for medical help. Do not move an injured person unless necessary (in the event of a fire, for example). Some serious injuries, such as spinal injuries, might be masked by adrenaline and will worsen with movement.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
Every car accident case is different, but most cases will take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to resolve. Complex cases may continue for multiple years—this can happen when multiple parties and millions of dollars are involved.
What documents should I bring to my consultation with a car accident lawyer?
We recommend bringing all available documents regarding your accident. This includes police reports, medical bills, and evidence of vehicle damage.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Can Make All the Difference
Car accident law can be difficult to navigate alone. Insurance companies will try to exploit you and refrain from paying what you deserve. A trustworthy car accident lawyer will earn you proper compensation, being your advocate from initial consultation until well after your case is won.
At Naqvi Injury Law, we proudly assist victims of car accidents in Las Vegas and southern Nevada. Our accident attorneys care about your case and will work tirelessly to earn you the financial reward you deserve.
Our experts are highly respected in the field of personal injury law—we have earned our clients millions of dollars and helped them receive exceptional medical care.
The sooner you file a claim, the stronger your case will be. Our award-winning team will immediately begin working on your case, so schedule a free consultation with Naqvi Injury Law today.