What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?
Car accident lawyers fulfill many roles throughout car accident cases, from conducting initial investigations into the accident to negotiating settlements and representing their clients in court. If you were injured in a Pennsylvania car accident, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to maximize your compensation.
Investigating Car Accidents
One of the first tasks a car accident lawyer performs is investigating how the accident occurred. This investigation involves identifying the at-fault party or parties and gathering supporting evidence necessary to hold them financially liable for your injuries.
Parties that may be liable for your injuries include:
- Other motorists
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle maintenance providers
- Government entities
As part of their investigation, your lawyer may collect the following types of evidence to support your claim:
- Accident scene photographs
- Police report
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness testimony
- Medical records
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Vehicle computer data
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Insurance companies are always looking to pay as little as possible, meaning they’ll try to take advantage of you at every turn. Even your own insurance company will do this when you file a no-fault insurance claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
A car accident lawyer will deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to. If the insurance company contacts you to ask questions about the accident, you can simply direct them to your lawyer rather than speaking to them yourself. If you don’t, the insurance adjuster will try to trick you into admitting fault, which could harm your claim.
With your lawyer handling the insurance company, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Calculating Damages
You need a lawyer who can accurately calculate your losses so they can pursue the maximum compensation you’re owed. “Damages” are the compensation you seek for your losses. Losses you experience after an accident can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
It’s difficult to know how much your case is worth without a lawyer who knows how to assess the value of your losses. Car accident victims who try to handle their cases on their own and are unaware of the value of their intangible losses often accept settlements for less than their case is actually worth. A lawyer can prevent this from occurring.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
In addition to dealing with the insurance company and calculating your damages, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to seek a settlement that covers all your expenses. Insurance companies offer low settlements at first in the hope that you won’t know the value of your case or will accept it to get the money quicker. However, your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and only accept a settlement they believe is fair and that you approve.
Filing Car Accident Lawsuits
If the insurance company in your case refuses to offer a fair settlement, your next option for seeking the compensation you need is to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will make sure to file your lawsuit within the two-year time limit outlined in PA’s statute of limitations.
In court, your lawyer will present the evidence they gathered and seek the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Contact Our PA Car Accident Lawyers
Were you in a car accident in western Pennsylvania? Contact Ainsman Levine, LLC, for a free consultation with a dedicated member of our legal team. We’ll explain your options for seeking compensation and walk you through what to expect from your case.