Car Accident Attorneys

What does a car accident lawyer do?

A car accident attorney is a personal injury lawyer who focuses on representing people injured in motor vehicle accidents. This type of attorney may be involved in:

• Investigating the causes of a car accident
• Reviewing insurance policies to determine which coverage is applicable
• Retaining experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating with medical providers to help their clients get medical care
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Taking depositions from witnesses
• Representing clients in civil court, if necessary

Car accident lawyers generally focus on representing people injured or killed in car crashes. While many lawyers will also handle the property damage portion of an injured client’s claim, they generally do not accept cases for property damage only.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the eventual recovery. That percentage is typically one-third, but it varies from law firm to law firm and may be adjusted depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket expenses paid by the client to the lawyer.

How can I choose the right car accident lawyer?

Laws pertaining to car accidents, fault, comparative negligence, types of damages (financial compensation), and car insurance vary significantly from state to state, so it’s important to choose an attorney who has experience litigating motor vehicle accidents in your state. Even within the same state, it’s important to have a lawyer who knows the judges and juries in your jurisdiction. The lawyer you choose should have experience and a track record of results in cases like yours (though note that no two cases are the same and past results are not a guarantee of future performance).

Nearly all car accident attorneys offer a free consultation, so it’s usually a good idea to at least talk to a lawyer after you’re injured in an accident. The attorney will listen to your story, explain your legal options and assess whether you have a viable case.