When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?

Many things go through your mind after a car accident. In the aftermath, you may fear that you have been seriously injured and wonder if others have also been hurt. You also will consider the amount of damage to the vehicles involved. And you also may consider hiring an attorney, but when is the best time to do so?

One consideration in answering that question is whether you feel that filing a lawsuit is worth the effort. Every case is different, and there is no universal right answer. But that alone is a reason to consult experienced car accident attorneys as soon as possible. The personal injury legal team at De Castroverde Law Group will help you evaluate your accident, looking at the facts, evidence, and the law to decide if a lawsuit is right for you and your family.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

A car accident that causes serious injuries can also cost you a lot of money. It likely means a stay in a hospital followed by expensive follow-up care such as physical therapy or rehabilitation services. Your injuries may also keep you from working temporarily or permanently, leading to lost wages and a decline in living standards.

Reaching a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit can recover some of those substantial costs. Neither path is easy, as it requires careful attention to details and deadlines and an understanding of the law. A car accident lawyer removes the pressure of navigating those challenging details so you can focus on your recovery. Here are the areas where attorneys provide value:

Determining Fair Compensation

The goal of the lawsuit is to obtain fair compensation for your losses. This can be a complicated calculation, and it’s hard for non-lawyers to know what can be claimed and what can’t. Our attorneys have extensive experience on thousands of personal injury cases and can help you establish and seek the appropriate dollar figure, including compensation for pain and suffering. We can also help you understand what documents you need to prove your case.

Knowledge of the Law

Many personal injury cases require showing that the other parties acted recklessly or negligently. These terms have precise meanings under the law. Proving them as part of your claim requires an ability to present evidence that demonstrates recklessness or negligence. That’s what our car accident attorneys can do for you.

Tracking Deadlines

Time is of the essence in considering whether to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Nevada law generally requires personal injury cases to be filed within two years of the accident. Should you initiate litigation, the case will also have deadlines for proceedings. A car accident attorney will track those deadlines, so you fulfill all the obligations.

Level-Headed Negotiations

Serious injury from an accident can lead to enormous uncertainty. You’re working hard at recovery but may not know how successful you will be. If you’ve been sidelined from work, you may worry about your ability to provide. Our car accident attorneys will serve as your representative and handle negotiations for you throughout the case. This is especially important in the early days of a case as many opposing insurance companies may try to cajole you into an early settlement while you are in a vulnerable position. Having a third party negotiate for you often leads to better results.

Is a Lawsuit Worth It?

If negotiations to settle your claim with the insurance company prove unsuccessful, you may have to decide whether to file a lawsuit. Given the many variables involved, it’s common to wonder if the process is worth it. You and your attorneys will have to discuss the strength of your case, the specifics of the law and the nature of legal precedent, the presiding judge, the opposing counsel, and other details before you can decide.

Very personal factors will come into play as well. Personal injury litigation moves deliberately to protect the rights of both parties. At various phases, you will have to prove the strength of your case and overcome various motions. Getting to the trial stage may take a year or more. Deciding if a lawsuit is worth it requires evaluating the opposing party’s ability to pay. If you believe them to be insolvent, it may not make sense to proceed.

So, then, why sue? You may not have an alternative to obtaining the compensation you feel you deserve. If insurance company negotiations have failed, the only way to get justice is to file a lawsuit and take your case to a judge or jury. Sometimes the pressure of a lawsuit is enough to get opposing parties to increase their settlement offer to limit the number of legal fees and other risks. Remember, filing a lawsuit doesn’t necessarily mean you must go to trial. You can settle at any time.

Average Car Accident Settlements

The parties in the vast majority of personal injury lawsuits settle their cases before trial. Many people ask about average settlement amounts. That number can be highly misleading given the number of car accidents in the United States each year. So keep in mind that every case is different. According to Lawyers.com, the average personal injury settlement between 2015 and 2020 was about $30,000 when someone was injured.

Maximize Personal Injury Recovery

Car accident claims and personal injury lawsuits can help with financial issues following a car accident. Both proceedings require the assistance of experienced counsel. Trust the personal injury legal team at De Castroverde Law Group for the counsel you need to obtain the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle accidents. Don’t hesitate another minute. Call us or contact us online for an initial consultation.