Some lawyers simply collect available evidence and use it for accident claims. Then there are those who visit accident sites themselves, scour hospital records, and work with economic analysts to get an accident victim the compensation they deserve. The difference between these approaches can determine whether you receive fair compensation or settle for far less than you deserve.
After something as traumatic as an accident, you want the kind of lawyer who fights for you—someone who has the legal expertise to build a formidable case and tip the scales towards your claim. You want car accident lawyers like Joe Zaid, who know how to handle unpredictable developments and still ensure your claim stands strong. Here’s how they do it.
1. Meticulous Investigation
If your lawyer is trying to impress you with quick work, it’s a red flag. Seasoned lawyers dedicate ample time to thorough investigation, which is the foundation for any strong case. They collect all available evidence, often visiting the crash site themselves to gather witness statements, take photo evidence, and conduct a thorough examination for an accurate reconstruction. Such lawyers understand that victims cannot always gather sufficient evidence while reeling from an accident, and put effort into looking for things they may have missed.
2. Collaborating With Experts
Complex cases, especially those involving multiple-vehicle collisions, contentious fault, or severe injuries, require expert consultations. Skilled lawyers work with medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and other relevant specialists to not just collect statements, but also to bring in testimony to support your case.
3. Addressing Non-Economic Damages
Most lawyers often resort to medical bills and economic damages (such as repair costs and loss of wages) to build a case. However, expert lawyers know these aren’t enough—skilled car accident lawyers also include non-economic damages to compensate for emotional distress and pain, building a strong case. Here’s how:
- Documenting Emotional Impact: Lawyers collaborate with mental health professionals, such as therapists, to assess long-term distress or PTSD from the accident.
- Establishing Negligence: They gather and present toxicology reports, police statements, and witness testimonies to claim punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence, such as reckless driving, DUI, and malicious driving.
- Challenging Unfair Evaluations: Skilled lawyers counter low insurer evaluations by leveraging case precedents, medical reports, and strategic arguments about how the accident has impacted you financially (loss of income, harm to future earning capacity, diminished quality of life, etc.).
- Litigation in Court: In case of an insurer refusing to pay fairly, a dedicated lawyer will go to court to litigate your claim before a judge.
4. Exercising Accident Law Expertise
The more experienced a lawyer is, the better chances your case has. Seasoned lawyers get knee-deep into building strong cases by leveraging their knowledge of accident laws. They’re adept at leveraging legal strategies to prove liability and prevent insurers from acting in bad faith, typically including:
- Assessing reports, traffic laws, and accident reconstructions to determine fault and prove negligence.
- Tackling bad-faith insurance claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and policy-limit arguments.
- Pursuing claims against manufacturers for accidents involving mechanical failures.
- Countering notorious insurer tactics through expert litigation, testimonies, and negotiation.
- Arguing or negotiating for diminished value claims if required.
5. Building Through Litigation and Trial Experience
The most significant benefit of hiring a seasoned lawyer is their litigation expertise. According to the American Bar Association, experienced trial attorneys significantly improve case outcomes through strategic courtroom preparation and advocacy. More often than not, insurers question the severity of accidents, deny valid claims, or resort to quick and unfair settlements. When negotiations fail, a skilled lawyer steps in to ensure fair and just compensation. Here’s how:
- Thorough Case Preparation: Lawyers prepare pre-trial motions, file relevant complaints, conduct depositions, and document evidence to build a formidable case.
- Courtroom Litigation: They challenge wrongful arguments by the at-fault driver’s lawyers and insurers, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure fair trial protocols.
- Witness Testimonies: They present key testimonies from reconstructionists, medical staff, economic analysts, and other relevant professionals to validate your claim and push your case towards winning.
- Jury Trial Expertise: In cases of trials, lawyers also file legal motions, present strategic closing arguments, and advocate for you to receive maximum compensation.
Wrapping Up
In short, you want a car accident lawyer who truly knows what they’re doing. Things can quickly go wrong after a crash, both legally and financially, if you aren’t acting on professional legal guidance. Expert lawyers are familiar with post-accident scenarios, and they know how to fight for your justice correctly, so you get the compensation you deserve.
