What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accident victims often face many challenges after an accident, ranging from physical injuries to emotional trauma. Fighting for compensation through insurance claims or lawsuits can be difficult as you or a loved one try to recover. 

Experienced car accident lawyers focus on helping victims recover from car accidents in Charleston, WV. But what exactly does a car accident lawyer do? They have key responsibilities for accident victims.

Providing Legal Advice

A car accident lawyer’s primary role is to offer legal advice. It can be challenging to understand personal injury law, including negligence, liability, and paths to compensation including insurance coverages. 

A car accident lawyer can explain your rights and remedies after an accident caused by an at-fault driver. They will explain West Virginia laws that impact car accident claims. These include the two-year statute of limitation for personal injury or property damage and liability rules such as comparative fault, which may directly impact your claim and potential compensation. 

By offering legal advice, Charleston car accident lawyers keep you on the right legal path while you focus on recovery.

Investigating Car Accidents in Charleston, WV

A car accident lawyer is responsible for investigating a car accident. Car accident attorneys gather evidence to support your car accident claim, such as police reports, accident scene photographs, and surveillance footage. They may also contact and interview witnesses to determine how your accident occurred. 

Regarding your injuries, lawyers also compile your medical and treatment records to prove your losses in an insurance claim or lawsuit. They may even hire medical professionals to prove your injuries and how they may impact your life.

Valuing Damages in Charleston, WV

Another role of a car accident lawyer is valuing your accident-related damages. This includes your immediate costs, like medical bills and lost wages, but also the long-term financial, physical, and emotional impacts of your accident.

Car accident attorneys explore all types of compensation and damages, from your medical expenses and physical therapy costs to your lost wages and diminished earning capacity. They also consider non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these damages do not have an immediate financial impact, they can be just as detrimental in the short and long term. A lawyer’s experience in calculating damages helps increase the chances that your compensation will cover all your post-accident needs.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies in Charleston, WV

A car accident lawyer plays an important role in negotiating with insurance companies. Car accident victims may find it challenging to deal with insurance companies and their adjusters, who may try to minimize a company’s payouts or engage in bad faith. Lawyers are experienced negotiators who will fight for the highest settlement and counter insufficient offers that do not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages.

Representing Clients in Charleston Courts

Many car accident cases are settled out of court, but some proceed to trial. A car accident lawyer will represent you in court before a judge or jury. They prepare your case by filing a complaint, arguing pre-trial motions, and presenting evidence. This may include calling and examining factual witnesses or experts or introducing evidence to refute allegations you were comparatively negligent. 

They will also coordinate discovery, or the legal process where both sides in a case exchange evidence and documents. Litigation is complicated, so having an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer will increase your odds of succeeding in the courtroom.

A Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Throughout the Claims Process

Charleston car accident lawyers have many roles to play after a car accident, from distracted driving to drunk driving. Their primary focus is protecting the rights of the injured, such as by providing legal advice, investigating an accident, negotiating with insurance companies, or appearing in court. By taking on these responsibilities, accident victims can focus on recovery.

If you are involved in a car accident, schedule a free consultation with a Charleston car accident attorney. An experienced lawyer will know how to present the strongest case regarding your damages, which will help increase the chances that your compensation will cover all your post-accident needs.