Hire your car accident attorney as soon as possible after the collision. You may need to report your injuries within a short period of time, and your attorney will ensure proper authorities receive notice. If you ultimately decide to file a lawsuit, you will need to do so before the statute of limitations expires—this is another pressing reason to retain your attorney as soon as you can.
Evidence is another reason to hire your car accident attorney immediately. Many types of critical evidence, including witness accounts and traffic camera footage, are not viable forever. You need to hire your attorney right away so they can obtain this evidence while it’s possible to do so.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Hire My Car Accident Lawyer?
Countless car accident victims have made the critical mistake of hesitating. Understandably overwhelmed by injuries and other challenges, they rationalize waiting to hire a lawyer, which can lead to:
- Losing necessary evidence: While a lawyer may overcome weak evidence, why would you put your case at a disadvantage? If you hire your attorney quickly after the collision, they can secure all witness accounts, video, and other evidence that helps your case—including the time-sensitive kinds.
- Missing the statute of limitations: You do not have an unlimited time to file a car accident case. For instance, Missouri Code § 516.120 sets the clock for those who need to file car accident lawsuits in the state. These deadlines can vary from state to state, but missing the deadline has the same effect no matter where you are. If you don’t file your suit on time (perhaps because you wait to hire a lawyer), you can’t file it at all. It can be a financially catastrophic error.
- You making a critical mistake: An attorney is many things, and one of those things is an impenetrable layer of protection. Your lawyer will ensure no insurance company can violate your rights. They will also advise you so no errors undermine your case.
- You suffering avoidable health and mental health problems: Car accident victims often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, though many don’t realize they’re suffering from it. Facing further stress by handling your own case may have severe consequences for your mental and physical health.
Even if you hire a lawyer before the statute of limitations expires, you may handicap your case if you don’t retain your attorney as soon as possible. For example, your lawyer may have less evidence to work with if you waited and allowed useful evidence to go unclaimed.
Just don’t wait. Attorneys are always available, as they know that car accidents happen at all hours. Find car accident lawyers serving your area, research, and hire the most qualified firm to represent you.
There Are No Barriers to Hiring an Attorney (So There’s No Reason to Hesitate)
You may hesitate to hire a lawyer for many reasons, but none are likely valid. You can hire a car accident lawyer right now because:
Car Accident Attorneys Require No Direct Payment from You
Most law firms that represent car accident victims offer a contingency fee. It is a fee structure that takes the financial risk from you and places it with your law firm because:
- Rather than paying your lawyer an upfront fee, you don’t pay any compensation out of your pocket.
- Your law firm will pay for administrative costs, expert fees, transportation expenses, and any other costs associated with the case.
- Your lawyer will receive a percentage of any settlement or verdict they obtain for you (which means their fee is not guaranteed).
You can hire your attorney today because you don’t have to pay your lawyer directly. Money is never a reason to wait to hire a car accident lawyer.
Law Firms’ Phone Lines Are Always Open
Lawyers want to represent clients. Therefore, the best law firms have 24/7 intake lines that you can call anytime. If you call a law firm to complete a consultation, expect a representative to pick up or return your call in short order.
If You Have a Case, a Lawyer Will Lead It
Most car accident lawyers passionately serve car accident victims. They want to help. Rest assured that an attorney will represent you if you have grounds to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Your imperative is to find the right law firm for you, and you should look for a firm that:
- Has overwhelmingly positive reviews from former clients
- Has case results that wow you, especially when compared to the results of other firms you are considering
- Has attorneys who seem highly accomplished
- Impresses you when you complete your consultation
The firm’s culture and messaging should also resonate with you. That messaging should be consistent with reviews from the firm’s clients, as this will indicate the law firm is true to its word.
The Benefits of a Car Accident Lawyer Emerge Immediately
As soon as you hire your car accident lawyer, you should realize the benefits that come with hiring an attorney. Some of the most immediate benefits may include:
- A feeling of relief: Having a lawyer to lean on can provide security and ease. Everyone needs someone to lend a helping hand, particularly after undergoing a traumatic event like a car accident. The one emotion that clients often report feeling after hiring a lawyer is “relief.”
- Protection from insurers: Insurance companies have their agendas, and the agenda likely doesn’t align with your best interests. Your lawyer will deal with insurance companies, protecting you from bad-faith tactics that can otherwise negatively affect your claim.
- Easy-to-follow guidance related to your case: A lawyer will provide you with an easy-to-follow roadmap as it relates to your case. Your lawyer will handle the vast majority of your case and explain any action you need to take.
- Help with medical and mental healthcare: Compassionate lawyers ensure clients receive the necessary services, including those often essential for car accident victims.
Your lawyer’s advice may be simple: Rest, recover, and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
How Car Accident Lawyers Lead Winning Claims and Lawsuits
The facts of each car accident case are unique. Each client’s damages are also unique. This means that your lawyer will create a case strategy that is wholly unique to you, and they will consider your goals for the case as they execute the strategy.
Your car accident lawyer will lead your case from start to finish, and their duties may include:
Gathering and Organizing Evidence from the Accident
Every car accident case starts with proving fault for the collision. Your lawyer needs to prove that someone’s negligence (perhaps another driver’s) caused the accident and may prove this case using:
- Any witness accounts of the accident
- Video of the collision
- Photographs of vehicle damage or other relevant sights, like the accident scene
- An expert’s reconstruction of the collision (which may incorporate witness accounts and other data)
- A variety of other evidence, which is unique to each car collision
Lawyers have the resources to obtain all relevant evidence right away. Please don’t wait to retain your attorney so they can investigate your collision without delay.
Establishing Liability for Your Losses
Attorneys have to prove who is at fault for the accident. Then, they must prove who is obligated to pay for the accident. For instance, a motorist may have caused your accident, while their insurance provider may be obligated to pay for your losses.
You generally have two options:
- File one or more claims with insurers
- Sue those who have legal liability for your accident
An experienced car accident attorney will propose their strategy and offer their advice. However, as the car accident victim, you will have the final say about whether your lawyer sues on your behalf.
Securing Proof of Your Damages
Your lawyer may prove the nature and details of your accident-related damages by obtaining the following:
- Medical records from your healthcare providers
- Medical bills for accident-related diagnostics and treatment
- Diagnoses from doctors and mental health professionals
- Bills from mechanics who repair your vehicle
- Income statements and any employment records that show lost income resulting from your accident
Trust your attorney to prove, in glaring detail, how your car accident has affected you. They will present all documentation of your losses as they negotiate with insurance companies or other parties who owe you compensation.
Negotiating Like the Your Future Depends On It
Effective car accident lawyers negotiate for their clients with a burning passion. The outcome of your claim or lawsuit can directly dictate the quality of your life going forward, and your lawyer will know that.
Your legal team will compose the strongest case they can. They will present proof of your losses and argue passionately for liable parties to pay you a fair settlement.
Drafting and Filing a Lawsuit for the Client (Before the Statute of Limitations Expires)
Securing fair compensation for a car accident victim is rarely a simple or easy feat. In some cases, the accident victim needs to sue, and a lawyer will lead a lawsuit for you.
Your car accident attorney will:
- Exhaust every possible opportunity to secure a fair settlement, which is the quickest way to obtain compensation for you
- Help you determine if liable parties are not going to offer you a fair settlement
- Discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit with you, going over the pros and cons of this option
- Draft and file the lawsuit as soon as possible, as soon as you choose to do so
Lawsuits are in lawyers’ wheelhouses. If you need to sue, you’ll be grateful to have a lawyer leading the way.
Completing a Trial for the Client
You can still receive a settlement after filing a lawsuit. However, the trial may become the right venue for your case.
If you need to take your fight for compensation to court, make sure a proven lawyer is representing you.
What Damages Should I Receive Money For After a Car Accident?
One of your lawyer’s most crucial responsibilities is identifying and documenting your damages, which may include:
- Medical bills, including the cost of all emergency care, diagnostic procedures, treatment, and rehabilitation for accident-related injuries
- Pain and suffering, which is highly personal to each car accident victim and can include physical pain, scarring, lost quality of life, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a host of other emotional, psychological, and physical problems
- Mental health services, which are often necessary for car accident victims to cope with their pain and suffering
- Professional damages, which happen when a car accident victim’s injuries disrupt their work life (either temporarily or permanently)
- Property expenses, including but not limited to the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle
Every accident victim’s array of damages looks different. Your lawyer will work to prove each of your losses, as they will need to convince liable parties or a jury that you deserve compensation for those losses.
Some Questions You May Have After a Car Accident
Before looking for your lawyer, consider some common questions that car accident victims have:
- How do I find a car accident lawyer?
You can complete an online search for “car accident lawyer near me” or use other keywords you believe will yield the desired results.
- When will my lawyer start work on my case?
They will start your case immediately, as car accident claims and lawsuits are time-sensitive, and your lawyer will want to secure payment for you as soon as possible.
Find and Hire Your Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Don’t try to complete your case alone. Much can go wrong, and your recovery warrants your total focus. Seek a law firm with impressive credentials and client reviews, and hire that firm to represent you today.
In conclusion, don't wait to find and hire a reputable personal injury law firm in St. Louis. They will protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process. Act now to ensure you have the best possible chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
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