FAQs About Auto Accident Attorneys
No one wants to be in a car accident, but every day, many people find themselves in road altercations that range from annoying dents to life-changing injuries. Auto accident attorneys are some of the people with the training to help you in the aftermath and make sure you receive the compensation you need to pay medical bills and recover.
Whether you’ve been in an accident or want to be prepared for the future, learn the answers to some questions about auto accident attorneys.
- What Do Auto Accident Attorneys Do?
Car accidents involve drivers, passengers, and their insurances — so where does an attorney come in? Simply put, an auto accident attorney is a personal injury attorney who focuses on car accidents. They act as your advocate and make sure that your interests are represented in communications with the other driver and the involved insurance companies.
Your lawyer will be able to do much of the work for you, such as talk to insurers, organize your medical bills, negotiate with the other driver, and reach a settlement with an insurance company or defense attorney, depending on where your case goes. This help is crucial after an accident since you might not be able to do the work yourself. A lawyer can give you the time you need to recover.
- When Should I Get One?
While you can research auto insurance and get coverage long before you ever need to worry about getting in an accident, it’s much less likely that you’ll need to consult an auto accident lawyer before you get in a crash. However, the last thing you likely want to do after you’ve been in an accident is research your options.
Depending on your needs, you can do your research beforehand and select an attorney you may turn to if you get in an accident — and should the unfortunate opportunity arise, you’ll be ready.
- What Should I Do After the Crash?
If you’ve been in a car accident, among some of your first steps will be contacting your lawyer, as well as your insurance. When you meet with the attorney and discuss your case, they will be able to direct you through the necessary steps in order to build your case, as well as maintain your health.
For instance, your attorney can work with you to obtain evidence of liability in the other driver, as well as evidence of damages to your property and person. Your attorney can also tell you the best way to receive medical treatment and how to follow it so that your case remains strong.
- How Much Time Do I Have to Find a Lawyer?
Some legal events need to happen sooner rather than later. A statute of limitations is a law that requires legal action to take place within a window of time. If you try to submit a claim after the window has passed, you won’t be able to.
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Washington state is three years, so you have that much time after being in a car accident to hire the services of a lawyer. The sooner you have a lawyer, the better chance you’ll have of getting all the paperwork in order for your case.
- What Will the Fees Be Like?
Auto accident attorneys are personal injury attorneys, and a common practice among this branch of law is to charge by contingency fee — which means the lawyer doesn’t get paid unless you receive money from your case. This means you don’t have to worry about money when you’re already dealing with medical and automotive bills.
You should consult the attorney about their specific arrangement, but contingency fees often range from 33.3 to 40% of any damages. For example, if you receive $100,000 in damages from your case, your attorney would get around $40,000.
- Is It Worth It?
If you ever have to deal with the immense hassle of a car accident, you might wonder if adding a lawyer to the mix is worth it. What are the benefits of hiring an attorney? In all of the stress post-accident, you might just want it to be over with, which means you might settle early for far less than you are owed.
An auto accident attorney is invested in your case, which means they will do the necessary work to make sure that you reach a settlement that covers the costs of your damages. They will prompt you to settle only when they feel you’ve gotten what you deserve, which means you get more.
When you need an auto accident attorney in Washington, turn to the legal professionals at Carter & Fulton, P.S. Our skilled personal injury attorneys in Everett, WA, can assist you after you have a car accident and win you the compensation you deserve. Visit our website to learn more.