Insight

IN PARTNERSHIP

Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

There are many benefits to hiring a car accident lawyer. They’ll handle your claim from start to finish and ensure you recover the best possible outcome. Learn more here.

Red fire truck beside two crashed cars
Headshot of male lawyer in black suit with red tie and light blue shirt

Bill Winters

February 3, 2023 12:00 PM

Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision or a head-on crash, a car accident can cause painful injuries that incapacitate you and put you out of work. You’re likely dealing with significant medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

If you were recently in a car accident, you might be wondering whether to hire an attorney and if it’s worth it. Here, we explain why you should hire a car accident lawyer, including the benefits of having a legal advocate and whether you can afford representation.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?

If you hire an attorney after a car accident, they’ll be there from start to finish fighting for you and ensuring you recover a fair settlement or verdict.

A car accident lawyer will do the following:

  • Investigate the cause of the collision and identify everyone who shares liability
  • Gather evidence proving each element of your claim, including the full extent of your damages (economic and non-economic)
  • Negotiate on your behalf, working towards the most favorable outcome in your case
  • Consult experts – such as medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and financial advisors – if necessary
  • Litigate your case in court if they fail to reach a fair out-of-court settlement for you

Below, we’ll explain some of these benefits in further detail.

They’ll Advocate for You While You Recover

When you’re healing after a collision, the last thing you want to deal with is a legal battle. The insurance company or opposing party may send you a quick offer to attempt to get you to settle for an unfair amount. And you may be tempted to accept the offer if you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s always your decision whether to accept a settlement offer, but your attorney can explain whether it fairly compensates you for your losses. Car accident lawyers know how to value damages and identify when insurance adjusters are lowballing accident victims. While you focus on recovering, allow an attorney to ensure that you accept a fair settlement.

They Have the Knowledge and Resources To Level the Playing Field and Protect You

Insurance companies have a team of professionals on their side trying to fight claims, including adjusters, attorneys, investigators, and assessors. They use different strategies to undervalue or deny claims – and they’ll push back at every opportunity to try to pay you as little as possible.

For example, the insurance adjuster may shift blame to you for causing the car accident. States like Florida, California, and New York implement a pure comparative negligence standard, which reduces an accident victim’s awarded compensation by their percentage of fault. This rule applies as long as you aren’t entirely responsible for causing the accident.

Other states use a modified comparative negligence approach, which bars an accident victim from recovery if they reach a certain level (50% or 51%) of fault. The most restrictive states follow a contributory negligence rule that bars you from recovery if you share even 1% of the blame.

Insurance companies use these rules and other tactics to undervalue and deny claims every day. Attorneys are familiar with these strategies and know how to fight back. They can protect you from unfair or unsubstantiated claims that you share fault for causing the accident or your injuries.

Additionally, experienced car accident lawyers know personal injury laws inside and out and have access to resources, such as leading experts, that will prove the elements of your claim.

There Are No Upfront Fees To Hire Most Car Accident Attorneys

One of the main things that prevent many car accident victims from retaining legal representation is the thought that they can’t afford it. However, most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation to listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and determine if you have a viable claim.

Additionally, most car accident attorneys work under a contingency fee agreement. Under this arrangement, you owe no upfront fees. The attorney will only get paid if they receive a successful result for you by way of a settlement or verdict. Their attorney’s fees – typically between 33 and 40% – will depend on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial.

Most car accident victims recover more compensation in a personal injury case if they have attorney representation than if they handle their claim alone. So even though you may owe fees at the end of your case, you will likely take home more than if you handle the claim by yourself.

You can meet with an attorney (or multiple) after a car accident to evaluate whether it’s in your best interest to retain representation. If you decide to move forward, you won’t owe anything until the successful resolution of your case.

Bill Winters is the co-founding attorney at Winters & Yonker, P.A. a premier personal injury law firm in Tampa Bay. Since 2001, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients across Florida. Contact our law office in Tampa to schedule a free consultation today.

Headline Image: iStock/Marc Dufresne

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Steps To Take After a Naperville Car Accident


by Mark Mathys

Learn about the steps to take after a Naperville car accident that can help protect your right to receive fair compensation for damages.

Two cars damaged from accident with vehicles in backdrop

IN PARTNERSHIP

7 Things to Never Do After a Car Accident


by J.L. King

The actions you take after a car accident could determine the injury compensation you stand to receive. Learn seven things to never do after a car accident.

Cartoon of person with big pencil and check list

IN PARTNERSHIP

Nine Factors That Determine How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement


by Aaron Tillman

Learn about the factors that can impact how much to expect for a car accident settlement in Portland, including what you can do to maximize how much you receive for an injury claim.

Yellow background with black and white animation of car crash

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do for You?


by Joshua Fogelman

Learn what a car accident lawyer can do for you after a Texas car crash, including protecting your right to receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Hands pointing to a white car that has been damaged

IN PARTNERSHIP

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn't My Fault?


by Mark Anderson

Learn about the reasons why you need to get a lawyer for a car accident claim and how a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for injuries and damages.

Girl in orange sweater grasping injured neck

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer


by Gregg Hollander

The lawyer you choose could make the difference between a winning and losing outcome. Learn five things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer.

Two cars crashing into each other beside judge's gavel

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Nevada


by Justin Watkins

There are many things to consider when hiring a car accident lawyer, including skill, experience and cost. Read on to learn more.

Woman on phone looking at cracked windshield

IN PARTNERSHIP

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer


by Stephen R. Schultz

A car accident lawyer helps you recover compensation for injuries and damages. Choosing a lawyer to handle your case can be confusing, but these tips can help.

Laptop corner and hand checking box on paper

IN PARTNERSHIP

What Should I Consider When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney


by Brian White

The lawyer you hire for your injury case can make a difference in the outcome. Learn 5 things to consider when you choose a car accident lawyer.

Man in peach shirt shaking hands with someone

IN PARTNERSHIP

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident


by Jordan R. Wagner

Many people avoid filing personal injury claims. In this article, we outline the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer after a car accident.

Woman in orange sweater climbing out of car

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer


by Nick Movagar

When you get injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can pursue injury compensation. Learn when you should hire a car accident lawyer.

Wrecked car with broken windshield

What Should You Do if the Other Driver Doesn't Report the Accident?


by Sean Lopez

Advice from a personal injury attorney on what to do when the other driver doesn't report the auto accident.

Woman in orange shirt standing by wrecked cars

Why Do Rear-End Collisions Happen and Who’s to Blame?


by Matt Baggett

Rear-end collisions happen for many reasons, but the blame frequently falls on the rear driver. Learn about the causes of rear-end collisions.

Blue car crashing into black car

What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do for You?


by Jacob Oresky

A car accident lawyer provides many services while working on your injury case. Learn about the process for injury claims and the lawyer’s role in the process.

Car Accident Lawyer Services

When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?


by Paul Brannon

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer? Learn the Florida no-fault law, personal injury claims and hiring an attorney for your car wreck.

Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida


by Sagi Shaked

If you were injured in an accident, it’s important to choose the right lawyer for your case. A car accident lawyer can help negotiate fair settlements and provide legal guidance. Here are five things to consider when choosing a car accident attorney.

Advice From Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Trending Articles

The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers proudly announces lawyers recognized in South Africa for 2023.

South African flag

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Best Lawyers Voting Is Now Open


by Best Lawyers

Voting has begun in several countries across the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. Below we offer dates, details and answers to voting-related questions to assist with the voting process.

Hands holding smartphone with five stars above phone

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from Australia.

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ is entering its 17th edition for 2023. We highlight the elite lawyers awarded this year.

Red map of Canada with white lines and dots

Famous Songs Unprotected by Copyright Could Mean Royalties for Some


by Michael B. Fein

A guide to navigating copyright claims on famous songs.

Can I Sing "Happy Birthday" in Public?

Could Reign Supreme End with the Queen?


by Sara Collin

Canada is revisiting the notion of abolishing the monarchy after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, but many Canadians and lawmakers are questioning if Canada could, should and would follow through.

Teacup on saucer over image of Queen's eye

Rising Transfer Taxes


by Angus C. Beverly

Transfer taxes in California are becoming a statewide trend with potentially national implications. Here is a breakdown of the effects in several cities.

State of California in orange with city in backdrop

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Caffeine Overload and DUI Tests


by Daniel Taylor

While it might come as a surprise, the over-consumption of caffeine could trigger a false positive on a breathalyzer test.

Can Caffeine Cause You to Fail DUI Test?

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Best Law Firms® Research Has Begun


by Best Lawyers

Best Law Firms® rankings are annually produced awards recognizing the top law firms across the United States. We are here to offer insight into the submission process for all eligible firms.

Black background with colorful squares and faces

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

Thirteen Years of Excellence


by Best Lawyers

For the 13th consecutive year, “Best Law Firms” has awarded the most elite and talented law firms across the country through a thorough and trusted data review process.

Red, white and blue pipes and writing on black background