Car accidents are stressful, expensive, and confusing. They raise questions about liability and injuries that most people have never dealt with.

A qualified car accident attorney can level the playing field in negotiations with insurance companies and help you get compensation for your medical expenses, future losses, and more.

Initial Consultation

An expert vehicle accident lawyer may make or break your case. A smart lawyer determines adequate compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost pay, and pain and suffering. A qualified car accident lawyer in California understands how to bargain with the insurance company and, if necessary, launch a lawsuit.

It’s essential to be well-prepared when you first meet an attorney. Bring along any relevant documents or images. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your attorney. You can use this opportunity to determine if the attorney you are considering suits your situation.

The attorney will ask you questions and listen to the story. They will then explain the process of law in general terms. You will be asked to provide a summary of your case, including the injuries you suffered in the accident and what you believe you are entitled to in terms of compensation.

Discovery

Car accidents are terrifying, even if they’re only minor fender-benders. However, if you think that someone else is to blame for your accident or that you are owed compensation for medical expenses, property damage, loss of earnings and other injuries, a car accident lawyer can help you recover the monetary losses you’re entitled to.

The discovery phase is a part of the legal process that allows litigants to ask each other for information and evidence regarding their cases. This information can include documents, responses to interrogatories, requests for admissions and depositions.

You must provide your attorney with as much documentation as possible, especially if you want to ensure the best chance of a successful settlement out of court. Keep a journal of all your doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions and any other expenses related to your injury. Ensure you have copies of receipts for all these expenses and any additional relevant information, such as witness contact details.

Trial

Every year, millions of car accidents in the US result in serious injuries. When an accident occurs, hiring an attorney who can deal with the insurance companies with compassion while being aggressive enough to litigate your case if necessary is imperative.

Your attorney will use various resources to build your case, including subject matter experts and investigators. They will also work with your medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries. In addition, they will seek to obtain surveillance video from businesses around the crash site and any traffic light camera videos.

Don’t withhold any information, even if it might hurt your case. The more information your attorney has to work with, the better chance they have of getting you a settlement. Inexperienced attorneys and victims who try to handle their cases end up with far smaller checks than those who work with a skilled car accident lawyer.

Settlement

Most car accident claims settle before they go to trial. If your case does not settle, a judge (in a bench trial) or jury will examine all the evidence presented and decide whether the defendant is responsible and how much to pay the plaintiff for their damages.

During the discovery phase, you and your lawyer will exchange information through interrogatories, depositions, requests for the production of documents, requests for admission, and subpoenas (third-party records). Your attorney will assemble a demand package containing all your medical bills and documents, proof of lost income, anticipated future surgery or treatments, and other relevant documentation.

Then, your attorney will make a demand on the insurance company and negotiate compensation with them. Your attorney should keep you updated throughout this process. While it is important not to pester your attorney with questions, you should promptly expect a response to all your inquiries.