What Will a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do for You?
If you have recently been in a car accident, you know how stressful it can be. And if the accident was serious, you may have injuries that require medical treatment, or suffer lost wages from missing work. Your vehicle likely sustained damage as well. When another driver caused your accident in Las Vegas, you shouldn’t have to pay for these expenses out of your own pocket. A car accident lawyer can help recover compensation. But what exactly will an attorney do for you after a crash?
Investigate the Accident
An experienced car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 5.25 million police-reported motor vehicle collisions occurred in the U.S. in 2020. Your lawyer wants to establish what happened and identify all potentially liable parties. This may involve inspecting the vehicles and accident scene, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and requesting all police, medical, and accident reports related to the incident.
Determine Fault and Liability
Fault and legal liability are not always clear-cut after a collision in Las Vegas, NV. According to Jamie Cogburn, a Las Vegas car accident attorney, a lawyer will evaluate negligence and recklessness to pinpoint who caused the crash using evidence and official reports. For example, texting while driving can indicate negligence. Texting while driving was reported to have caused over 400 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. If another party was mostly or entirely to blame for the accident, you can pursue a claim for compensation against them.
Calculate Your Damages
The car accident also resulted incalculable damages—both economic and non-economic losses. Your attorney will account for all current and projected costs stemming from the collision, such as:
- Property damage (to your vehicle)
- Medical bills (ambulance fees, hospital/doctor visits)
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Thoroughly calculating short-term and lifelong accident damages bolsters your compensation claim and provides a target number when negotiating your settlement.
Handle Negotiations
The majority of car accident claims are settled out of court before trial. An experienced Las Vegas attorney serves as your legal representative during all negotiations with insurance providers. Per the Insurance Information Institute, the average car insurance claim for property damage is $4,711, while the typical auto injury claim is $20,235 as of March 2022.
Your lawyer will leverage evidence and expert assessments to demand fair compensation from the liable party’s insurer. If they reject reasonable settlement offers, your attorney can move the case toward a trial.
File Documents and Paperwork
Pursuing compensation involves extensive documents and paperwork best handled by a legal professional. Some examples include drafting demand letters, filing claims forms, submitting evidence, and notifying all relevant parties. Navigating these regulatory requirements avoids issues that can weaken your claim. It also gives you space to focus on recovering from the collision.
Represent You in Court
If a settlement fails, an experienced trial lawyer can argue your case in court before a judge and jury. This involves tasks like developing legal arguments, requesting testimony from expert witnesses, presenting evidence and documentation, extensively preparing you for questioning, and skillfully cross-examining the defendant. Your attorney's litigation capabilities give you leverage in negotiations. And with the average auto claim taking around 20 months to settle, you’ll need an expert by your side to help you see it through.
A Las Vegas Auto Accident Lawyer Supports Your Recovery
The ordeal of recovering from a serious car crash is challenging enough without having to manage complex legal and insurance processes solo. A knowledgeable Las Vegas attorney has the resources and dedication to handle all aspects of your injury claim while you heal and get your life back on track. Consider speaking with a qualified lawyer about protecting your rights after any vehicle accident causing harm or losses. With an experienced legal advocate, you can make informed decisions during a difficult period.