What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

pedestrian accident attorney

Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Legal Case

If you have been injured in an accident for which another party was responsible, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical injuries, mental anguish, emotional distress, and financial damage. Hiring an experienced Bay Area personal injury attorney will ensure that you get fair compensation for the damages suffered. Before filing a claim, the legal expert will investigate the accident, establish how it occurred, determine the factors involved, and figure out who contributed to the accident. Below is part of what a personal injury lawyer does:

Investigating claims

Before taking any action, the attorney will have to evaluate the merits of the case. Evaluation involves interviewing eyewitnesses and bystanders, looking for videos of the actual accident that were captured on traffic videos or surveillance cameras as well as consulting experts to help reconstruct the accident scene. Reconstruction helps to identify who was at fault and determine if the case will result in a win for you.

Gathering evidence

Once the lawyer has investigated claims, they will proceed to gather the relevant evidence. Evidence will help them to build a strong case that will increase your chances of getting the compensation amount you deserve. Lawyers will request copies of the accident report, the police report, visit the accident scene and take photographs and videos and get information relating to the vehicle involved in the accident.

Witness statements

Part of the evidence that the lawyer will collect is in the form of witness statements. While eyewitnesses will recount what they saw during or in the period after the accident, expert witnesses will explain the circumstances of the accident based on their knowledge and experience in their respective fields. An experienced San Jose accident attorney may call a doctor, forensic specialist, accountant, or other professional to help make a case.

Assessing damages

The settlement to be paid will depend on the damage suffered. While an accident victim will only think of the immediate impact of the accident, a lawyer will calculate a more accurate estimate by factoring in the long term effects of the injuries. These effects could include lost income, pain and suffering, and any other factors that can affect the victim for life.

Handling the insurance claim

There are times when a lawyer will investigate the accident and establish that the insurance company is liable for the damages occasioned by the accident. However, insurance companies will always want to protect their interests by offering you a low settlement. An experienced advocate will calculate the value of the claim and negotiate with the aggressive insurance companies so that you get what you deserve.

Helping to protect your rights

As you seek treatment and recovery, the lawyer will help to ensure that your legal rights are protected. If the case proceeds to court, the legal expert will represent you at trial. Investigating the accident, filing a claim, and negotiating with insurance companies can be time-consuming. A vehicle accident lawyer will handle the entire process on your behalf, giving you enough time to make a full recovery.

Consult with a Bay Area Personal Injury Attorney Right Away

Have you been injured in an accident? Don’t risk your own well-being and compensation by waiting too long; talk to an attorney at Farling, Hecht & Davis, LLP, our San Jose, CA, law firm. Don’t wait; Contact us online today.