What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, from dealing with medical bills and car repairs to endless calls with insurance companies. With so much on your plate, it’s natural to think about seeking assistance from a lawyer. But what does a car accident lawyer do, exactly?

What a Lafayette car accident lawyer can do is help with everything from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance adjusters to representing you in court. Lawyers calculate the full extent of your damages, like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a life-changing collision, having the right lawyer can make a significant impact. Let’s take a deeper look at what a car accident lawyer can do to help you.

What Can A Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer is your advocate and guide after a vehicle collision. Our role goes beyond just filing paperwork. We are there to protect your rights, handle negotiations, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, dealing with uncooperative insurance companies, or feeling overwhelmed by legal complexities, a car accident lawyer steps in to shoulder the burden.

After a collision, a car accident lawyer can do the following for your case:

• Prove that negligence caused the crash.
• Review your crash report for relevant details.
• Build an evidence-based case.
• Calculate your damages.
• Comply with your state’s filing deadline (known as the statute of limitations).
• Negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver or their insurance company.

We investigate and handle all the essential paperwork and demands from the at-fault driver’s insurer and other parties involved in your case. You do not have to manage your case by yourself, especially when you are focused on recovering from your accident.

The Law Firm Provides Legal Advice and Case Evaluation

One of the first things a car accident lawyer does is help you understand your situation and your rights by:

• Explaining your rights: After an accident, you might not know what you’re entitled to under the law. For example, you may be eligible to recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Your lawyer will explain these legal rights in clear, simple terms so you can make informed decisions.
• Evaluating your case: Not every accident leads to a viable claim. A lawyer will review the details of your case, including who was at fault, the extent of your injuries, and the available evidence, to determine if you have a strong claim.
• Planning a strategy: Once we understand your situation, we advise you on the best path forward. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or preparing for litigation, they’ll guide you every step of the way to maximize your compensation.

This initial guidance helps you feel more confident and in control during an otherwise overwhelming time.

We Investigate the Accident

A strong claim starts with thorough research and evidence gathering. An auto accident lawyer knows exactly what to look for and how to collect it. An attorney will:

• Collect evidence: Your Lafayette personal injury lawyer will gather critical documents like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We also review photos, videos, and possibly even traffic camera footage to build a complete picture of the accident.
• Analyze the accident scene: By examining factors like road conditions, vehicle damage, and weather, your lawyer can pinpoint what went wrong and who’s responsible.
• Work with experts: In more complex cases, your lawyer may consult with accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, or medical experts to strengthen your claim and provide additional support.

This investigative work ensures that every detail is accounted for, giving you the best chance of success.

We Determine Liability

Determining who is responsible for the accident isn’t always straightforward. An experienced car accident attorney digs deep to identify all the liable parties by:

• Identifying negligent drivers: If another driver caused the accident through careless or reckless behavior, your lawyer will gather evidence to prove it.
• Considering other responsible parties: Liability might extend beyond the drivers involved. For example, a car manufacturer could be at fault if a defective part contributed to the crash, or a government entity might share responsibility for poorly maintained roads.
• Applying the law: Your lawyer will use their knowledge of traffic laws and personal injury statutes to establish fault and build a strong case.

By determining liability, your lawyer ensures that the right parties are held accountable for your losses.

The Lawyers Handle Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after a motor vehicle accident can feel like an uphill battle. While you’re trying to recover physically and emotionally, insurers are often working to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. This process can be time-consuming, stressful, and, frankly, overwhelming.

That’s where an experienced car accident lawyer comes in. We handle all communication with the insurance companies, acting as your shield and advocate to ensure you’re treated fairly and compensated appropriately. Here’s how we do it:

Files Claims

One of the first steps in the process is filing claims with the appropriate insurance providers. This can include:

• Your insurance company: Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you may need to notify your insurer and file a claim, especially if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance company: If the other driver is responsible for the accident, their insurer will typically be the one paying for your damages.

Filing these claims requires precision and attention to detail. A lawyer ensures that:

• All necessary forms and documentation are completed accurately.
• Deadlines are met to avoid delays or denials.
• The claims are filed with the correct insurance companies.

Mistakes in this step could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for injuries and losses, so having an experienced lawyer take the reins is invaluable.

Negotiates on Your Behalf

Once the claims are filed, the real work begins: negotiating with insurance adjusters.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and protect the company’s profits. They might offer a quick settlement, but these initial offers are often far less than what you actually need to cover your medical treatment expenses, lost wages, and other compensatory damages.

A car accident lawyer knows how to:

• Assess the true value of your claim: We calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical costs, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts on your life.
• Counter lowball offers: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to push back against inadequate settlement offers. We use evidence, like medical records, repair estimates, and expert testimony, to demonstrate why you deserve more.
• Keep the process moving: Insurance companies may drag their feet in hopes that you’ll accept less just to get things over with. A lawyer ensures the negotiation process stays on track.

By handling these negotiations, your personal injury attorney takes the stress off your shoulders and works to secure a settlement that truly reflects the value of your claim.

Protects You From Bad-Faith Practices

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies play fair. Some use dishonest or unethical tactics—known as bad-faith practices—to delay or deny valid claims. These tactics might include:

• Unreasonable delays: Taking months (or longer) to process your claim without a valid reason
• Lowball settlements: Offering far less than what your claim is worth, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation
• Denial of legitimate claims: Refusing to pay even when liability is clear
• Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information about your policy or coverage

An auto accident attorney knows how to recognize these tactics and hold insurers accountable. We can:

• File complaints with state insurance regulators.
• Use legal action to compel the insurer to act in good faith.
• Seek additional damages if the insurer’s bad faith caused you financial harm.

Having a lawyer in your corner ensures that insurance companies follow the rules and treat you with the respect you deserve.

Takes the Burden Off Your Shoulders

Perhaps the biggest advantage of having a car accident lawyer handle the insurance process is the peace of mind it brings. Instead of spending hours on the phone, filling out paperwork, and second-guessing every step, you can focus on what really matters: your recovery.

Your lawyer will:

• Handle all communication with insurance adjusters.
• Keep you informed about the progress of your case.
• Fight to secure the maximum compensation you’re owed.

With a knowledgeable advocate managing the insurance process, you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or getting taken advantage of. Instead, you can rest assured that your legal claim is in capable hands.

Why This Matters

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their interests. Without professional representation, it’s easy to feel outmatched. A car accident lawyer levels the playing field, ensuring you’re treated fairly and compensated fully.

By letting your lawyer handle the insurance process, you not only reduce stress but also increase your chances of receiving the compensation you need to rebuild your life. It’s one less thing to worry about during an already challenging time.

We Thoroughly Calculate Your Damages

One of the most critical aspects of a car accident claim is understanding the full extent of your losses. A car accident lawyer ensures that no damages, including the following, are overlooked:

• Medical expenses: These include emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, your lawyer will calculate the income you’ve already lost and the wages you may lose in the future.
• Property damage: Whether your car needs repairs or replacement, your lawyer will ensure these costs are included in your compensation claim.
• Pain and suffering: Beyond financial losses, your lawyer will account for the emotional toll of the accident, such as physical pain, anxiety, or diminished quality of life.

By accurately assessing your damages, your lawyer ensures you’re not shortchanged.

Attorneys Will Aggressively Negotiate Settlements

Most traffic accident cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to court. A car accident lawyer’s negotiation skills are key to securing a fair resolution. They help you with:

• Avoiding prolonged litigation: By negotiating directly with insurance companies or at-fault parties, your lawyer works to resolve your case efficiently.
• Countering lowball offers: Insurance companies often start with offers that don’t reflect the true value of your auto accident claim. Your lawyer will push back and fight for an amount that covers all your damages.

If negotiations fail, our legal team will be prepared to take the next step.

Attorneys Prepare for Litigation

While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve justice. If this happens, a car accident lawyer will:

• File a lawsuit: When settlement talks break down, your lawyer will initiate legal action on your behalf.
• Build a strong case: This includes presenting evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments to support your personal injury claim.
• Represent you in court: Your lawyer will provide legal representation and advocate for you during the trial, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Litigation can be intimidating, but with an experienced attorney by your side, you’ll have the support you need to succeed.

Lawyers Are a Source of Support

A car accident can take a toll on more than just your finances. It can also affect your mental and emotional well-being in the following ways:

• Reduces stress: By handling the legal and administrative burdens, your lawyer allows you to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
• Provides advocacy: Knowing someone is in your corner, fighting for your best interests, can be an enormous relief during a difficult time.

Your lawyer is more than a paper pusher. They’re there to support you through every step of the process.

Our Firm Works on a Contingency Fee Basis

One of the most reassuring aspects of hiring a car accident lawyer is that most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront costs: You don’t pay anything unless your lawyer successfully recovers financial compensation for you.
• Aligned interests: Your lawyer’s success is tied to yours, giving them extra motivation to fight for the best possible outcome.

This arrangement ensures that legal help is accessible to anyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

Maximum Compensation for Accident Victims

When dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, accident victims face numerous challenges, including mounting medical bills, insurance company negotiations, and the need to seek fair compensation for their injuries and property damages. 

An experienced car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, handle your accident claim, and fight for your legal rights.

From gathering witness statements and medical records to working with accident reconstruction experts, personal injury lawyers focus on building a strong case. Their goal is always to secure rightful compensation for accident injuries.

Contact a Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation

At Laborde Earles, we handle everything from filing your auto accident claim with the insurance adjuster to pursuing legal action if necessary—all while working on a contingency fee basis to ease your financial burden.

With our track record of success, auto accident attorneys help ensure injury victims receive a fair settlement and achieve a favorable outcome. At Laborde Earles, we’re here to guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and help you rebuild your future. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about what our car accident lawyers can do for you. Your recovery is our priority.