What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
There are many benefits to working with an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer if you were injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, stand up to the insurance companies for you, and, in some cases, recover a larger settlement amount than if you were unrepresented.
Still unsure if working with a car accident lawyer is right for you? Car accident lawyers will generally offer a free initial consultation. Take advantage of this option to learn more about how a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can help your case.
Review Your Case and Explain the Claim Process
During your free initial meeting, your attorney will listen to your description of the car accident and review any documentation you may have provided, such as police reports, medical reports, or possibly news articles. The attorney may ask additional questions or give you their initial impressions.
The attorney will also explain the car accident claim process to you so you understand the next steps you should take and the next steps that your attorney will take. For example, the attorney may recommend that you see additional specialists while they begin requesting your medical records.
Gather Evidence and Assess Your Damages
If you decide to move forward with the attorney, they will start gathering evidence related to the accident. This evidence will relate to two main questions: how did the accident occur, and what are your injuries?
To show how the accident occurred (and who was responsible), your attorney will gather police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maybe even opinions from accident reconstructionists or other experts.
To show the extent of your injuries and other losses, the attorney will gather your medical records, statements from friends and family, reports from medical experts, and vehicle repair invoices. Once the attorney has this evidence, they will assess the potential value of your damages.
Negotiate a Settlement on Your Behalf
Once your attorney has gathered some essential evidence, they will demand compensation from the insurance company and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Most car accident cases are resolved through a settlement, so there’s a good chance your case will, too. Having a skilled car accident attorney can be especially helpful at this stage, as they will keep the insurance company from pressuring you into accepting a settlement.
An attorney can also advise you whether the insurance company’s settlement is reasonable. While the ultimate decision to accept or reject an offer is yours alone, it’s helpful to have the insight of an experienced car accident attorney.
File Your Case in Court
Not every car accident case will be settled. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached with the insurance company, you may choose to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Your attorney will file the necessary documents, appear in court on your behalf, and argue your case at trial. If necessary, they can also appeal a negative outcome.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida?
Typically, car accident lawyers and other personal injury lawyers get paid a contingency fee. This type of fee is collected at the end of the case if the attorney successfully recovers compensation on the client’s behalf. The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the client’s overall financial award. Generally, this is between 33% and 40%. Because contingency fees are collected at the end of the case, you don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees upfront.
What’s more, the attorney doesn’t get paid unless you do.
A St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Fair Compensation for Your Injuries
Navigating the car accident claim process can be daunting, but hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help. An experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer will fight for you to receive fair compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg car accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765,
United States
(727) 796-8282
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712,
United States
(727) 349-1728