Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident

Having an attorney as your advocate can make a major difference in the outcome of your case, and here’s why.

01:00 01 May 2025

There are 1.3 million active attorneys in the US and around 60,000 personal injury law firms. After being involved in a car accident, one of the most important steps you can take is to hire an attorney from one of these firms to provide legal guidance and representation. 

Having an attorney as your advocate can make a major difference in the outcome of your case, and here’s why.

Navigating the Car Accident Claims Process

The claims process after an auto accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. An attorney deals with insurers so you don’t have to. They will respond to questions and requests from insurers, gather evidence like police reports and witness statements, organize medical records and bills, submit claims fully documenting your losses and damages, and aggressively negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Retaining legal counsel shows insurers you are serious about pursuing fair compensation. 

Determining Fault and Liability

Figuring out who was at fault in an accident, and to what extent, can be challenging, as several vehicles may have been involved. In 2020, there were 5.25 million crashes reported to the police, 8,077 of which were multi-vehicle accidents.

The details at the scene may be disputed, and independent witnesses hard to come by. An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident circumstances, including visiting the scene, checking traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts. They will then determine fault and liability for the crash, which directly impact negotiations with insurers and ability to recover damages. Having an attorney establish the clearest picture of who caused the accident strengthens your case substantially.

Filing Car Accident Lawsuits When Necessary

If the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to make a satisfactory settlement offer, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation through the court system. They will handle every aspect of building a compelling case, from drafting the lawsuit detailing your claims to gathering further evidence to presenting your case in court if necessary. An attorney knows how to prove negligence and maximize recoverable damages under the law. The credible threat of legal action gives insurers incentive to pay reasonable settlements rather than risk larger court-awarded payouts.

Negotiating the Best Settlements

Hiring a car accident attorney levels the playing field when negotiating accident settlements with insurance companies. Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to value car accident claims and vigorously negotiate to maximize your payout. They will start by calculating all quantifiable damages like medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs and replacement costs. Then they will factor in harder-to-quantify damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress and reduced quality of life.

The average amount of compensation is around $55,056, but it can vary depending on the scope of your injuries. The median award for auto accidents is $16,000.

Insurance firms often make unreasonably low initial offers. Your attorney has the knowledge and leverage to negotiate a full and fair settlement.

Protecting Your Interests

The biggest benefit an attorney provides after an accident is looking out for your best interests every step of the way. They will advise you on your legal rights and options while dealing with the many challenges the claims process presents. 

With an attorney guiding you, handling details, and fighting for maximum compensation, you can focus on recovery knowing your rights are protected.