June 2024

Best auto accident lawyers

How do you find the best lawyer for your car wreck? Kervin Law is trying to help prospective clients figure out who the best lawyer for their car accident will be. I have been representing people injured in car wrecks for about 20 years now. I have created a rating and measurement system to help people choose the best attorney for their car wreck. Here are our criteria: How do I know if a lawyer is great at handling car accident cases? Choosing the best traffic accident lawyer isn’t easy, but we are working on helping you make an intelligent decision. Each criterion is important but some are more important than others. Results usually matter more than experience because many young lawyers are often much better at maximizing the value of your car wreck claim than older, less skilled attorneys. Likewise, “Trust” is crucial because what good does it do you to work with someone you can’t trust? You want to know that the lawyer has your back. “Resources” is an often overlooked criterion because it sometimes takes a lot of money to bring a case to bear on the insurance company. Surgeries and treatment from medical specialists like neurosurgeons is expensive. Expert witnesses are also expensive. You want to know that your lawyer has the means to hire the right people to present your case in the best light. It’s therefore hard to judge the quality and capability of your car accident lawyer based on reviews or their website alone. You want to know if they have settled cases for policy limits without having to file suit. This means the lawyer knows how to present a compelling case to the insurance adjuster. The car insurance adjuster is the actual person who makes the decision to settle or go to trial, not the insurance defense lawyer. You therefore must convince the adjuster that your car accident claim is meritorious. There are a lot of car accident attorneys to choose from because the money can sometimes be really good. There thousands — maybe tens of thousands — of personal injury attorneys who primarily focus on automobile accidents. Why do these attorneys do this? Because auto liability cases are usually pretty straightforward and there’s insurance that can pay. Thus, a car wreck claim can lead to a pretty quick and painless payday for the lawyer. Let me explain… Whenever someone causes a car accident, the police are usually called who in turn arrive at the accident scene and investigate the collision. The officer then writes a “crash report” and files it with his law enforcement agency. In that crash report generally contains important facts such as, the weather conditions, the traffic control devices, whether there were any defects in the cars or the road, who was at fault and what specifically they did wrong. The officer also usually draws a diagram of the collision at the end of the report. This diagram shows the movement and positions of the vehicles in order to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who was at fault. The police report also usually contains statements of each driver and passenger, and any witness statements if bystanders saw the crash. Importantly, the report contains the insurance carrier and policy number for each driver. The personal injury lawyer takes this information in order to file an insurance claim on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If liability is clear from the crash report and the other evidence (photos, witness statements, medical records, etc) then the adjuster usually settles the case. The lawyer will usually get 1/3 to 40% of the total settlement amount. The lawyer knows the insurance company is good for the money so they don’t have to worry about not getting paid. If the case is clear and treatment for the injuries is resolved in a finite period, the case can usually be settled. The lawyer knows he or she will get paid. And sometimes the injuries and medical treatment is such that the amount if high — maybe over $100,000. This is why lawyers really want car accident cases. Do you want a billboard lawyer or a smaller, more “boutique” car accident firm? A top rated auto accident attorney doesn’t have to be the one that runs a bunch of TV commercials or has billboards along the highway. The best attorney for your car crash might be a small, local law firm nearby. You should therefore call around and ask if the lawyer handles car accident cases and, if so, ask them about their recent results. If they hesitate, maybe they aren’t the right lawyer for you. You want to work with a lawyer who deals with car accident claims on a regular basis. They don’t have to handle hundreds of cases a year, but they should do them on a regular basis. Your skills as a car accident attorney grow as you experience grows in this field.

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Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Legal and Medical Actions

Car accidents can be jarring and leave you grappling with more than vehicle damage. Knowing what to do immediately after the incident can help alleviate some of the stress and protect your health and legal rights. Kervin Law explains how to handle the aftermath of a car accident efficiently: Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately after a car accident, you should notify your insurance company. Provide them with the initial details of the incident and be prepared to follow up with any new information as it emerges. This early communication is crucial in initiating the claims process and setting the groundwork for necessary repairs or compensation. Seek Chiropractic Care If you’re dealing with back or neck pain after an accident, seeing a chiropractor is a good idea. Find one who specializes in injuries related to accident recovery, like whiplash, herniated disks, and spinal or soft tissue damage. Your treatment could be short or might take longer, depending on how bad your injuries are and how you respond to the care. Keep Track of All Expenses Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical costs, vehicle repairs, and any other expenditures incurred due to the accident. These documents are vital for insurance claims and can be crucial if legal action becomes necessary. Consult Your Attorney After you have gathered all relevant information and documentation, share it with your attorney. Kervin Law can offer legal advice tailored to your situation and help you understand your legal rights and obligations. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for a court case, your attorney will be invaluable. Legal counsel can also prevent you from settling prematurely or accepting offers that need to adequately cover your losses and expenses. Frequent communication with your lawyer guarantees you’re always aligned on the strategy and progress of your case. File an Insurance Claim if Necessary Should the need arise, begin filing a claim with your insurance company. This step is essential if the accident involves significant vehicle damage or personal injuries that might require compensation beyond the initial coverage. Filing a claim might seem daunting, but it can proceed smoothly with the proper documentation and a clear incident record. Your insurance agent should assist you throughout this process, ensuring that all necessary forms are submitted and you understand each step. Visit Healthcare Professionals Don’t overlook the importance of a thorough medical examination after a car accident. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like internal bruising or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. A healthcare professional can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment or refer you to specialists. Record Any New Symptoms Pay close attention to your body in the days and weeks following the accident and note any new medical symptoms or complications. Keeping a detailed record can be critical, especially if your injuries become a legal matter. This documentation will support your claims about the accident’s impact on your health. Obtain the Police Report Request a copy of the police report from the accident. This report will provide an objective overview of the incident, including details you might not remember. It serves as a vital piece of evidence in handling your insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. The report can also be crucial if discrepancies arise between the statements of the involved parties or if the accident leads to litigation. The Bottom Line After a car accident, taking prompt and precise actions can significantly influence your recovery and legal proceedings. By focusing on legal and medical steps, you ensure your rights are protected and your health is prioritized. Remember that the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can have a long-lasting impact on resolving the accident’s consequences. Keep thorough records, consult professionals, and care for your health to navigate this challenging time confidently.

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