Being involved in a car accident is upsetting enough, but it can be even more upsetting when it was the other driver’s fault. After an accident, there can be a great deal of financial loss; medical bills, lost wages, and damage to the vehicle. Since the other driver was at fault, the accident victim should not be responsible for the costs incurred as result of the accident. The best way that an accident victim can be fully compensated by the other driver is by hiring an auto accident lawyer in Sarasota, FL. A car accident lawyer can do many things that the accident victim may not be able to do on their own.
Assessing the Case
If a driver is unsure whether or not they have a case that can be won in court, they can contact an auto accident lawyer. The lawyer will have the driver come in for a consultation, where they will discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident. The lawyer will request the police report and the accident reports from the police station, as well as any witness statements available. Using this information, the lawyer can determine whether or not the victim has a solid case.
Negotiations
The first step in a settlement case is negotiations. It is common for the attorney representing the responsible party or the responsible party’s insurance company to reach out to the victim very soon after the accident to offer a settlement. It is usually before the victim knows the full extent of his or her injuries. In some cases, they will reach out before the victim has even been discharged from the hospital. The settlement that they will offer is usually not even close to the amount that the victim actually deserves. When the victim hires a lawyer, they will have someone to handle the negotiations for them so they can focus on getting better.
Representation in Court
If the negotiation process does not work out, the case goes to court. A lawyer will prepare the strongest case possible on the victim’s behalf and present it to the court.
If you were the victim of an accident caused by someone else, contact a lawyer to help you receive adequate compensation. For more information, contact Carl Reynolds Law.