Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is never easy. You likely have many questions on legal procedures and how things work and still need to focus on your recovery if you got injured. Due to this, you will need to work with a reliable car accident attorney to avoid making costly mistakes, particularly on the legal procedures.

Car accident attorneys perform many tasks that give accident victims peace of mind during their recovery. Here are some common responsibilities your attorney will handle after the accident.

Investigate the Accident 

One mistake victims make after accidents is to accept the accident or police report as the answer regarding the fault. But the report may omit details, so it's vital for an attorney to investigate the case. They will get any new evidence, consult experts, talk to eyewitnesses, and create a viable theory on the situation. 

Assess the Damages

Most accident victims only consider the immediate costs they incur after the accident when filing a claim. This blunder causes one to get an inadequate settlement, and convincing the insurance company to pay more money later isn't easy. Your car accident attorney understands this, and that is why they consider the full extent of the damages for both current and future losses when building a claim. 

For instance, they will think through the current and future treatment expenses, how the injuries are affecting your ability to resume work, and the psychological effects it has. The attorney will then come up with an accurate estimate of the total amount for your damages. The insurance carrier cannot help you with all this, so the best option is to allow a car accident attorney to handle it.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement or File a Petition

Once you assign your case to a car accident attorney, they will document everything and preserve the evidence. Doing this will help them fight for your rights and get a favorable settlement. In most cases, attorneys have to negotiate with the at-fault party's insurance company if they opt to low-ball you.

If your attorney and the insurance adjuster don't agree on the settlement or the insurance provider refuses to negotiate, the attorney will have to file a lawsuit. They will guide you through each step, prepare the necessary paperwork, and even represent you in court. Their goal will be to convince the court that you deserve the total compensation so your life can be manageable even in the future. No insurance company will deny you a fair settlement with an attorney by your side.

Contact a car accident lawyer near you to learn more.