What Does a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Do?
There are several benefits to working with an experienced car accident lawyer if you’ve been injured in an accident in Jacksonville, FL. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the complexities of the claim process and handle the leg work while you focus on your recovery. This may also help you recover greater compensation than if you are unrepresented.
If you aren’t sure whether working with a car accident lawyer is right for you, remember that you can usually set up an initial consultation free of charge. This allows you to learn more about the attorney and how they can help your case.
If working with an attorney is new to you, it may help to learn more about what a Jacksonville car accident lawyer does.
Review Your Case and Explain the Claim Process
The first thing your attorney will do is review the details of your case and make some initial observations or recommendations. They may ask to review the police report or listen to your story of the accident.
From there, the attorney will give you an overview of the claim process and your options for moving forward. They may also suggest next steps, such as seeking medical attention or seeing a specialist.
Gather Evidence and Assess Your Damages
Once you decide to move forward with your attorney, they will begin gathering evidence to build your case. This may include evidence showing how the accident occurred, such as witness statements, photographs, police reports, and video footage. It may also include evidence from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists.
Your attorney will also gather evidence regarding your damages and assess their value. Damages may include past and future medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to name a few.
Negotiate a Settlement With the Insurance Provider
Most car accident cases will be resolved through a settlement. Your attorney will contact the insurance company on your behalf to demand compensation and negotiate a settlement. Having an attorney is especially beneficial during negotiation, as it prevents the insurance company from pressuring you into accepting a settlement offer.
Once the insurance company makes a settlement offer, your attorney can offer you their advice on whether the offer is reasonable. They have years of education and experience they can use to evaluate your settlement offer. However, the ultimate decision to accept or reject an offer is yours.
Take Your Case to Court
Your attorney can bring your case to court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached. They will file your lawsuit and any required documents, appear at your court hearings and trial, and argue your case to the jury. They will also respond to any arguments by the defendant that you were to blame for the accident or your injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville?
Car accident lawyers and other personal injury lawyers usually accept cases on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is collected at the end of the case as a percentage of the client’s overall financial recovery. A typical contingency fee will be between 33% and 40%. Because the fee is collected at the end of the case, you don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees upfront.
And, because the fee is contingent upon you successfully recovering compensation, the attorney doesn’t get paid unless you do.
Contact a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Today For Help
Being in a car accident is stressful, and navigating the car accident claim process can be, too. Hiring an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney can simplify this process. Your attorney will fight for you to receive full compensation for your injuries so you can focus on your recovery.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accidents law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167