What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?

If you are injured in a car accident, your first thought may not be to hire an attorney. Many people assume that the person who caused the accident will automatically take responsibility and cover their losses. This is not always the case, however. To protect yourself and your interests, you may need to seek legal counsel.

Guidance

An accident can create a long to-do list. You may have to collect medical records in order to file a claim with your health insurance provider. Your vehicle may be damaged, so your auto insurance or the other driver’s coverage may have to compensate for that loss. You may even be called to testify in legal proceedings if the details of the accident come under dispute. Your attorney’s job is to guide you through this process.

Representation

An auto accident lawyer in Columbia MD, serves as your representative in many ways. Not only can an attorney help you through the insurance process, he or she can act as your intermediary with the other party’s insurer. If you have to go to court, your lawyer is your advocate to present your case and get you adequate compensation.

Advocacy

Your attorney’s job is to build your case. This process starts with collecting all necessary records. If you are injured, your lawyer will know which medical records are most relevant to your case. If the other driver denies responsibility, your attorney is tasked with proving fault. Then, when all the information is gathered, the car accident lawyer who represents you argues the evidence in a hearing or in court so that your side of the story is presented accurately and completely.

A small fender bender may not necessitate legal representation. If you are injured or if significant damage was done, however, it is smart to hire someone with the expertise to represent you well.