Accidents happen all the time, and we mostly attribute them to bad luck, but sometimes accidents can be caused by another person’s negligence. If someone else is to blame for injuries caused by accidents, shouldn’t they pay for your medication, lost income, and much more? Fortunately, accident & injury law can be helpful when seeking justice for an accident.
Accident & injury law covers the legal options for accident injuries and how accident casualties can recover damages. An accident attorney in Alaska will evaluate your situation and advise you on the best way forward while safeguarding your legal interests.
Critical Duties of an Accident Attorney
The primary duties of an accident attorney are extensive, including:
- Educating Clients on their Legal Rights
Most likely, you’re not a legal professional, and that’s why you’re seeking the services of a legal expert. Before engaging an attorney, you should be aware of the deliverables. An attorney must enlighten you on your legal rights and ensure they’re safeguarded. The attorney should cover various issues, such as the statute of limitations contributory & comparative negligence, explaining how they can impact your legal situation.
The statute of limitations highlights the time limit for filing a lawsuit, and it varies by jurisdiction. Contributory & comparative negligence laws focus on the damages to be recovered, considering the percentage of responsibility. The defendant is liable to the extent of their liability in contributory negligence. If their liability is 50%, they should settle 50% (half) of the claim. In comparative negligence, the plaintiff can sue all parties involved and recover damages, regardless of their contribution.
- Advice Clients
Your attorney owes you a duty of explaining how the legal system works in your jurisdiction and simplifying down complex legal jargon. They should also advise you on insurance matters and court procedures & protocol. If your attorney is experienced, they can recommend a treatment plan since they’ve probably handled similar cases in the past. The accident might have emotionally affected you, but you’re unaware, meaning your attorney should be reliable to make sound judgment and help you make sober decisions about the case.
- Legal Representation
Most accident lawsuits are settled out of court if the liable party will not complicate the legal situation. Suppose the defendant or their legal team complicates the case. In that case, you’ll be forced to go to initiate legal action, meaning you’ll need a competent attorney on your side because the insurance company involved will put a strong defense and attempt to avoid or invalidate your claim.
- Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
If your attorney is experienced, they know what a fair settlement entails and will advise you accordingly if they detect foul play. The lawyer can also liaise with the insurance company and negotiate a better deal for a better settlement deal. Otherwise, they should appeal where necessary.
- Safeguarding the Client’s Interests
Your attorney should be on your side throughout the trial, and they shouldn’t entertain aside deals with the defendants without involving you. Your attorney must advise you accordingly if the defendant attempts to influence them with bribes.
What’s the Right Time to Hire an Accident Attorney?
Not all accidents require legal representation, although the standard advice is to involve an expert in your legal affairs. If you’re injured at work after complying with the company’s safety guidelines, your employer is liable; such accidents are straightforward. Unfortunately, the liable party, including employers, complicate simple legal situations forcing the injured to use other avenues of recovering damages for their loss or injuries. Some of the instances when you’ll need the services of an attorney include:
- If the defendant or an insurance company denies liability, you feel your case is legitimate, and you should be compensated.
- When the facts surrounding your case are complicated, you need a lawyer.
- Hire an attorney if you’re unsure of the possible outcome of the case.
- If you’re not a legal professional, involve an attorney.
- Seek help if the likely settlement is significant, and losing the case will result in severe consequences.
Qualities of a Reliable Accident Attorney
The success of your case will largely be influenced by your legal representation, meaning you’ll need the best attorney available. But how can you tell whether an attorney is reliable or not? The following are some qualities that competent attorneys should possess:
Ability to Make Sound Decisions
Some legal situations call for sobriety before making hasty conclusions. Supposing an attorney has to rely on little information to build a solid case, they’ll need to analyze the facts surrounding the case soberly and apply the necessary laws even if the laws are contrary to their opinion.
Logical Thinking
Sound judgments are based on logic, meaning all aspects of a case should make sense. A reliable attorney should think logically and ensure they can sufficiently defend their claims.
Seeking compensation for accident injuries is typically complicated, but if you have a reliable attorney on your side, you can rest assured that all will work out fine.
