Accident specialists represent people who have been in accidents and help them reach a fair legal settlement. They work with insurance companies to resolve claims, and if necessary, they can go to court to seek damages. Not only insurance companies, but also those legally liable for the accident, such as the other driver in a car accident, may be named in a lawsuit. This is a subset of personal injury law, which is a legal specialty devoted to civil injury cases.
When people are involved in accidents, their insurance companies may file claims to cover the damages. These can include both medical expenses and vehicle damage. Insurance companies can look into who was at fault and use that information to determine whether or not to pay claims. If a problem arises during the process, or if victims require assistance, they can consult with accident experts.
When accident specialists are brought in early in a case, they may be able to offer advice on how to help their clients file claims effectively and correctly. Those who are at fault can also hire lawyers to help them with their legal issues. In some cases, the attorney can protect them from liability and provide advice such as not accepting responsibility for the accident verbally and being cautious when communicating with the victim or the insurance company. Statements made during an investigation can be used in court, and an apology for an accident, for example, could be damaging.
Instead of dealing directly with each other and their insurance companies, those involved in an accident can choose to use their attorneys as their primary point of contact. Accident experts are familiar with the legal precedents in such cases and may be able to reach an agreement with the insurance company. If not, or if the victim wishes to sue the person who caused the harm, the attorney can review the case, make recommendations about how to proceed, and handle it in court if the victim chooses to do so.
To support the case in court, extensive investigations may be conducted, requiring accident specialists to collaborate with private investigators and other support staff. This information aids the attorney in constructing a strong case that will stand up to scrutiny, as well as supporting a claim for excessive damages. When it becomes clear that a lawsuit will proceed, parties may be willing to settle out of court, and accident specialists can advise their clients on whether to accept or reject an offer and go to trial.