Learn about our selection process.
= Featured Provider
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
-min.png)
.jpg)
If you've been in a car accident, you probably have a lot of questions, especially if you've been injured or suffered property loss. Here's everything you need to know about car accident lawsuits, hiring an auto accident attorney, and more.
If you've been in a motor vehicle accident recently and need to know what to do and how you'll be affected, start here with these resources written by experts. If you need to recover compensation for pain and suffering, a car accident injury, or property damage, these resources are curated to put you in the best position possible to pursue a settlement offer whether you negotiate with the insurance company or file personal injury claims against the negligent parties.
If you're considering filing a lawsuit regarding a car accident you've been in, here's where you can find out what to expect regarding settlement payments, injury claims, court timelines, and how the court will determine fault and liability regarding the accident.
Not sure if you need a auto accident attorney for your injury claim? We have resources written and reviewed by experts to help you decide. Then, you can use our comprehensive directory to find the best lawyer for you, many of whom offer a free consultation for your car accident case.
One of the most sought-after pieces of information for folks considering a car accident lawsuit is how much money they stand to gain from it. We've collected data from publicly available cases to help you gauge the amount of compensation you may receive for your injuries.
Insurance requirements, statute of limitations, and other laws, rules, and regulations change from state to state. For folks who've been in serious car crashes, knowing the local laws can help when attempting to collect compensation for damages.
We collected the data so that you don't have to go searching for it! Here are the average car accident settlements for each state using publicly available data. Keep in mind that many settlement amounts may not be disclosed due to an agreement between both parties.
To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.
Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.
Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.
The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.
After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.
![Lesiones causadas por el cinturón de seguridad e importes promedio de indemnizaciones [2024]](https://images.ctfassets.net/k00sbju4hbzq/332ozDJcTb0LQ1D0Vw9AFC/e6cfea62786ab67ab951c570505a2f61/Car_Accident_Lawyers_Depositphotos_118922908_XL.jpg?fit=fill&w=750&q=75)
![Lesiones por airbag e importes medios de las indemnizaciones [2024]](https://images.ctfassets.net/k00sbju4hbzq/1d9McENMmj030GYV75FrW9/1f3c016edf911fde94037225b80f708b/Car_Accident_Lawyers_Depositphotos_61460709_XL.jpg?fit=fill&w=750&q=75)
![Lesiones de tejidos blandos y montos promedio de las indemnizaciones [2024]](https://images.ctfassets.net/k00sbju4hbzq/2qdQTRG8wImTdxG0BHeXnP/7b390a1948ab3a5d5978d34c43c0d36c/Car_Accident_Lawyers_Depositphotos_299190524_XL.jpg?fit=fill&w=750&q=75)