Many car manufacturers seem to be of the mind that self-driving vehicles are the way of the future. Companies currently developing technology for autonomous cars include Tesla, Ford, Uber, and General Motors. Many of these companies assert that driverless cars are safer than traditional vehicles, because they remove the potential for human error.
While eventually this may be true, the technology is still being developed. Autonomous vehicles can still be involved in accidents, and can still cause serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma to their victims.
The Advocates’ personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of car accident victims with their recoveries, and we are ready to help you too. We are committed to doing everything in our power to help you obtain a fair settlement for your damages.
If you need a competent, experienced attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates law firm today for a free consultation.
Immediately after your accident, check for injuries
Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery
Seek medical attention as soon as you can
Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery
Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward
Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party
Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.
The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.
Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.
When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.
For 30 years, the personal injury lawyers with The Advocates have helped victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.
We can help you:
Depending on the nature of your accident, car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common vehicle collision injuries include:
While currently, most car accidents on the roadway involve two human drivers, fully automated cars are beginning to make appearances. Proving liability in these cases can be a little trickier than in normal motor vehicle accidents.
If a car accident is caused by human error, the at-fault driver is liable for the other party’s damages. As technological advancements are made and truly driverless vehicles become more common, liability may begin to shift.
If a car was on autopilot at the time of an accident, the crash may have been caused by a mechanical defect or faulty equipment. In this case, the vehicle manufacturer may be held accountable in a product liability case.
Insurers for auto companies are typically no more willing to pay out fair settlements than personal insurance providers. Regardless of the nature of your accident, a personal injury attorney can help you fight insurance adjusters and receive the compensation you deserve.
The Society of Automotive Engineers defines 6 levels of driving automation. The levels are as follows:
Currently, most cars on the road fall somewhere between 0-2. Some cars have conditional or high automation. Full automation is not yet available to the public.
After any car crash, be sure to take the following actions to protect your right to a car accident claim:
If you were injured in a car accident due to human error or a mechanical defect, you will need to gather evidence for your claim, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and possibly take your case to court. The claims process can quickly become long and complex.
The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely do whatever they can to prove you had some responsibility in the accident. Fighting with insurance adjusters can be stressful, frustrating, and harmful to your recovery.
An auto accident attorney can take on the claims process for you, but it is in your best interest to begin the process as soon as possible. Every state has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, usually between 1-6 years. Once the deadline passes, you will lose your right of action.
The Advocates’ auto accident lawyers have years of experience negotiating with insurance providers and fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We will go up against the at-fault party’s insurance company to get you a fair settlement offer and help you get on the road to recovery.
Your Advocates legal team will be by your side from the day you contact us to the day your case is settled. Our number one priority is your peace of mind. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve an attorney who will fight for you. You deserve an Advocate.