Your Trusted Car Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City
You’re sitting at a stoplight with cars in front of you and to either side. You’re running late getting your child to school because they couldn’t find their homework. Your focus is getting there before the warning bell rings and your child gets a tardy.
You hear a squeal of tires and turn to look behind you just as a car rear-ends you, shoving your vehicle into the one in front of you. You’re no longer worried about school. Is your kid okay? Yes. They’re wearing their seatbelt. You’re okay. Shaky, you turn forward to see your hood has buckled. How are you going to get to work? You only have one car.
Someone knocks on the window to see if you’re injured. When you turn your head, you feel dizzy but shake it off as too much adrenaline. You try to get out to inspect the damage, but the door won’t open. You hit it with your shoulder, then freeze because it sends a jolt of pain down your spine. Maybe you’re not okay after all.
This was Marie’s story from an accident in 1986. She has struggled with pain, muscle weakness, and nerve damage for 37 years.
Similar scenarios to this one happen nationwide every day, highlighting the unpredictability and severity of auto accidents. The driver that hits you may be texting, doing their makeup, spilling coffee in their lap, or feeling hazy because they got too little sleep the night before. Whatever the reason, their carelessness can cause many physical and financial problems like Marie’s.
Car accident lawyers here at LifeLaw understand that an accident like Marie’s can have lasting effects that alter the course of your life. They help accident victims seek compensation, not just for the immediate bills, but for the medical expenses that may continue into the future. Car accident injuries can be severe and long-lasting, making it crucial to have experienced legal support to navigate the complexities of injury claims.
What is a Car Accident Attorney?
A car accident attorney is a licensed lawyer who specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in car accidents. These attorneys possess extensive knowledge of personal injury laws and regulations, making them adept at navigating the complexities of car accident cases. Their primary goal is to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Car accident attorneys handle various aspects of a car accident case. They start by investigating the accident, gathering crucial evidence, and determining who was at fault. This thorough investigation is essential for building a strong claim. They also negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients, striving to secure settlements that cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, car accident attorneys are prepared to litigate the case in court, fighting for their client’s rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Medical Expenses
- Property Damage: The car is totaled. Between the front and back damage, the car’s frame shifted, so the door didn’t want to open. The cost to repair the vehicle is more than the car is worth. However, insurance companies don’t pay the price to replace the vehicle or pay off your previous loan. They pay actual cash value. The depreciated value means you need to buy a new car and may still need to continue making loan payments on the damaged one.
- Medical Bills: The list of possible medical bills after a spine injury is extensive. Put yourself in Marie’s shoes to see how much the at-fault driver’s moment of distraction cost her.
- Lost Wages: Marie couldn’t work for several weeks, and even then, she couldn’t work the same hours she did before the accident. Sitting was too painful.
- Her spouse lost wages to take her to appointments and help after surgery.
- She lost her benefits when she lost her job and had to go on disability.
Marie didn’t have a great attorney to help her with her car accident injury claim. They gave no thought to a lifetime of disability, and she has had to shoulder the cost alone.
Our LifeLaw car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients avoid outcomes like Marie’s. We advocate for our client’s well-being and financial security now and into the future. Navigating personal injury claims can be complex and time-consuming, but our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who We Are
LifeLaw is your personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah. We pride ourselves on our service, commitment, and advocacy for the residents of Utah. Big insurance companies may try to get you to accept a lowball offer, trusting that most people won’t fight for more. We keep these insurance companies honest by making them take your claim seriously.
If injuries linger, we fight for you to get the best medical care for the best possible recovery. Drawing on nearly a century of combined experience, our Utah car accident attorneys exhaust every resource to get you the compensation you deserve, preserving your way of life and covering your current and future expenses.
When You Should Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at LifeLaw?
A lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind after an accident, especially if you or a loved one is injured. We recognize the pain, anger, and confusion that complicate life-altering decisions you may face. We also acknowledge your focus must be your or your loved one’s recovery, but as a car accident victim, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and the importance of timely action.
Experience has shown us that our clients have the best outcomes when they come to us early, so we can be involved in every step of the process. That way, we can safeguard your financial future and ability to receive proper medical care.
The unfortunate truth is that big insurance companies are looking to cut costs and maximize profit, like any other business. However, the costs they look to cut are your medical bills and financial stability. Some of the benefits of having an attorney on your side include:
- Protection: We review all documents the insurance company or opposing counsel gives you. We make sure you don’t inadvertently sign away your rights to sufficient and just compensation for your losses.
- More Time: We focus on the legal aspects of your case so you can devote your energy to healing. We will contact you when your testimony or presence is needed but will otherwise do the heavy legal lifting for you. In some cases, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to secure compensation that exceeds what insurance covers, especially when serious injuries or negligence are involved.
- Advocates In Your Corner: We can help you manage not only the at-fault party’s insurance company but yours as well if they are uncooperative in paying claims, especially if the at-fault party lacks the insurance to pay your medical bills.
- Better Resources: With detailed knowledge of the law, our car accident attorneys in Utah are privy to sources of compensation you may not be aware of. This may include things such as city insurance, if improper signage or other infrastructural problems contributed to the accident.
- Communication: We insulate you from some unpleasantness as all communication comes to our office first. No one can pressure you into taking a bad offer or harass you at home.
As trusted car accident attorneys in Utah, we will give you a free consultation about your case so you know what to expect. You’ve had enough surprises. We can help you start off strong and avoid pitfalls that might endanger your settlement.
What You Can Expect From Our Office
Our number one priority is that you feel safe in our care. Every client is a VIP, and we strive to meet a high standard of excellence and professionalism.
Attentive Listening: One of our clients’ most often repeated comments is that we listen. You’re not just a case to solve. We are here for you and want to understand every aspect of your situation. Our car accident lawyers work to restore your financial security. They also want to help you regain your quality of life, which means getting you to a place where you can enjoy the same activities and lifestyle you had before the accident.
Respect for Your Time: Fruitless errands and unproductive meetings cost you money as you miss work and/or pay for a babysitter. Excessive absences could even endanger your job. We do the legwork and call you when needed rather than wasting your time.
Compassion And Respect: We care about you and your family, so we want your every experience with us to be positive. We’ll take the time to answer all of your questions so you feel comfortable and satisfied with our efforts on your behalf. We’ll never leave you out of the loop.
Professional And Knowledgeable Staff: Our seasoned Salt Lake City car accident attorneys have nearly 100 years of combined experience in handling motor vehicle accident cases. They’re backed by top-notch staff members to ensure that every step runs smoothly, from your first consultation to the resolution of your case. Our staff ensures that you have access to the proper diagnostic tests and treatment and build a case supported by appropriate documentation.
Organization: You don’t need to worry about missed deadlines or paperwork. Our dedicated staff keeps track of important dates so you’re where you need to be when you need to be there. All the documentation will be in perfect order with every “I” dotted and “T” crossed. They update your file after every appointment and check in with you regularly for updates.
Strength: A car accident lawyer must go the distance, no matter how hard the insurance company fights the settlement. Our commitment is to you and your future. We have the will and determination to fight until we reach the best possible outcome for you in your situation. You have the full strength of our office on your side.
The Bottom Line
To the insurance company, you’re a statistic to adjust their actuary tables. These charts tell them who will likely cause an accident, which cars will take the most damage, and how much the company will pay out in claims. Their goal is to collect more in premiums than they pay out in claims.
At LifeLaw, we have built our reputation on the idea that people are more important than profit. Every day, we work to protect the rights of Utah residents like you, who, through no fault of their own, face serious challenges. Let us help you fight back.
For more information about our talented team or to schedule a free consultation, call our Salt Lake City car accident attorneys at (801) 206-4002 or submit a request on our contact page.
We hope you never need us, but we’re here to advocate for you if you do.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I get an attorney after I’ve been in a car accident?
Yes. An attorney will help you fight against the interests of the insurance company responsible for paying a potential injury settlement. Without an attorney, the insurance company can use their own practices to minimize your injuries and your settlement amount. This is how insurance companies stay profitable; by taking in all of the money drivers pay in auto insurance premiums and then refusing to pay or paying out as little as possible.
2. What should I do after I get into a car accident?
Call the police. Get Medical treatment. If your injuries are severe enough, you should go to the hospital in an ambulance. Take photos and video of the accident scene and vehicle property damage. Get an attorney. Call a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the remainder of your case. That’s their job, to worry about it so you don’t have to.
3. How do I know if I am at fault for a car accident?
Liability, or fault for an accident, is usually determined by the police report and the insurance companies involved. Sometimes liability is disputed. If so, then a jury would be the ultimate decision maker as to who caused the car accident.
4. Do I need to call the police if I have been in a car accident?
Yes. You should always call the police if you are in a car accident. This will ensure the accident is well documented and a police report will be created. It is also important to help expedite the resolution of your bodily injury case. If a police report puts the other driver at fault, this will work in your favor and allow the case to settle sooner.
Police officers today almost always take body cam video of the accident scene and conversations with the parties involved, this body cam footage can be very helpful evidence for your case. In addition police officers will take photos of the accident scene and witness statements from individuals who have seen how the accident happened.
5. Will my insurance rates increase after a car accident?
Insurance companies will always find a reason to increase your auto insurance premiums. However, in most states if you are not found at fault in an auto accident then your insurance company can not increase your premiums for an auto accident that you did not cause.
6. How do I file an insurance claim for a car accident?
One of the benefits of retaining an attorney after you have been in a car accident is that they will set up the insurance claim for you. This involves sending letters to the insurance company and exchanging information and details about the auto accident in question.
7. How do I File a police report for a car accident?
Once you retain an attorney to assist you in the handling of your car accident case, they will obtain a copy of the police report for you. This involves sending the appropriate information and fee to the police department that oversaw the investigation of the auto accident.