An accident attorney can make all the difference when it comes to your personal injury claim, as he or she can quickly and effectively steer you through the claims process and help you reach an equitable agreement. Basically, it is the job of your personal injury attorney to help you get fair compensation if you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. While every case is unique, there are certain roles that your attorney takes on throughout the claims process. Here are some of the ways in which your accident attorney can help with your case:

1. Assess the facts to determine whether you have a case: The first thing your accident attorney can do is to conduct a preliminary investigation and go through all documentation to date, including the official accident report and witness statements. He or she can also conduct an interview with you. From all of this information, he or she can determine whether you have a viable claim and if it makes sense to proceed.
2. Steer the investigation: Following the initial information-gathering stage, your lawyer goes through things more thoroughly, including conducting an on-site investigation at the scene of the accident, consulting experts, and re-interviewing witnesses. Other common strategies include hiring an expert witness and/or an accident reconstruction expert. At this point, he or she prepares and forwards questions to the negligent party, with a request for a written response.
3. Coordinate the claims filing: Once the investigative phases are complete, paperwork must be filed with the state court. Your accident lawyer can handle all of the details for you and make sure you meet all the requirements for a successful filing.
4. Conduct negotiations: In most cases, your accident attorney tries to reach a settlement with the negligent party’s insurance company first, as this saves everyone the time and expense of going to court. He or she may also try to leverage the information gathered during the investigations to strengthen your position at the bargaining table and secure you a fair settlement.
5. Handle the court process: If a settlement cannot be reached between the two parties, then your accident attorney manages the litigation. If relevant, he or she files any motions, takes depositions, and prepares witnesses. On the day of trial, your attorney attempts to present your case effectively to receive a favorable judgment from the judge or jury.