What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

After a car accident, you might find yourself trying to juggle doctor’s appointments while getting your car repaired, and constantly fielding phone calls to and from the insurance company. On top of being injured, you’re stressed and beginning to feel overwhelmed. What you need here is a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process. At HawkLaw, P.A., our attorneys focus on helping accident victims across South Carolina with the stressful effects of a collision.

What Is a Car Accident Lawyer?

A car accident lawyer is a type of personal injury attorney who concentrates on cases involving motor vehicle collisions. Their job is to represent the interests of people injured in accidents caused by another driver’s negligence, a defective car part, or some other dangerous circumstances. Unlike general practice lawyers, who dabble in a little bit of everything, car accident lawyers often focus extensively (or exclusively) on auto accident claims, and are skilled at insurance negotiations. We understand local, state, and federal laws. Most of us are also intimately familiar with the software insurance companies use, as well as the language of most national insurers’ policies.

Key Responsibilities of a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident attorneys wear a lot of hats. The key responsibilities include:

Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation

During an initial consultation, the car accident lawyer will ask detailed questions about how the crash happened and how it has impacted your life. They’ll also collect information about your injuries and treatments. 

During this meeting, your lawyer is assessing whether you have a viable claim. Importantly, most firms, including HawkLaw, P.A., offer this initial consultation for free*, so you can learn your options without financial risk.

Investigation & Evidence Gathering

After you’ve signed a contract, your lawyer will start an investigation into your case. That means reviewing crash reports, interviewing witnesses, securing traffic camera footage, examining vehicle maintenance records, working with accident reconstruction experts, and more.

This process is less about playing detective and more about building a strong case file that establishes fault and supports your compensation claim.

Documenting and Calculating Damages

A huge part of your lawyer’s responsibility as your advocate is making sure every penny of your losses is documented. Damages don’t stop at medical bills and car repairs. They can also include:

• Lost wages and income from missed work
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your job
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical needs, like physical therapy or surgery
• Property damage

An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to calculate these damages in a way that accurately reflects both your short-term and long-term losses.

Sending the Demand Letter to the Insurance Companies

Once the evidence and damages are compiled, your lawyer drafts a formal demand letter. This document lays out what happened, why the other party is responsible, and the amount of compensation you are requesting.

Negotiating a Fair and Just Settlement

Insurance companies often make lowball offers, hoping crash victims will accept less than they deserve. A skilled car accident lawyer pushes back. They negotiate aggressively to ensure the settlement offer covers all of your expenses and future needs.

Because attorneys handle these negotiations daily, they understand the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.

Filing a Complaint and Planning the Lawsuit

If the insurance company refuses to play fair, your lawyer can file a formal lawsuit in court. At this stage, your attorney drafts a complaint that officially begins the litigation process. They also start preparing the strategy for trial. 

Most cases settle before trial, but having a lawyer who is fully prepared to go the distance can put valuable pressure on the insurer to make a better offer. HawkLaw, P.A. is composed of experienced trial lawyers who don’t shy away from taking cases to juries when necessary.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer after a crash does more than just ease your stress; it can directly impact the outcome of your case. Some key benefits include:

• Leveling the playing field against powerful insurance companies
• Maximizing your compensation by uncovering hidden damages
• Saving you time and hassle by handling the legal legwork
• Providing peace of mind so you can focus on recovery

If you’re injured and feeling overwhelmed, hiring a car accident attorney to handle your case is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Not every fender bender requires a lawyer, but in serious or complicated crashes, having legal representation can mean the difference between getting the settlement you deserve and being left to foot the bills on your own. You should strongly consider hiring a car accident lawyer if:

• You suffered injuries 
• A child was involved and injured
• A truck, bus, or commercial vehicle was involved
• You were hit as a pedestrian or cyclist
• Fault is unclear or disputed
• The other driver was drunk, distracted, or reckless
• Someone died as a result of the accident
• A defective car part or mechanical failure contributed
• The crash involved rideshare drivers like Uber or Lyft

In short, if the accident is more than a simple bumper tap with no injuries, it’s worth talking to a lawyer about your rights.

What to Expect During Your First Meeting with an Auto Accident Attorney

Many accident victims have never met with an attorney before hiring one to handle their car accident claim. When you arrive for your initial consultation, here’s what you can expect. 

• The lawyer will review the facts of your case. 
• You’ll be asked to share any documents (police reports, medical bills, insurance letters).
• They’ll outline the legal process and your potential options.
• You’ll learn whether they think you have a strong claim.

It’s important to feel comfortable with your attorney and their team. Your initial meeting is your opportunity to interview them, and to find out whether they’re a good fit for your case.

Tips for Making the Most of Your First Meeting

You can help make your first meeting successful by coming prepared and asking questions. Here’s how to make sure your first meeting with your attorney is productive.

• Bring all relevant documents, including photos of the accident scene or your injuries.
• Be honest and thorough when explaining what happened.
• Prepare a list of questions, like:
  • How often do you handle car accident cases?
  • What is your fee structure?
  • How do you communicate updates?

If you don’t understand something that is communicated to you, it’s always best to ask questions. It may also be wise to consider bringing a trusted friend or loved one to help you remember details of the visit.

How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer​ for You

Choosing the best car accident lawyer for your needs will require a little work, but it’s worth it. The American Bar Association recommends asking questions during the initial consultation like how many years the firm has been in practice, and what kind of payment plan they have. 

That is a good start, but we also recommend asking: 

• Do you regularly handle auto accident cases?
• How often do you go to trial?
• Can I talk to any prior clients? 
• Will you keep me informed throughout the case?
• Do I have to pay anything upfront?
• Can I call you any time, or will I need to use the website to access information about my case?
• What happens if we win?
• What happens if we lose?

Remember, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re choosing an advocate who will be by your side during one of the most stressful periods of your life. Before making your final decision, make sure the attorney has a license in good standing. The South Carolina Judicial Branch allows you to check this for free.

Reach Out to Our Car Accident Lawyers After a Serious Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. Reach out to the car accident lawyers at HawkLaw, P.A. today. We offer free consultations and handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.*

Our team proudly serves clients across South Carolina from our Greenville office, with additional locations in Charleston, Anderson*, Spartanburg and Columbia. (Please note: Anderson is by appointment only. Most clients are served out of the Greenville office.)