When a car accident attorney accepts a car accident case, they accept every responsibility that the case brings. Regardless of how your accident happened, which damages you’ve suffered, or who is liable for your damages, your lawyer will: Investigate the Accident Your attorney and any investigators they rely on will: Secure witness testimony about your accident Gather any direct evidence of the collision, which may include video footage of the accident Get the police report documenting the accident File a letter of spoliation to preserve any evidence that liable parties have in their possession An investigation is a chance to secure evidence, but it can also make clear who is liable for your damages. Establish Liability Upon completing the investigation of your accident, your lawyer should understand who is liable for your damages. Car accidents happen for many different reasons, and liable parties can include: A motorist whose negligent actions (speeding, tailgating, drunk driving, or otherwise) cause an accident A motor vehicle manufacturer whose vehicle or component contributes to a collision A municipality that fails to repair potholes, mark streets clear, repair defective traffic signals, fix downed signage, or generally ensure safe driving conditions A pedestrian whose actions contribute to a car accident, as motorists sometimes swerve to avoid pedestrians in or near the roadway Your lawyer must have the details of your accident to establish liability. Identifying liable parties will be an early priority for your attorney. Calculate and Document Your Damages Damages are the key focus of every car accident case. From the outset, an attorney will monitor your damages, document them, and work with experts to assign a monetary value to each damage. Useful documentation may include: Bills for accident-related medical care Proof that you have missed work and lost income as a consequence Medical images of your injuries Testimony from mental health professionals about your psychological and emotional damages Invoices for vehicle repair, temporary transportation, and replacement of damaged property Attorneys use legally accepted methods to calculate non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). Your lawyer may use the per diem or multiplier method to establish the cost of your non-economic damages. Fight for a Fair Settlement Negotiating can be a particularly difficult part of car accident claims if you’re not a lawyer. Insurance company representatives may negotiate settlements day in and day out. To balance negotiations in your favor, you may choose to hire an attorney who’s also an experienced negotiator. You can gauge an attorney’s negotiating power by reviewing the firm’s settlement history. Take Your Case to Trial The vast majority of car accident cases settle before a trial becomes necessary. However, a trial should always be an option for a lawyer. If a law firm has a reputation for taking cases to trial, it shows they are willing to fight for its clients’ best interests.