What Happens After Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer?

Schneider Car Accident & Injury Firm

Sorting through the aftermath of a car crash is exhausting, especially when insurance adjusters start calling before you even have time to catch your breath.

Bringing an attorney on board takes a huge weight off your shoulders, giving you space to focus on your recovery instead of paperwork.

Still, once the representation agreement is signed, it is completely normal to wonder what the next steps look like.

In this post, we’ll go over what happens after hiring a car accident lawyer.

#1. Your Lawyer Contacts The Insurance Companies

One of the first things your lawyer will usually do is notify the insurance companies that you have legal representation.

This is often done through a letter of representation.

After that, the insurance company can communicate directly with your attorney about the claim. That means you generally do not need to keep answering calls from an adjuster or trying to figure out what information you should provide.

Your lawyer can handle communications about the accident, your injuries, documentation, and the claim itself. This can make things much easier while you are recovering.

Your attorney may also identify all potentially relevant insurance policies.

The other driver's liability insurance may be involved, but your own auto policy could also matter, particularly if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.

#2. Your Lawyer Investigates The Accident

Next comes the detective work.

Your lawyer will start collecting evidence to understand how the crash happened and who may be legally responsible. The investigation can involve:

• The police report
• Photographs
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage
• Traffic camera footage
• Accident scene evidence
• Other available information

Your attorney may also look at things such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, driver behavior, and insurance coverage.

You might be asked to provide photographs, messages, receipts, medical paperwork, or information about people who witnessed the accident. Give your lawyer anything you have that could help establish what happened.

Your attorney will evaluate the available evidence to better understand what happened, identify potentially responsible parties, and determine what information may support your claim.

#3. You Continue Medical Treatment

This is one of the most important things you can do after hiring a lawyer: keep following your treatment plan.

It can be tempting to skip appointments once the worst pain starts improving. Try not to do that. Gaps in treatment can make it harder to document your injuries and show the ongoing impact of the crash.

Your lawyer will usually collect medical records and bills as your treatment continues.

Those records can show what injuries you suffered, what treatment you received, and how your condition changed over time.

You should also tell your doctor about symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem minor. Keep track of appointments, medications, mileage for medical visits, and other accident-related expenses. Your attorney can explain which records and expenses are relevant to your claim.

#4. Your Lawyer Calculates Your Damages

Once your lawyer has enough information, they can start putting a value on the losses connected to your accident.

This goes beyond simply adding up your medical bills. A car accident claim can potentially include several types of damages, depending on the facts of the case and state law.

These may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal activities and other legally recognized losses

Your lawyer will look at your medical records, employment information, bills, treatment history, and other evidence when evaluating the claim.

For serious injuries, this process can take time because your attorney may need to understand your future medical needs and how the injury could affect your ability to work.

#5. Your Lawyer Sends A Demand To The Insurance Company

After your attorney has gathered enough evidence, they may prepare a settlement demand for the insurance company.

The demand can explain how the accident happened, why the other party is responsible, what injuries you suffered, what treatment you received, and how the accident affected your finances and daily life.

The demand will also request a specific amount of compensation.

The insurance company then reviews the demand. It may accept it, make a counteroffer, ask for additional documentation, dispute part of the claim, or deny the claim.

A demand letter does not guarantee that the insurance company will pay the requested amount. It starts the negotiation process.

#6. Settlement Negotiations Begin

This is the part where your lawyer and the insurance company go back and forth.

The insurer may make an offer that is lower than the amount your attorney requested. Your lawyer can review that offer and negotiate for additional compensation based on the evidence supporting your claim.

You may never personally speak with the insurance adjuster during these negotiations. Your attorney can handle those conversations and explain important developments to you.

There is also no requirement that you accept the first offer. Your lawyer can explain the offer, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and go over your options.

Ultimately, the decision to accept a settlement belongs to you.

If negotiations result in an agreement, your case can move toward settlement. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, your lawyer may discuss filing a lawsuit.

#7. Your Lawyer May File A Lawsuit

Not every car accident case ends up in court, but filing a lawsuit can become the next step when settlement negotiations fail.

A lawsuit starts a more formal legal process. Both sides may exchange evidence and information through discovery. Depositions may also take place, and attorneys can bring in experts when their testimony is useful to the case.

Even after a lawsuit is filed, the case can still settle.

In fact, negotiations may continue throughout the litigation process.

Your lawyer will explain what is happening and what they need from you. You may need to answer questions, provide documents, attend a deposition, or participate in mediation.

A lawsuit can take considerably longer than an insurance claim, so patience becomes important at this stage.

#8. Your Lawyer Finalizes the Settlement, If Reached

If your case settles, there are still a few steps before the money reaches you.

You will generally need to sign settlement documents, including a release that resolves the claim. Your lawyer will then handle the distribution process according to the settlement and your fee agreement.

Attorney fees, case expenses, medical liens, and other valid claims against the settlement may need to be paid or resolved first.

For example, a $100,000 settlement does not necessarily mean you receive $100,000 in your bank account. The final amount you receive depends on the attorney fee arrangement, case expenses, medical bills or liens, and other applicable deductions.

Your lawyer should provide an accounting showing how the settlement was distributed and how much you receive.

How Long Does The Process Take?

A car accident claim can take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer.

There is no universal timeline.

A straightforward claim involving minor injuries and clear liability may resolve relatively quickly. More serious cases can take much longer, especially when treatment continues, future medical needs are involved, fault is disputed, or insurance coverage is limited.

A lawsuit can add additional time because of discovery, depositions, motions, mediation, and potential trial preparation.

The important thing is that a longer timeline does not automatically mean something is wrong with your case. Your lawyer may need to wait for medical information, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, or complete other legal steps before the claim is ready to resolve.

You should also keep in mind that every state has deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits.

Hiring a lawyer early gives your attorney time to identify the deadlines that apply to your particular claim.

Final Thoughts

After hiring a car accident lawyer, the process usually involves investigation, medical documentation, damage calculations, insurance negotiations, and potentially a lawsuit.

Your lawyer handles much of the legal work, but you still have an important role.

Keep your medical appointments, follow your doctor's instructions, save accident-related documents, respond to your lawyer's requests, and keep your attorney updated about major changes.

Most importantly, do not expect an immediate settlement check simply because you hired a lawyer. Properly investigating and documenting a car accident claim can take time.

Once your lawyer has enough information, they can negotiate with the insurance company and help you understand the next step.

About the Attorney: Justin Schneider, Esq.

Justin Schneider is the founding attorney of Schneider Car Accident & Injury Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A former felony prosecutor with more than nine years of legal experience, Justin represents individuals injured in car accidents and other incidents involving negligence. Known as “The Honest Attorney,” he brings a strategic, straightforward approach to personal injury law, helping clients understand their rights, navigate insurance claims, and make informed decisions throughout the legal process.

Injured in a Florida Car Accident?

You don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. Attorney Justin Schneider helps accident victims understand their legal options, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses when supported by the facts and applicable law. Contact Schneider Car Accident & Injury Firm today to discuss your case.

FAQs

Do I Still Have To Talk To The Insurance Company After Hiring A Lawyer?

Generally, your attorney will handle communications with the insurance companies after notifying them of your representation. If an adjuster contacts you directly, let your lawyer know before answering questions, providing recorded statements, or discussing a settlement.

What Is My Responsibility While My Lawyer Works On The Case?

Your job is to focus on medical recovery. Attend every doctor and physical therapy appointment, follow treatment plans closely, keep receipts for out-of-pocket costs, and send any new medical bills or records directly to your legal team.

Will My Car Accident Case Go To Court?

The vast majority of car accident claims settle out of court during negotiations.

Your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, liability is disputed, or a legal filing deadline is approaching. Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial.

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