If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re likely facing a pile of medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of missing work — all while trying to heal. In moments like this, many people wonder: What does a car accident lawyer do, and do I really need one?
The short answer: a good car accident lawyer does far more than just file paperwork. At Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide you from the day of your accident to the day you receive your settlement or judgment — protecting your rights every step of the way.
Investigating the Accident
The very first step a car accident lawyer takes is uncovering the truth of what happened — and preserving the evidence to prove it. This stage is critical because the strength of your case depends on the quality and depth of the facts gathered.
A thorough investigation may include:
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- Reviewing Police Reports: These documents often provide initial fault assessments, citations issued, and statements from the parties involved. Your lawyer will check them for accuracy and identify details that can strengthen your claim.
- Analyzing Medical Records: We examine your medical files to connect your injuries directly to the accident, ensuring there’s clear documentation of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Neutral witnesses can be powerful in confirming your version of events. Your lawyer will locate, interview, and secure statements from anyone who saw the crash.
- Inspecting the Accident Scene: In some cases, visiting the crash site can reveal skid marks, damaged road signs, or environmental conditions that may have contributed to the collision.
- Working with Experts: Accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the incident, using physics and engineering to determine speeds, points of impact, and sequences of events, if need be. Medical experts may also provide insight into the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
- Gathering Visual Evidence: Photographs, traffic camera footage, dashcam video, and even data from a vehicle’s black box can provide critical proof of how the crash occurred.
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By meticulously piecing together these elements, a good car accident lawyer creates a compelling, evidence-backed case that not only establishes fault but also lays the groundwork for negotiating the full compensation you deserve.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a car accident, it’s not unusual to get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company almost immediately. They may sound sympathetic, but their primary goal is to protect their bottom line — which often means offering you less than your claim is truly worth. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions that can be twisted to shift blame, requesting recorded statements that can later be used against you, or dangling quick cash settlements before you even know the full extent of your injuries and future expenses.
A good car accident lawyer understands these strategies and knows how to counter them effectively. At Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers, we step in as your advocate from the very first call. We take over every conversation with the insurance company, making sure nothing is said that could harm your claim. We gather and present complete, well-organized documentation — from medical records to proof of lost wages — so your case is backed by undeniable evidence.
Our negotiation approach is firm but fair, aimed at securing the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law. By handling the process from start to finish, we remove the stress of constant phone calls, paperwork, and pressure tactics, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery while we focus on getting results.
Calculating Your Full Damages
Your losses go beyond the hospital bill. We look at the whole picture:
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- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
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By calculating the true value of your claim, we make sure you aren’t shortchanged.
Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary
When negotiations stall and the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, the path forward becomes clear: we take your case to court. Filing a lawsuit isn’t just a formality — it signals to the other side that we are fully prepared to see the case through, no matter how long it takes.
Once the lawsuit is filed, we move into the pre-trial discovery phase. This is where both sides exchange information, take sworn depositions, and gather additional evidence to strengthen their arguments. Discovery can be a turning point, as it often reveals facts the insurance company would rather keep hidden.
In many cases, there’s an opportunity for mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate a settlement. If mediation succeeds, you can receive your compensation sooner without the need for a trial. But when mediation fails or the offer still falls short, we don’t hesitate to step into the courtroom.
At trial, we present your case with compelling evidence, credible witnesses, and a clear narrative that shows the full impact the accident has had on your life. The attorneys at Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers have a reputation for being skilled trial advocates, and insurance companies understand we’re not afraid to stand before a judge and jury. That reputation alone can often encourage more reasonable settlement offers — but if it doesn’t, we’re ready and willing to fight for you until the very end.
Providing Peace of Mind
Beyond legal strategy, a good car accident lawyer gives you peace of mind. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, filled with medical appointments, insurance company calls, and mounting bills. A skilled car accident lawyer provides a crucial service by shouldering this burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery with the peace of mind that a professional is diligently working on your behalf.
If you are ever in a wreck, you can save the infographic below to ensure you follow all advisable steps:
Our team works as your personal advocate, navigating complex legal and insurance procedures to ensure your best interests are protected, all while keeping you informed every step of the way. You know someone is protecting your best interests, keeping you informed, and working toward the best possible outcome.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
Here’s the typical process at Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers:
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- Free consultation to evaluate your case.
- Thorough investigation and evidence gathering.
- Demand letter sent to the insurance company.
- Negotiations for a fair settlement.
- Filing suit if settlement isn’t reached.
- Pre-trial and trial representation when necessary.
- Case resolution and disbursement of funds.
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Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters
Not all attorneys are the same. A good car accident lawyer combines deep legal knowledge with compassion for their clients. At Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers, our team is led by a Board-Certified Personal Injury Specialist with decades of experience and a proven track record against big insurance companies. When you choose us, you’re choosing a firm that treats your case like it’s the only one we have.
Speak to a Good Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re asking yourself “What does a car accident lawyer do?” — now you know: we investigate, advocate, and fight for your full recovery. Let Jensen Personal Injury Lawyers take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Call today for a free consultation to get started.
The information provided on this site is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal or medical advice. You should consult an attorney or doctor for advice regarding your own individual situation. Use of this website or submission of an online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.