Around 40,000 car accidents occurred in San Antonio in 2023. Out of which, 158 were fatal.
After a car accident in San Antonio, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next with all the emotions and uncertainty. Medical bills, insurance claims, and repair expenses can leave you wondering who will be responsible for everything that comes after.
Preparing for a car accident case involves strategy, research, and empathy, and sure enough, San Antonio car accident lawyers possess all of these traits and more. But what exactly do they do? How do they turn the complicated aftermath of a car accident into a clear case for compensation?
The process is more complicated than it may seem. A lawyer’s work isn’t just in the courtroom. They also have to understand the human side of the case – the pain and problems their clients face, the money issues they have, and the emotional toll of the accident.
This isn’t just about winning in court; it’s about getting justice for people whose lives have been turned upside down. But how do they prepare for a car accident case? Let’s take a closer look.
1. They Make Enquiries
The lawyer needs to know exactly what happened. They should meet with the client and get all the details – the good and the bad. This is very important because it sets the foundation for everything else.
Lawyers work hard to gather every bit of information to understand the whole situation. They know that even a small detail could be very important for the case. They ask questions as to how the accident affected the client’s life. Are there a lot of medical bills? Can the client still work?
Knowing this helps the lawyer decide how much money to ask for. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about making sure the client gets the fairness they deserve.
2. Investigating the Scene and Evidence
A lawyer’s most important tool is evidence. Without it, they can’t win a case. So, they start by getting the client’s story, and then they gather concrete facts.
They might send investigators to the accident scene to take pictures, measure distances, and talk to witnesses. They also get police reports, look at medical records, and ask for surveillance videos if they’re available.
And they also get help from experts. Lawyers often bring in accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the crash. These professionals help explain how the accident happened using solid scientific evidence to back up the lawyer’s argument.
3. Preparing for Negotiations and Settlements
Most car accident cases are resolved outside of court through discussions with the other party’s insurance company.
Lawyers prepare for these discussions by gathering evidence and understanding their client’s losses, such as medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
They aim to reach a fair compensation agreement but are also ready to take legal action if needed. Sometimes, just the threat of a trial can push negotiations forward.
4. Preparing for Courtroom Showdown
When a case goes to trial, the preparation intensifies. The lawyer is now thinking several moves ahead, planning their opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
They spend hours practicing their presentation. They want to be clear, concise, and persuasive in front of the jury. Lawyers prepare their witnesses, coach their clients on what to say, and make sure their arguments are backed up by solid evidence.
And, of course, they anticipate the other side’s moves, knowing full well they’ll try to poke holes in their case.
