A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Beyond the shock and pain, many people face mounting medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about how they’ll move forward. Insurance companies may call quickly, but their goal is often to pay as little as possible—not to protect your rights.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit or settlement. Understanding your options is the first step toward recovery and justice.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents happen for countless reasons, but lawsuits often involve negligence or reckless behavior, such as:
Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS)
Speeding or reckless driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Drowsy or fatigued driving
Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
Improper lane changes or tailgating
Defective vehicles or faulty repairs
Hazardous road conditions (poor maintenance, construction zones)
When another driver or a third party is responsible, the law allows you to pursue compensation for your losses.
Injuries That Often Lead to Claims
Car crashes can cause injuries that require months—or even years—of treatment. Common injuries seen in car accident cases include:
Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
Broken bones and fractures
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Severe cuts, burns, or disfigurement
Psychological trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Even if your injuries seem “minor” at first, symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor and get legal advice as soon as possible.
Why Consider a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Insurance might cover part of your costs—but it rarely tells the full story. A lawsuit can help you recover for:
Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehab, therapy)
Future medical expenses if ongoing care is needed
Lost wages for time you couldn’t work
Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job
Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll
Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
Wrongful death damages if a loved one died in the crash
A lawsuit also holds the negligent party accountable, which can prevent similar accidents in the future.
What You’ll Need to Prove
To win a car accident lawsuit, we typically establish:
Duty of Care – The other driver (or party) had a duty to act safely on the road.
Breach of Duty – That duty was broken (e.g., texting while driving, running a red light).
Causation – Their actions caused the crash and your injuries.
Damages – You suffered real losses (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering).
Who Can Be Held Liable?
While most lawsuits target another driver, there may be additional responsible parties:
Employers (if the at-fault driver was on the job)
Manufacturers (if a defective vehicle part caused the accident)
Bars or restaurants (under “dram shop” laws, if they overserved an intoxicated driver)
Government entities (if dangerous road conditions played a role)
An experienced attorney can investigate all possible sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay, get checked. Some injuries show up later.
Report the accident. File a police report and get a copy for your records.
Document everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
Exchange information. Get contact and insurance details from all drivers and witnesses.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. Anything you say may be used against you.
Contact us to protect your rights and start building your case.
Evidence That Helps Build a Strong Case
The Lake Law Firm team may gather:
Police and accident reports
Medical records and bills
Photos, dashcam footage, or surveillance video
Witness statements
Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
Vehicle black box data (speed, braking, etc.)
Expert testimony (accident reconstructionists, doctors, vocational experts)
The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve critical evidence.
Statutes of Limitations – Why Time Matters
Every state sets a deadline (called a statute of limitations) for filing car accident lawsuits. In many states it’s two or three years, but some are shorter. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever.
Acting quickly also ensures evidence is fresh and witnesses are easier to locate.
What to Expect in the Legal Process
Free consultation: We review your case at no cost.
Investigation: We collect evidence, reviews records, and consults experts.
Filing a claim: A lawsuit is filed by us against the at-fault party (or parties).
Negotiation: Many cases settle without trial, through negotiation or mediation. We work to get you the highest settlement.
Trial (if needed): If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’ll present the case in court.
The Lake Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we’re only paid when we win you the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still recover compensation. Many states use “comparative negligence” rules, where your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
You may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We’ll explore all options.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and how the accident affects your life. Our experienced lawyers can give you a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me money?
Yes. Insurance companies often make lowball offers quickly to close the case. Once you accept, you usually can’t seek more—even if your injuries worsen.
Why Choose Legal Help Now?
You only get one shot at compensation.
Insurance companies have lawyers—so should you.
A lawsuit can provide financial security and peace of mind as you recover.
Acting quickly protects your rights and strengthens your case.
A car accident is more than just a crash—it can impact every part of your life. If you’ve been hurt, you don’t have to face medical bills, lost income, and insurance battles alone.
Legal action can help you get the support and compensation you need to rebuild your future.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer of over 25 years. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of car accident cases. Contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
