What Does a Defense Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Most people may not know, but there are legal professionals who work on the defense side of car accidents. Knowing what a defense lawyer does, is also key to understanding how your case may be handled.

Representing the At-Fault Party

Defense lawyers represent the at fault party, and also:

• Insurance Companies: They often times are hired by the insurance company of the at fault party.
• The Driver: They will represent the driver who was at fault.
• Other Entities: They may also represent other entities who may be at fault for an accident.

Defending Against Claims

One of the most important things a defense lawyer does is defend against the claims being made:

• Minimize Liability: They work to minimize the liability of their clients, and lower the payment that they may need to make.
• Challenge Evidence: They may challenge the evidence, and work to discredit the evidence to lessen the value of your claim.
• Disprove Negligence: They will do their best to disprove their clients negligence. You may find our article on Understanding Negligence in a Car Accident Case helpful.

Settlement Negotiations

Defense lawyers often times are involved in negotiating settlements:

• Attempt to Lower Settlement Value: A defense attorney will often try to lower the settlement value, so that their client does not have to pay as much.
• Minimize the Payout: Their goal is to minimize the payout that their client will ultimately have to make.
• Represent Their Client’s Best Interest: A defense attorney will always represent their client’s best interest, and will make sure that they are not paying an excessive value for any claims.

Trial Representation

If a settlement is not reached, then they will also represent their client in a trial setting:

• Present Arguments: They will present arguments to defend their client in court.
• Challenge Evidence: They will challenge evidence presented by the other side.
• Advocate For Their Clients: They will always advocate for their client, and will try their best to get them the best result possible.

The Importance of Knowing Your Legal Options

Understanding what the defense lawyer is doing, helps you properly prepare for your case:

• Prepare a Strong Claim: Having an understanding of what the defense attorney may be doing, will allow you to better prepare your claim.
• Seek Proper Representation: Knowing the strategies a defense attorney uses, allows you to make sure you are represented by a strong and qualified lawyer.
• Protect Your Legal Rights: Proper representation will allow you to ensure that you protect all of your legal rights.

It is very important to understand the role of a defense attorney, to help better understand your legal options. Contact a qualified legal professional for a free consultation today.

Disclaimer: *The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.*