Seeking Car Accident Compensation In Delaware?

Get Assertive Legal Advocacy

A car accident can change your life in an instant. The physical and financial consequences are often overwhelming, and victims may be left wondering how to pick up the pieces.

If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you do not need to face these burdens alone. The experienced attorneys at Pratcher Krayer LLC will be by your side. Our firm provides effective and assertive legal advocacy to injury victims throughout Delaware.

Investigating The Crash And Its Cause

Police reports often provide important evidence, but they should not be the final word on the crash. As soon as you hire us, we begin our own investigation into the crash, determining its cause and who was at fault. In Delaware, car accidents are frequently caused by:

Distracted or inattentive driving
Fatigued or drowsy driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Speeding, tailgating and aggressive driving
Failure to keep a lookout
Failure to adjust driving to weather and road conditions

Our attorneys were both born and raised in Delaware. We have a detailed knowledge of the state’s roads and highways, as well as the driver behaviors that cause or contribute to crashes. As experienced trial attorneys, we know what it takes to prove that the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident and your injuries.

Assessing And Documenting Your Losses

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective clients is: “What is my case worth?” There is no standard dollar figure for a car accident. Instead, compensation is based on what you have lost or suffered as a result of the crash. When we take your case, we will work tirelessly to document damages, including:

Medical bills and treatment: Your legal claim can include all medical costs from the accident. This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy and prescriptions. If your injuries require future surgeries or long-term care, those estimated costs are also part of your case.
Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries result in missing time from work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you can also pursue damages for that lost earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional effects of an accident can be just as difficult as the financial ones. This type of compensation recognizes that. While there is no set formula for this, our attorneys will work hard to ensure damages such as the physical pain or emotional trauma you experienced are properly valued.
Property damage: You can seek financial recovery for any damaged or destroyed property. In car accidents, this is typically your vehicle. This can include the cost of repairs or the full replacement value of your car. It can also cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being fixed.

Calculating the total value of these damages can be complicated. As your car accident attorneys, our priority is to provide evidence of every loss, big and small, so you get the compensation you need to recover.

The Car Accident Lawsuit Process

While many cases settle outside of court, filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the at-fault driver’s insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement. While every case is different, the process generally follows these steps:

Presuit claim and demand: Our lawyers will first gather all the evidence related to your accident, injuries and losses. Once we compile this information, we will send a demand package to the at-fault driver’s insurance company to try to settle your claim without going to court.
Filing the complaint: If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, our attorneys can file a formal complaint with the Delaware court. This document officially begins the lawsuit and legally notifies the other side that you are seeking damages.
Discovery phase: After filing the lawsuit, both sides will take time to gather information. This can involve written questions and requests for documents, as well as sworn statements called depositions from witnesses and involved parties.
Mediation and settlement conferences: Before a trial begins, the court often encourages both sides to participate in mediation. During this meeting, a neutral third party helps the parties try to reach a settlement. It is a final effort to resolve the case before a trial becomes necessary.
Trial and verdict: If either party cannot reach an agreement, the case will go to trial. This is where we will present evidence and arguments to a judge and jury. They will then decide if the other side is at fault and what damages they must pay.

After the court reaches a verdict, the losing side may have the right to appeal to a higher court. This can delay the final resolution of the case. As your legal counsel, we will continue to advocate for you until the case is fully resolved and you receive your compensation.

We Take Care Of The Details While You Focus On Recovery

We can do nearly all of the legal preparation and financial calculations on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on your health and your loved ones. As your attorneys, we will also assume all communications with insurers. That way, you do not need to worry about high-pressure interviews or saying something that could unintentionally damage your claim.

Both of our attorneys have backgrounds in insurance defense. We understand the tactics insurers use to deny or limit claims, and we don’t fall for them. If the insurance company isn’t willing to offer a settlement that meets your needs and respects what you’ve been through, we won’t hesitate to take the case to trial.

Discuss Your Legal Options In A Free Initial Consultation

With an office in Wilmington, Pratcher Krayer LLC serves clients throughout Delaware. Schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys today. Call us at 302-566-1796 or fill out our online contact form.