attorney when you have auto accident

by Elza Tremblay IV 9 min read

Responsibilities of an Auto Accident Attorney

  • Conducting an Investigation. Supportive evidence is critical to a successful case. An experienced car accident lawyer...
  • Reviewing Your Car Accident Claim and Negotiating With Insurers. Many people believe that they should file an insurance...
  • Offering Legal Advice and Representation. It’s important to have an advocate in...

There is no law mandating that you must hire an attorney when seeking compensation after a car accident. Some victims of car accidents choose to seek legal counsel and representation so that they can focus on their health and recovery while also pursuing legal action.

Full Answer

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

  • FLORIDA. Retaining a competent and experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible is vital if you are injured in a wreck.
  • ALABAMA. When do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer? ...
  • ARIZONA. ...
  • CALIFORNIA. ...
  • GEORGIA. ...
  • ILLINOIS. ...
  • INDIANA. ...
  • LOUISIANA. ...
  • MASSACHUSETTS. ...
  • NORTH DAKOTA. ...

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When to get an attorney for a car accident?

The following are only some ways an attorney can assist you:

  • Communicating with the insurance companies of the liable parties
  • Obtaining evidence of liability and damages
  • Negotiating for the settlement you need and deserve
  • Negotiating with lien holders
  • Determining when it’s time to file a personal injury lawsuit
  • Handling the litigation process to reach a settlement agreement

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

You are not legally obligated to hire a lawyer after a car accident. The only reason you need a lawyer after a car accident is if you are being sued or decide to sue the other driver. If you are unsure as to whether you should hire a lawyer, reach out for a consultation.

What is the best car accident lawyer?

  • The negligent driver’s employer
  • Municipalities if the road is in bad condition or street lights aren’t functional
  • Other drivers on the road
  • Auto manufacturers if a faulty part caused an accident
  • Your own insurance company (if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage)

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Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?

You may want to consider an auto accident lawyer if you suffered damages to your quality of life or the other driver’s insurance company is refusin...

Can I fire my auto accident lawyer?

Yes, you can fire your auto accident lawyer or legal team at any time. They work for you. However, be sure to read your agreement because some lawy...

What is the average payout for an auto accident?

The average bodily injury accident claim in 2018 was $15,785, according to the latest data from the Insurance Information Institute. Insurance comp...

Should I Get An Attorney After A Car Accident?

If you are not hurt, you may not need an attorney. However, don’t entirely rule it out. In certain complex situations, an attorney’s legal knowledge may be critical – even if you are not injured.

What Compensation Can I Collect?

After an accident, there’s so much to be done – and much of it is costly. If you hire an attorney, they will fight for you to win the maximum amount of compensation possible. For instance, these expenses could be covered:

What Do I Need to Do to Get Compensation?

If you hire Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, you won’t have to do much! Our lawyers will help you manage your case from start to finish. We will keep any and all evidence organized and preserved. We will also use our experience to handle insurance company tactics to effectively fight back on your behalf.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Ensure a Strong Case?

While hiring legal professionals to help build a strong case can result in just compensation, you can do a few things as well to help solidify your case. These things include:

How Soon After My Accident Should I Hire an Attorney?

Hire an attorney as soon as possible. You will need immediate representation because the at-fault party will reach out to their insurance provider, who will then reach out to you. Why does this matter?

What Happens After I Hire an Attorney?

After you hire an attorney at Lerner and Rowe, our legal team will need to know more specific details about the accident. This information can be gleaned from your recollection of the accident, other parties’ information, the police report, medical documentation, and more.

What Do I Have to Lose in Hiring a Lawyer?

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by contacting Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. The call is free, the consultation is free, and you pay no out-of-pocket fees unless compensation is won for your case.

What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

When you get into a car accident and need to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver, that person’s insurance company will be the one representing them in your lawsuit. The insurance company would be the one to pay out your claim; and, insurance companies have money.

Signs a Car Accident Lawyer is Right for You

A car accident injury lawyer may help you by serving as the legal advocate you need. While you focus solely on your health and wellbeing, your attorney can fight to protect your rights and help you collect maximum compensation.

Signs You May Not Need a Car Accident Attorney

While we want to do everything possible to help every car accident victim, sometimes our services simply aren’t necessary. The following circumstances describe when you may not need a lawyer to help you.

Partner With an Aggressive Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a car accident, you may not know whether you need to hire a lawyer. It can all depend on several factors unique to your situation. In many cases, however, it makes sense to work with a car accident injury attorney. Your lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation that helps you stay out of financial hardship.

What happens if another driver is at fault for an accident?

If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

How long does it take to file a claim for a car accident?

Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries.

What is the Wetherington Law Firm?

Wetherington Law Firm provides legal assistance to young professionals in the Atlanta metro area, focusing on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and class action cases. The firm handles cases involving injuries and wrongful deaths stemming from vehicular accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice. The legal team may also represent clients facing false imprisonment and victims of law enforcement abuse of force. Founding partner Matt Wetherington is a member of the American Association for Justice.

What is Spaulding Injury Law?

Spaulding Injury Law is a results-driven law firm that represents injured people and grieving families in Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the state. The award-winning firm has over 20 years of combined experience dealing with cases involving car accidents, brain injuries, tractor-trailer accidents, dog bite injuries, and wrongful deaths, among others. The team consists of former insurance company attorneys who employ a client-centered approach to handling injury and wrongful death matters.

How long does it take to get a property damage claim?

Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

Can an attorney negotiate a settlement with an insurance company?

While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law.

Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should work with an attorney and seek compensation for your injuries. We recommend an attorney after a car accident under the following circumstances.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Insurance Claim?

Not every insurance claim needs an attorney. Every claim is different, and you may be able to get by on your own if your claim is for minor damages. However, if you are concerned about the process or are unsure if the insurance company is offering you a fair payout, you may need a lawyer for your insurance claim.

How Can Lawyers Help You?

Lawyers can help you when you need assistance handling your case. Experienced car accident lawyers have managed many car accident cases throughout their careers. They can help you get maximum compensation for a car accident case.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

A big concern for a lot of people when they contemplate the idea of retaining a lawyer after a car accident is “how much do car accident lawyers charge?”

What Is the Contingency Percentage?

Contingency percentage is the percentage the attorney will take from the winnings of your case. In most cases, a contingency is 40% of any award received, however, the percentage retained may be more or less depending on the specific agreement.

How to Choose an Attorney for Your PA Accident Case

Choosing an attorney can be an overwhelming process. There are so many attorneys practicing in a given city that sifting through the masses to find the right one can be daunting, to say the least.

How Much Should I Settle for My Car Accident?

Every claim is different, and the amount of your settlement depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your claim. The more complicated your case, the more factors play a role in determining the fair value of your case.

Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney

A car accident attorney is a type of personal injury attorney. You can be overwhelmed by the number of options there are in your area. It seems like every commercial, bus bench and billboard is offering the services of another attorney.

Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

It’s possible to handle an auto accident injury case on your own. You don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer. That begs the question, why should you?

When Should You Look for an Auto Accident Lawyer?

While you can bring an attorney on to your case at any time before the settlement is closed by the insurance company, it’s best to get one as soon as you are injured. The attorney may recommend specialist doctors to help diagnose the case and get you the best care that you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you aren’t required to hire a car accident lawyer, getting one can improve what you get as a settlement. Even after attorney’s fees are taken out, most people get more than they would have if they tried to settle the case on their own.

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