In most cases, no. You only need to hire an attorney if: The car accident was damaging enough to impact your everyday way of life; and,
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If your expenses have surpassed the $40,000 PIP limits and you meet the threshold to file a claim against the at-fault driver, you could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages such as the following:
The “no-fault” system is designed to allow faster access to compensation for victims in a crash, and each driver is required to carry $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection Insurance (this is the no-fault insurance). Out of this insurance, $20,000 is allowable for medical expenses, and $20,000 may be used for non-medical expenses.
When you are trying to decide which attorney to hire to help you with your car accident legal issues, you need to look for a personal injury law firm with a history and proven track record of fighting for car accident victims.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis meaning they do not get paid until or unless you are compensated for your claims. When you are preparing to hire a car accident lawyer, they will discuss their contingency fee agreement with you and outline how much they will charge if your case is successful.
It is in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident.
Settlements vary depending on how severe the damages are and upon the case built for your claim. An insurance company may offer you a quick settlement amount based upon data and formulas which allow them to determine how much they are willing to give you.
After you hire an attorney to pursue your claim you may be eligible for some or all of the following:
The length of an automobile accident lawsuit varies depending on a number of factors but in general it may take anywhere from a few months to 1 or 2 years. Determining factors include, but are not limited to, whether or not fault has been admitted or determined, the insurance carriers involved, putting together the case, and determining the cost of past, present, and future medical treatments and income loss.
A minor car crash may not be so minor as it first appears. Sometimes it may take days for an injury due to the accident to present itself. After a wreck you should still file your claim with insurance, but be mindful not to say anything which could impact your compensation in the event that further damages, such as injury, appear.