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.
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AnswerIs it worth getting a car accident lawyer?
Generally the cost of employing an attorney worth it based on settlement averages; Hiring an attorney will take a long time- this is actually a correct statement to some degree. Having an attorney will delay your case, but for all the right reasons. It will give you time to really inspect the value of your claim.
Do I need a lawyer to settle my car accident claim?
But if you decide to get an attorney for your car accident case, it’s usually best to hire one quickly – preferably the day of the collision, or a day or two afterward. There are a few reasons for that. Legal Deadlines. There are several deadlines that you will need to meet, and a good car accident lawyer can make sure you meet them.
Should I hire a lawyer to represent me in a car accident?
Jan 03, 2020 · It is worth getting a car accident lawyer if you have been offered a low settlement after filing an insurance claim. An attorney will negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf and will be...
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Feb 13, 2022 · There is no exact science as to when you should and when you should not hire a lawyer to represent you in your car accident case. As a general rule, if at any time you do not feel comfortable handling your claim on your own, for any reason, you should consult with and hire an auto accident lawyer.
When should I get a lawyer for my auto accident?
Contacting a lawyer on the day of the collision, or within a few days afterward, is best. You can still hire a lawyer if you wait longer than that, but sooner is better. If you or someone else in your car suffered personal injuries, hiring a car accident lawyer is usually a good idea.
How do I settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?
How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a LawyerEvaluate the extent of your damages. ... Speak to the insurance adjuster. ... Craft your demand letter. ... Do your due diligence before going to court. ... Await the judge's verdict and accept the settlement. ... Understand that representing yourself isn't always best.More items...
How do you respond to a low settlement offer?
Steps to Respond to a Low Settlement OfferRemain Calm and Analyze Your Offer. Just like anything in life, it's never a good idea to respond emotionally after receiving a low offer. ... Ask Questions. ... Present the Facts. ... Develop a Counteroffer. ... Respond in Writing.Jan 7, 2021
Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?
Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.May 28, 2020
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?
Yes, particularly so following an automobile collision resulting in injury. Such injuries include fractured bone(s), significant disfigurement, lim...
What lawyer deals with car accidents?
Though any licensed attorney in your state can handle your car accident claim, a personal injury attorney specializes in cases involving injuries s...
How much is a car accident settlement?
Car accident victims receive varying settlement offers depending on the severity of the injury, past and future medical expenses, witness testimony...
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn't my fault?
Absolutely. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney following an auto accident resulting in personal injury is imperative in receiving the g...
How long does a car accident lawsuit take?
Each auto accident lawsuit is factually different and therefore varies in length depending on a variety of factors. Such factors include the insura...
How much does a lawyer charge for a car accident?
Personal injury attorneys typically work on what is called a “contingency fee basis,” meaning you will not pay your attorney until and unless you a...
How long do you have to get a lawyer after a car accident?
Unique to personal injury cases, time is of the essence when hiring a personal injury attorney as doing so is imperative to maximizing the value of...
What do you do in a minor car accident?
It is important that you document all things related to the car accident while that information is still fresh in your mind. Additionally, you shou...
How can I maximize my car accident settlement?
You can maximize your personal injury claim by finding witnesses, documenting your injuries in great detail, keeping all documents (medical records...
Should I Hire An Attorney to Handle My Car Accident Claim
So you want to handle your own car accident claim? While no law exist requiring an attorney to be involved, you may be surprised at the benefits of actually hiring an attorney to handle your case. We are approached regularly by insurance companies who do nothing, but take advantage of un-represented clients.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
How many people are injured in auto accidents each year?
There is a good chance you will be in an automobile accident at some point or have been in one already. Over two million people suffer injuries in auto accidents each year according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report.
What to do if you don't have insurance?
If you need medical treatment but don’t have health insurance and don’t know where to turn, a car accident lawyer can point you in the right direction. Witnesses. Memories can fade and witnesses can lose interest. Sometimes immediately after a car accident, witnesses are ready to come forward and share what they saw.
Why does evidence disappear?
But the evidence can disappear if a lawyer doesn’t move fast because rain, wind, and other traffic can scatter it. The cars themselves are often evidence. The damage to the cars can show how severe the accident was, and can help an accident reconstruction expert determine how the collision happened.
What happens if you delay your case?
Second, as time drags on, medical bills mount, and you become desperate for cash, the chances of an insurance company settling for a low amount increase. Third, if they delay enough and you don’t act, the statute of limitations will run out, at which point you w lose all your rights to collect compensation for your injuries. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), the statute of limitations is often only two years to file a legal case for personal injury.
Do insurance companies pay for injuries?
Insurance companies routinely blame injuries suffered in accidents on what they call “pre-existing conditions.” Basically, even if the accident was not your fault, the insurance company will claim that you already had the injury before the collision happened, and for that reason, they should not have to pay anything. This is particularly true if you ever had an injury to a body part that was re-injured in the accident. Don’t sign anything giving the insurance company general medical authorization to dig through all your unrelated medical records so they can look for ways to trip you up. Talk to your attorney before ever signing anything with an insurance company following an accident.
What happens after a collision?
Remember: you do not have to speak with them before you talk with a lawyer. The insurance company may push you into accepting a low settlement that is unlikely to cover your real expenses, which will still be rolling in. They may also record what you say in hopes that they can find something to use against you later.
What happened to Ethel Adams?
This is what happened to Ethel Adams who had a $2 million policy with a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance in Seattle Washington. She almost died and suffered permanent and life-altering injuries that left her in a wheelchair. When she finally woke from her coma, she discovered that her insurance company was denying her claim on the grounds that the incident was not an accident, but rather a purposeful act.
Find out whether it would be worth hiring a car accident attorney to review your case
In many cases, you do not need to file a lawsuit after a car accident. If one driver was clearly at fault and nobody has been injured, it is likely that the at-fault insurance company will give compensation without the need to go to court. So, when do you need a lawyer after a car accident?
When Do You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
If you are at fault for an accident and the other driver decides to sue you, you will need a lawyer to defend you.
When Don't You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
If you are at fault for an accident and nobody is suing you, there is no reason to hire a lawyer.
Conclusion: Do You Need A Lawyer After 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.
What is the right car accident lawyer?
The “right” car accident lawyer is always needed by a victim of any form of accident. First, a great car accident lawyer will protect the innocent victim’s rights against the big, powerful insurance companies. People, let’s get one thing straight: the insurance companies (even your own) are not on your team. Second, a great car accident lawyer and their team will take care of all of your needs; leaving you stress-free and with the necessary time to focus on getting the proper medical treatment. My saying goes that if “a client focuses on the healing process, the lawyer will take care of the rest.”
What to do if you have been in a car accident?
A good car accident attorney can help make sure that you get the medical care for your injuries, often without the co-payments or deductibles you face when using your health insurance. Oftentimes, people don’t realize they are injured until the day after a car accident. By then, they may have spoken to an insurance adjuster and already said something to jeopardize their right to a full recovery. This is why we recommend anyone who may have sustained an injury or major damage to their vehicle consult a lawyer before calling the insurance company. Even if you are unsure if you need representation, most reputable car accident attorneys will offer a free, no-obligation consultation in order to help assess your rights.
Why do you need a personal injury lawyer?
Anytime you are injured in a car accident you should consult a car accident attorney. Doing so will ensure you get the best advice possible on how to proceed with your claim. Most of the time an attorney will be needed in order to get you the compensation you deserve. This is because insurance companies will attempt to pressure you into settling for much less than you deserve. They will use various tactics to convince you that what they are offering is a fair settlement, but what you must remember is they are looking out for their own best interests, not yours. That is why hiring a personal injury lawyer is imperative in these situations. Doing so will not only alleviate the stress involved with trying to settle a claim on your own, it will also ensure that you are adequately compensated. Pursuing a claim for serious injuries requires extensive resources that only an attorney will be able to provide.
What to do if you have a wrongful death case?
If you have a serious injury or wrongful death case, you need to hire a lawyer immediately. There are too many potential facts that can disappear. Witness memories, skid marks and other reconstruction evidence, video records, and other information that is critical to your case can change or disappear. The defendants and their insurance companies are usually quick to collect and preserve this evidence. If you do not do so yourself – the right way – you are starting your case behind the eight ball.
What to do when you have a leaky faucet?
There’s a reason they say “he who represents himself has a fool for a client.” When you have a leaky faucet you hire a plumber. When your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic. When your air conditioner isn’t working you call the AC repairman. So why, when we are talking about the most important repair of all, your body, do you not call an attorney the moment you are injured in an accident or as a result of negligence? The truth is many people think its simple if you’re hurt in a car accident that someone else caused. Go see a doctor a few times and send the bills to the insurance company and they will treat you fairly. After all, we’ve all seen the TV commercials about how you are in “good hands” and they are “like a good neighbor.” The truth is you are NOT in good hands and if they were your neighbor you would pack the moving truck and leave the neighborhood. Insurance companies have one objective and thats to make money for their shareholders and this only achieved if they pay out a small piece of the premiums that they collect.
How to contact Sibley Dolman Gipe?
You can easily reach Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA at any time at 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH), or you can write to us using our online contact page.
What happens after a car accident?
You must plan for your future medical care. You may not be able to return to work. Your life may be changed forever. You may have lost a loved one. Drivers who are reckless and negligent are responsible for all of your damages and harm.
When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident
If you’re involved in an insignificant auto accident, chances are you won’t need a lawyer. An example of an accident that’s insignificant is when two vehicles back into each other, at very low speeds, in a parking lot.
What You Should Do When Making Car Insurance Claims
Pain and suffering, loss of work, medical bills and further damages can occur from a single automobile accident. Property damage can occur, death or life-long injuries. If you take the wrong approach following an accident, you can have a lasting impact on your claim.
What You Should Not Do When Making a Claim
An auto accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident injury often leads people to make rash decisions, and this can lead to making big mistakes that have a major impact on any potential settlement. Here are some things not to do when filing an accident claim or discussing the incident afterwards include:
What can a personal injury lawyer do?
A personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process, protect your interests, tackle the complexity, and recover money to compensate you for your losses.
What does "let bygones be bygones" mean?
Some people take the attitude “let bygones be bygones.” While I’m not sure how often this happens in real life, I have seen it in movies; two cars get in a fender bender, the owners get out, chat briefly, and then wave goodbye to each other and drive home for supper. It is easy to take this attitude if you weren’t injured in the accident. But sometimes even if you suffered a minor injury or property damage, you may feel that it is no big deal. If your injuries are significant and if you are having ongoing problems, this is probably not the attitude you take. However, if you find yourself saying the accident was “no big deal,” then it is a waste of both your time and the lawyer’s time to pursue the at-fault driver.
Do you need a lawyer for an accident?
Sometimes accidents just result in damage to your car, bicycle, or personal belongings, but you are not injured physically. If you weren’t hurt in an accident, or if your injuries were extremely minor, you probably don’t need a lawyer.
Is it a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer?
But sometimes hiring a lawyer is not a good idea. In the following situations, it’s probably not a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer: 1. You weren’t really hurt. Not every accident results in injuries. Sometimes accidents leave you shaken up, but nothing else. Sometimes collisions happen at low speed and even though contact is made, ...
How can an attorney help you in a car accident?
Perhaps the most important way an attorney can help you with your car accident case is by being your advocate. This means that your attorney acts on your behalf and for your benefit throughout the entire claims process (negotiating with the automobile insurance company) and even in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary. He or she will be your champion before the judge, jury and other attorneys, making sure that your side of the story is heard and that you are compensated for all of your losses.
What does it mean to hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident?
Hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you after a car accident means you will have a professional working for you -- one who is extremely knowledgeable about the relevant laws and procedural rules that may affect your case.
How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?
For instance, in many states you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident or be forever prohibited from filing your lawsuit. An attorney will also be able to inform you about any special exceptions to the statute of limitations -- for minors, for example.
Can an attorney file a lawsuit?
Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how best to mitigate any possible defenses raised by the other side. In addition, once your case gets under way, your lawyer will play an invaluable role in preparing your case for trial -- and even going to trial if your case doesn't settle.
Do you need an attorney for a car accident?
Usually, car accidents in volving serious or long-term injuries require an attorney to get the most desirable outcome.
Navigating The Car Accident Claim Process
- In order to prepare and present your strongest car accident claim to the insurance adjuster or the attorney for the other side, you'll need to take a number of steps that might be new to you, but for a seasoned lawyer they'll be second nature. The process includes: 1. gathering all necessary medical records and bills, pay stubs and other proof of lost income 2. compiling witness statem…
Advocating For Your Best Result
- There's the procedure your claim will likely follow on the one hand, and on the other hand there's your willingness to do what it takes to come away from that process with the best result. That means not just putting your best case together, but also demonstrating sufficient: 1. patience to not jump at the insurance company's first offer 2. settlement negotiation skills to make the insur…
Should You Hire A Car Accident Lawyer? 5 Things
- As you're deciding whether hiring a car accident lawyer is the right move for you and your claim, it might help to consider these 5 things:
Finding The Right Car Accident Lawyer
- If you're ready to discuss your situation with a lawyer, you can use the chat and information submission tools right on this page to reach out to a lawyer in your area. You can also learn how a lawyer can be integral to the success of your car accident claim in our guide to hiring a car accident lawyer.
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