when do i need a car accident attorney

by Jessy Olson 8 min read

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.

When to get an attorney for a car accident?

Feb 28, 2022 · By taking the right steps at an accident scene, you will have the evidence you need when contacting a car accident injury attorney. The Advantages of Contacting a Car Accident Injury Lawyer. Contacting a personal injury lawyer about your car accident can help you realize a number of advantages.

How much does a lawyer charge for a car accident?

Sep 14, 2020 · 5 Signs You Need a Lawyer. If you are still undecided about finding an attorney for a car accident claim, here are five signs you need to hire one: You sustained severe injuries in the accident; You have concerns you cannot pay for your treatment costs; The insurance company has denied liability and won’t pay for any of your treatment;

What to expect during your free car accident consultation?

If you can't get fair payment for a car accident that wasn't your fault, you may need to go to court. Handling your case alone while dealing with injuries and stress is not a good idea. Hiring a lawyer is a smart decision that can save you a lot of energy. In a no-fault state, your insurance company will pay for your injuries even if the accident wasn't your fault.

Why do you need a car wreck attorney?

Aug 13, 2008 · After a car accident, there are generally three types of damages you can seek compensation for.You may or may not need an attorney depending on the severity of the damages specific to your case. Property Damage Cases As a general rule, if you suffered no personal injuries, you should be able to settle your case with the opposing insurance adjuster …

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The Car Accident Caused Serious Injury or Death

If anyone was seriously injured or killed in the car accident, contact an experienced accident lawyer right away. Accidents involving serious bodil...

You Can’t Work Because Of Your Injuries And Need Ongoing Care

If you were hurt so badly that you can’t return to work after a car accident, a lawyer can make sure that you maximize the compensation you receive...

Multiple Parties Were Involved in the Accident

If you were in an accident involving three or more vehicles, this can complicate the insurance claim settlement and negotiation process and lead to...

An Uninsured Motorist Was Involved in the Accident

If one or more of the parties involved did not have insurance at the time of the car accident, you should search for a car accident attorney right...

You Need to Collect Evidence About the Accident

If you were hurt in a car accident, you may need a lawyer to help you collect and analyze evidence that establishes who was at fault and what your...

You Have Upcoming Settlement Talks

Most car accident lawsuits settle before going to trial, which means that you’ll probably receive a settlement offer from the at-fault driver or hi...

Time Has Passed Since the Accident

In Texas, you are required to file a lawsuit after an accident before a deadline known as the statute of limitations has passed (typically two year...

1. Serious Injury

Even if your car accident occurred several months ago, you should still talk to a lawyer if you’ve been injured. In general, you should report your car accident within 24 hours.

2. Unable to Work

Auto accident injury lawyers can also help you file a claim for workers’ compensation. You’ll need to provide proof that you were unable to work and you may have to get a notarized document from your job.

3. Problems With Police Report

The best thing about hiring a car accident defense attorney is that they can help correct police reports. If you review the information and realize that the other motorist is lying, you should contact an attorney right away.

4. Issues With the Insurance Company

Insurance companies will always try to “lowball” you after an accident. They are always looking to save money and can be reluctant to settle claims.

How to find an attorney for a car accident?

If you are still undecided about finding an attorney for a car accident claim, here are five signs you need to hire one: 1 You sustained severe injuries in the accident; 2 You have concerns you cannot pay for your treatment costs; 3 The insurance company has denied liability and won’t pay for any of your treatment; 4 You missed time off work; or 5 You have been seeking medical treatment, but you’re not improving at all.

What to expect when meeting with an attorney?

When you meet with an attorney, they will review the facts of your accident, your injuries, time off work, etc., and tell you what your case is potentially worth. Having this information is vital because it’s hard to remain objective when you are personally involved.

What is the goal of an adjuster?

Their goal is to gain information from you that they can use against you to reduce your claim’s value or deny it outright. The adjuster may offer you a small amount early on in the case in hopes you will settle. That way, they can close their file before you have additional treatment.

Does insurance pay for medical treatment?

The insurance company has denied liability and won’t pay for any of your treatment; You have been seeking medical treatment, but you’re not improving at all. Any time you have serious injuries or have been treating for several months without improvement, you need to contact an attorney.

What happens if your insurance company denies your claim?

When the insurance company denies your claim, your only recourse is to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will continue to push settlement through the discovery process. If the other driver’s insurance company keeps denying liability, your attorney will prepare your case for trial.

Can a case go to trial?

If your case proceeds into litigation, you need an attorney who has the necessary experience to take your case all the way to trial. Many cases won’t ever go to trial, but there is always the chance.

Fault matters in an accident

The police usually decide who caused an accident. Insurance companies use the police report to decide who gets payment. If you're careless, break traffic laws or drive dangerously, you could be blamed for an accident.

How to know when to sue

If you don't know whether to sue the other driver after a car accident, you probably should, especially if you were hurt in the accident.

It's best to hire a lawyer

Some people worry that they can't afford a lawyer, especially after an accident. But a good lawyer only asks for payment if you win.

What are the causes of car accidents?

There are many different causes of car accidents. Some of these may include: 1 Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) 2 Drunk driving 3 Bad weather and driving conditions 4 Mechanical failure of car or car parts 5 Disobeying traffic laws 6 Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.)

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.) Depending on the cause of the accident, either party may or may not be held liable for damages or injuries.

Who is Jose from LegalMatch?

Jose (Jay) is a Senior Staff writer and team Editor for LegalMatch. He has been with LegalMatch since March of 2010. He contributes to the law library section of the company website by writing on a wide range of legal topics.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You may need a lawyer after a car accident if: You or any other party has suffered serious injury as a result of the accident. Drunk driving was involved. Violations of laws were involved. Serious property damage resulted (especially that of government roads or property)

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