when should i hire an attorney after a car accident

by Gardner Stracke 9 min read

When to hire an attorney after a car accident?

Feb 22, 2022 · After a car accident, a skilled injury attorney can be immensely beneficial in navigating the chaotic and confusing world of insurance claims and settlements. Here’s what you should know and the answer to when should you hire an attorney. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

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. You have the right to hire legal representation at any time throughout the process of making an insurance claim or …

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

Oct 27, 2021 · When Should I Hire a Lawyer? Ideally, you should reach out to attorneys as soon as possible after seeking medical care. If the other party is at fault for the accident, the insurance company will likely contact you quickly and try to convince you to take their initial settlement offer. The sooner you have an attorney fighting for you, the sooner you can begin working …

How to find a good accident lawyer?

Feb 19, 2022 · News of a car accident is devastating. You may be a careful driver; however, you’re not in control of many other factors on the road. When an accident occurs, the victims worry about their wellness, passengers, and inability to continue with their lives before the …

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What happens if you get injured in a car accident?

If you have been injured or incurred property damage in a car accident, you may have significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. In many cases, these expenses continue long after the accident.

What happens when you file a car accident claim?

When you file a claim in a car accident case, you are not opposing an individual driver but instead a large insurance company that handles such claims on a daily basis. Some people who have been involved in an accident are concerned about causing distress or expense to the other driver, even if that driver caused the accident.

What do insurance companies do to reduce the compensation paid out to victims of car accidents?

They can also handle the mountain of paperwork, phone-calls, and emails that are involved in an insurance claim, freeing you up to recover physically and emotionally from your accident.

What is comparative negligence in Delaware?

In Delaware, for example, the comparative negligence rule applies which means that a victim’s compensation will be reduced if the victim is at fault for the accident, and will not recover anything if they are more than 50% at fault.

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

Often the relevant deadline is for personal injury claims, which in the State of Delaware is 2 years, typically running from the date of the accident. However, the deadline can be different in other states, other types of claim, ...

What happens if you don't have a strong legal claim?

If you do not have a strong legal claim in a car accident case, you are in a weaker negotiating position, and the insurance company knows it. Knowing the law is key to a successful claim.

How does a legal misstep affect your compensation?

Most car accident claims are settled out of court which leads some people to think that dealing with an insurance claim is only a bargaining process, and that the law is irrelevant. This is incorrect and can result in lost claims and lower compensation.

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 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.

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 do a car accident settlement?

After you have been in a car accident, taking on this time-consuming work may be the last thing you want to do, assuming you're able. An attorney can do it all for you.

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.

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