when to contact an attorney after an accident

by Dr. Jamison Hessel 3 min read

If any of the following apply to your situation, call a lawyer right away:

  • Any accident that causes significant injury to you or someone else
  • Any accident where fault is not clearly established
  • Any crash involving another motorist, such as a pedestrian, other cars, truck, or cyclist
  • Any collision in a school zone
  • Any crash in a construction zone or work zone
  • Anytime you disagree with the police report
  • Any c rash involving an underinsured or uninsured driver
  • Anytime insurance companies send mixed messages or offer confusing answers to liability concerns

While that may seem like a lot of time, valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed in just a few weeks. That's why injured accident victims should call an attorney as soon as they are able, even if they're not certain they wish to file a lawsuit.

When should you call a lawyer after a car accident?

It can be difficult to know when you should call a lawyer after a car accident. Some car wrecks are massive and life-altering, and they clearly require an attorney to help sort out the legal consequences.

What are the benefits of hiring an attorney after a car accident?

Two of the most important benefits of working with an attorney after a car accident are detailed below. Insurance companies have lots of money and legal resources at their disposal. They have specific goals in a car accident case: to deny you the compensation you deserve or get you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible.

Do I need an attorney for a small car wreck?

Some car wrecks are massive and life-altering, and they clearly require an attorney to help sort out the legal consequences. Smaller wrecks may seem straightforward and uncomplicated, but they can still have significant and long-lasting effects, and some of them lead to large personal injury verdicts or settlements.

Why do insurance agents call after a car accident?

They have specific goals in a car accident case: to deny you the compensation you deserve or get you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. Once the at-fault party notifies their insurance company of a collision, an insurance agent will call you shortly after.

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How long after an accident do symptoms appear?

Car accident injuries usually manifest themselves immediately, but some may take days or even weeks to appear. In some circumstances, a life-threatening injury could worsen for weeks before a person realizes the issue originated from a recent car accident.

Who should you call as soon as possible after an accident has occurred?

Call 911 & get a police report State laws require that you call the police if anyone is injured or if property damage exceeds a certain threshold. You may also need a police report when you file your insurance claim.

What do you say after a car accident?

Cheerful or Encouraging Messages to Send Someone Who's Been in a Car Accident“I'm so glad you're okay! ... “I'm so sorry about your accident. ... “You're looking great! ... “It's so good to see you up and walking around. ... “You are the bravest person I know. ... “You inspire me to face challenges the way you do.” ... “You're doing so great!More items...•

Do you call your insurance co or the other party?

If you absolutely have to speak to the other party's insurance, have your own insurance agent do the talking. And if the other driver won't contact their insurance or doesn't have any, call yours and explain the situation.

Not everyone who has participated in a car accident will need to ask for a car accident lawyer. However, if your accident has been serious and complicated, in that case, it might be necessary to hire an attorney after a car accident as soon as possible, so they can begin building your case. Read on to find out what a car accident lawyer can do for you

Home » Legal » Accident Law » Car Accidents » Car Accident Lawsuits & Lawyers » Do You Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

When should I hire an attorney after a car accident?

Hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you after a car accident means you will have professional help from a person who knows the relevant laws and procedural rules that may affect your case. An attorney can advise you about filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

How long after a car accident do you have symptoms?

Yet, some injuries don’t show symptoms for days or weeks. This is most common with head injuries. The impact of a collision causes a jolt to the head or a victim might hit their head during the crash. In either case, the result might be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Moderate to severe TBIs can lead to chronic lifelong problems with cognitive function, emotions, and a wide variety of other issues related to brain function. When children are car accident victims, even a mild concussion can cause developmental issues. If you discover an injury related to the car accident days, weeks, or months, after the accident, an attorney can help build your case and fight insurance companies who will claim the accident did not cause the injury.

Do you need a lawyer for a sprain?

If you sustain soft tissue injuries such as a sprain or strain, it’s highly unlikely you will need legal counsel. Yet, many other injuries you might consider as minor still warrant a meeting with an attorney, at the very least. For example, a broken bone, a bump on the head, or anything causing severe physical pain. You most definitely should get a lawyer if you were unconscious and paramedics transported you to the hospital via ambulance, you had to spend days or weeks hospitalized, or you’ve suffered obvious severe injuries including paralysis and amputation. Even if you have limited tort insurance in Pennsylvania, you might be able to seek non-economic damages for the most severe injuries.

Damage to Your Vehicle

Having a car accident is never pleasant, but it can be even less pleasant if your vehicle has been damaged in the process. The last thing you want to do is give up your time and money to get your vehicle repaired if someone else was clearly at fault for causing the accident.

Personal Injury

Personal injury can be difficult to deal with, especially when you are not familiar with all the laws that would apply to your case. Even as you are wondering when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident, it is always best to get in touch with a car accident attorney who has the skills and knowledge to represent your case.

Property Damage

A car accident can leave you with severe property damage, especially if someone else is to blame. In most cases, you might be left wondering when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident. It is when this happens, contact a personal injury attorney who will be able to pursue the person responsible for your damages aggressively.

Disputed Liability

If you have been involved in an accident, you should first contact a car accident lawyer. You want to make sure that your legal rights are protected as soon as possible. Even if someone claims to be willing to pay for your damages out of their pocket, you should still speak with a licensed attorney.

Hit and Run Accidents

One of the most common injuries resulting from car collisions is being involved in a hit-and-run accident. When an individual has been hurt by someone who leaves the scene of an accident without giving their information, there are some steps that you must take immediately.

Uninsured Drivers

If you have been in a car accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver and you’re asking when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident, you should immediately contact a car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Disputes between Insurance Companies

There are many different ways to establish when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident or handle insurance disputes, and car accident attorneys offer a third party perspective on these cases. Your attorney will also ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

What does an insurance agent call you after a car accident?

They have specific goals in a car accident case: to deny you the compensation you deserve or get you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. Once the at-fault party notifies their insurance company of a collision, an insurance agent will call you shortly after.

What are the goals of insurance companies in a car accident case?

They have specific goals in a car accident case: to deny you the compensation you deserve or get you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible.

Is it too early to speak to a lawyer after a car wreck?

It’s never too early to speak with an attorney after a car wreck, and contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer should be a high priority if any of the following apply to your situation.

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