when to go to a attorney 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. If you are unsure as to whether you should hire a lawyer, reach out for a consultation.

Full Answer

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

Apr 06, 2022 · If you have suffered serious injuries, it is best to seek legal representation right away. Another important factor is the amount of damage to your vehicle. If the damage is minor, you may be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. However, if the damage is extensive, you will likely need the help of a car accident attorney.

When to get an attorney for a car accident?

Perhaps the most important role a car accident attorney plays is that of advocate. This means acting on your behalf and with your best interests in mind at every stage of the claim process. Whether it's dealing with a car insurance company or presenting your case to a judge or jury, your attorney will be your champion, making sure your side of the story is heard and that you are …

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

Dec 08, 2020 · After any car accident, you should focus on your health and well being. Questions and concerns may arise in your. Call Or Text 24x7 (239) ... Your lawyer must prepare you to go to court, even if a trial seems unlikely. Sometimes, insurance companies refuse to negotiate with reason and will not settle your case for a fair amount. When that ...

Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

May 21, 2021 · The short answer is if you are asking this question, you need to talk to a lawyer. After a car accident, always remember: If you have any injuries, expenses, or …

What to do after a car accident?

Follow these steps after you have been in a car accident: Always contact the police. They will provide official documentation of the wreck and investigate at the scene in an attempt to determine who is at fault. Seek medical treatment for any injuries you incur.

What happens if you get in a car accident?

Car accidents may cause serious damage to your body including burns, disfigurement, permanent disability , brain injury , organ damage, and other injuries. Your vehicle may be in need of repairs or a total replacement.

What evidence is needed for a car accident?

An attorney representing you can collect evidence such as: 1 Photos of the accident scene 2 Photos of the damaged vehicle 3 Police crash reports 4 Eyewitness statements 5 Information from a vehicle’s event data recorder 6 Medical and work records 7 Electronic evidence including cell phone records 8 Manufacturer records and recall information

How long can you wait to file a claim in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the statute of limitations is 2 years after the accident or 2 years after the last no-fault medical payment.

Where is Mark Bryant?

From humble beginnings in Paducah, Mark Bryant has risen to become one of the best-known trial attorneys in Western Kentucky. Mark graduated from the University of Kentucky's College of Law in 1973 and has been practicing law for over 45 years.

Is Kentucky a no fault state?

Since Kentucky is a no-fault state, your insurance company will pay your personal injury protection (PIP) benefit regardless of who was at fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can review accident reports and witness statements to determine the other driver’s negligence.

What can a personal injury attorney do?

Hiring a personal injury attorney can help make sure that you get all of the remedies that are available to resolve your claim. An attorney representing you can collect evidence such as: Photos of the accident scene. Photos of the damaged vehicle.

What can an experienced car accident lawyer do?

An experienced car accident lawyer can help to level the playing field in your dealings with insurance companies.

What to do after a car accident?

After a car accident, always remember: 1 If you have any injuries, expenses, or damage, you may be entitled to compensation. 2 Most lawyers will give you a first consultation without any risk or commitment. 3 Insurance companies are not on your side. 4 You should not delay.

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.

How long does it take to file a personal injury 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, or may start running from a later date depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injury.

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.

Is it bad to talk to a lawyer?

There are no drawbacks to talking to a lawyer. Any good lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation, either on the phone or in person, to discuss your case. They will listen to your story and advise you whether or not you might benefit from having a lawyer to represent you.

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.

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

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina.

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.

What to do after a car crash?

After a crash, you should be allowed to focus on your physical recovery. Haggling with insurance providers is a tedious, difficult endeavor, and dealing with these negotiations while trying to manage your recovery is going to harm both processes. Your personal injury lawyer will also ensure that you do not sign away more rights than you should while going through the settlement process. Additionally, if your case does go to court, it is vital to have someone acting on your behalf who understands the legal processes and procedures.

Who is the attorney for a car crash in Martinsburg, West Virginia?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in West Virginia, contact the passionate and effective Martinsburg personal injury attorneys Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson at 304-263-0900 or (304) LAWYERS for a free consultation.

Can I take a low ball settlement?

Insurance companies and defense attorneys will try to get you to accept a low-ball settlement in order to end a matter quickly. If you are facing mounting medical expenses and other costs, it can be tempting to take an early settlement to get cash and/or coverage. A personal injury attorney can, however, help you calculate the full value of your claims so that you are not pressured into settling for a mere fraction of your claim’s total worth.

What Should You Do After the Accident?

First things first. Don’t panic. The accident itself was terrifying and it’s understandable if you’re still shaken up. However, it’s important to stay alert. There are critical details that you want to make note of and steps that you should take.

What are the Benefits?

There are almost no drawbacks to calling a lawyer. The worst that could happen is the firm decides not to take your case. You’ve wasted a bit of time but your life won’t be severely impacted.

What to do if you have been injured?

If you’ve been injured, you may struggle to decide on legally reasonable compensation for lost wages, or for the pain you may have endured as you attempt to recover. If you want to make sure you understand all the angles and are equipped with full knowledge of your situation, a seasoned attorney can help.

How many car accidents occur in a day?

Thousands of car accidents occur every day (15,913, to be precise, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ). Many are low-impact fender benders or other minor crashes. Some, however, involve major expenses, either from the resulting damage or the injuries sustained during the accident.

Do insurance companies refuse to pay for car accidents?

At the end of the day, insurance companies are running a business. Thus, if they believe they have a provable argument for why a policyholder is not at fault in a car accident, they will refuse to pay.

Should I go to the ER after my accident?

You should get checked out by a doctor immediately following any bus, bike, slip and fall or automobile accident. If you cannot find a good accident doctor in your area, then you may need to go to the Emergency Room. Going to Emergency Room may seem like a waste of time to some people.

How soon should I get checked out after my car accident?

Many PIP states have a maximum time limit for receiving treatment after a serious collision. We generally recommend seeking medical care within 72 hours both to prevent additional injuries but also to help support your personal injury claim. The insurance company will watch those first few weeks closely to see if you seek treatment.

Should I get an attorney before seeking medical care after my automobile accident?

Many states will require you to use an attorney after any car accident. Non-PIP states generally require a Letter of Protection to pay for medical expenses. A LOP basically guarantees payment for any medical services provided.

Ask the Doctor Questions before getting checked out

When first getting checked out for an auto accident, make sure that the Doctor accepts third party billing before accepting treatment. As mentioned, third party billing is a generally used term to describe all accident payment options. Many Doctors, including most family PCPs, will not accept third party billing for treatment.