when to hire a car accident attorney

by Jan Johns I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 5 min read

^{You should hire an attorney to represent you after a car accident in these situations:}

You suffered injuries and/or significant damage to your car. If you were involved in a minor fender-bender that did not cause serious injuries, you may not need the assistance of ...
It is obvious, or even just possible, that someone else’s actions contributed to causing the accident. ...

You’ve been offered a low-ball settlement by the other driver’s insurance carrier. ...
Your injuries are severe and permanent. Permanent injuries inflict a lifetime of expenses, including future surgeries, hospitalizations for complications, modifications to your home, and a decline in your earning capacity. ...

Your accident was caused by the negligence of a governmental agency. ...
A loved one died from injuries sustained in the accident. If you lost a loved one due to an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you ...

In terms of when one should obtain legal representation, the general rule of thumb is the earlier the better. By hiring a lawyer soon after an accident, you can safeguard yourself against any costly mistakes you might make on your own, especially if this if your first time dealing with a serious car accident.

Full Answer

Why do you need a lawyer for a car accident?

Aside from any emotional turmoil and stress, you have to deal with your injuries, damage to your vehicle, handling your claim, and any other issues. Lawyers can help you deal with the process of your claim and reduce your stress in the process.

When you need a personal injury attorney, what should you do?

When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney. As you seek reimbursement, remember that it's extremely common to get pushback on these expenses . Insurance companies try to avoid paying more than they need to and will check to make sure all the expenses are valid. Keep all of your documentation and receipts.

What to do if you have been injured in an accident?

You have only a short amount of time under local, state, and federal law to file your claim and protect your rights.

What happens if you delay getting medical care?

If you delay, it can be harder to prove your injuries resulted from the car accident. Your payment for care will depend on the coverages in your policy.

What is the biggest loss after an accident?

One of the biggest losses after an accident is the loss of property. Your vehicle may be heavily damaged and, in some cases, be considered a total loss. It's typically the car insurance company's prerogative to either: Deem your car a total loss. Pay for repairs.

What can a personal injury lawyer do for you?

For example, if you've lost your vision due to an accident resulting from another driver's negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you get general damages in addition to the actual costs of your medical bills.

Can you get compensation for a hit and run?

In some cases (e.g., if you live in a no-fault state, or you were in a hit and run ), you may seek compensation from your own car insurance company. Regardless of the company from which you're seeking payment, you might find their initial claim offer is insufficient to fully cover your repair or replacement costs.