When Should You Engage a Car Accident Attorney?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle accidents cost about $340 billion each year. Most of the time, those who experience car accident losses resolve them through insurance claims.
However, drivers, pedestrians, and other parties involved in accidents may sometimes find it beneficial to consult an auto accident lawyer.Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney Most car crashes are minor incidents, often referred to as “fender benders,” like rear-end collisions. Yet, even these small accidents can lead to severe problems that might not be immediately obvious.
In cases of significant vehicle damage, personal injury, death, or other situations needing legal assistance, a motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you recover your losses.Here are several reasons to consider hiring a car accident attorney: Unsatisfactory Help from Your Insurance Provider You might think an attorney isn’t necessary at first, but they can be extremely helpful if your insurance company denies your claim, undervalues it, or fails to meet your needs. An experienced vehicle accident lawyer can negotiate effectively with insurers on your behalf.
Injuries Resulting from the Incident If you have been injured or if others involved claim serious injuries, personal injury and motor vehicle accident attorneys will gather necessary evidence, assess economic damages related to those injuries (like lost earning capacity and mobility-related expenses), and advocate for your interests.
This includes countering any exaggerated or false claims made by others.The Other Driver Is to Blame Insurance adjusters primarily focus on protecting their company’s interests and minimizing payouts. They might try to pressure you into a quick settlement, which could involve downplaying your losses or ignoring their client’s responsibility.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury that has not yet shown symptoms or facing financial difficulties due to an injury, an auto accident lawyer can assist you in addressing these gaps.Each case is different, and you may have additional reasons to seek the help of a car accident attorney.
You could have been at fault while the other driver (or a passenger) suffered serious injuries, someone may have died due to the accident, or there could be disagreements about the extent of damages or who is really at fault.
Do You Always Require an Accident Lawyer? If you’ve been part of a minor car crash, it’s likely that you didn’t need to involve lawyers. The challenge lies in recognizing when legal help is essential for your case. In instances where the damage is minimal and everyone is on the same page, seeking an accident lawyer is usually unnecessary.
However, if there are injuries or if it’s unclear who is at fault, it’s advisable to consider getting a lawyer.When you choose not to hire a car accident attorney and decide to file a claim for damages through the other party’s insurance, it’s crucial to stick to the facts of the accident without making assumptions or admitting guilt. Remember, if you settle before realizing the full extent of your injuries or losses, you might not receive compensation for issues that arise later.
Although you can negotiate with the claims adjuster on your own, a skilled car accident attorney will be more equipped to handle this process.Steps to Take After a Car Accident Whether or not you decide to engage a car accident lawyer, it’s important to follow specific steps after a crash to protect everyone’s safety, maintain evidence, follow legal requirements, and aim for the best results. These steps include:
• Stay at the accident scene.
• Assess everyone for injuries, including yourself, and seek medical help if needed. • Contact the police, particularly if there are serious injuries or significant damage.
• If possible, move your vehicle to a safer location away from traffic and activate your hazard lights.
• Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, the environment, license plates, and any other vital evidence.
• Share your contact and insurance details with the other drivers involved.
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident until you have consulted with an auto accident lawyer, if you choose to do so.
Finding a Car Accident Attorney One effective way to find a car accident lawyer is through recommendations from friends and family, as they can provide honest insights based on their experiences.
Additionally, online searches, such as those through search engines or the U.S. News Lawyer Directory, can be helpful. Some lawyers offer free initial consultations, so take the time to meet with various attorneys until you find someone you feel at ease with and who possesses the necessary expertise for your situation.