auto accident when to get a lawyer

by Karina Trantow 8 min read

The prospect of not being fully compensated for your injuries is definitely a sign that you may need a lawyer for a car accident. This could occur when: Your accident involved an uninsured motorist.

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.

Full Answer

When you should hire a car accident lawyer?

You should hire a car accident lawyer for times when you have to negotiate with the insurance company and fight back against the insurance trying to pin the blame on you. Even if you were not hospitalized, you may claim any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident and get compensation for any emotional distress.

Should I contact an attorney for a car accident?

  • Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be entitled to various types of insurance claims.
  • Initial consultation with most lawyers is free, hence no risk of commitment.
  • Insurance companies never have your best interests at heart.
  • Time is of the essence.

Do I really need a car accident attorney?

In short, it’s important to have a lawyer if your car accident is in any way complex. These are the types of complex accidents where you should hire a lawyer: The other driver was drunk, on drugs, or distracted by texting/phone use. Injuries involve broken bones or fractures. Your medical bills are more than $5,000.

When to hire a lawyer for a car accident?

  • Funeral expenses: Based on the kind of burial or services you prefer; funeral costs can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Medical expenses: The cost of hospitalization, surgeries and medicines can be mind-boggling.
  • Loss of companionship: Losing a loved one to a car accident can wreak havoc to your personal life. ...

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When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident

If you’re involved in an insignificant auto accident, chances are you won’t need a lawyer. An example of an accident that’s insignificant is when two vehicles back into each other, at very low speeds, in a parking lot.

What You Should Do When Making Car Insurance Claims

Pain and suffering, loss of work, medical bills and further damages can occur from a single automobile accident. Property damage can occur, death or life-long injuries. If you take the wrong approach following an accident, you can have a lasting impact on your claim.

What You Should Not Do When Making a Claim

An auto accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident injury often leads people to make rash decisions, and this can lead to making big mistakes that have a major impact on any potential settlement. Here are some things not to do when filing an accident claim or discussing the incident afterwards include:

What are the rules for insurance?

If the following is true of an accident, it is unlikely that the insurance company will lowball you: 1 There was only property damage, and nobody was hurt or killed. 2 You suffered minor or no physical injuries. 3 The settlement you deserve is relatively small.

Do I need a lawyer 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.

What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

When you get into a car accident and need to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver, that person’s insurance company will be the one representing them in your lawsuit. The insurance company would be the one to pay out your claim; and, insurance companies have money.

Signs a Car Accident Lawyer is Right for You

A car accident injury lawyer may help you by serving as the legal advocate you need. While you focus solely on your health and wellbeing, your attorney can fight to protect your rights and help you collect maximum compensation.

Signs You May Not Need a Car Accident Attorney

While we want to do everything possible to help every car accident victim, sometimes our services simply aren’t necessary. The following circumstances describe when you may not need a lawyer to help you.

Partner With an Aggressive Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a car accident, you may not know whether you need to hire a lawyer. It can all depend on several factors unique to your situation. In many cases, however, it makes sense to work with a car accident injury attorney. Your lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation that helps you stay out of financial hardship.

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.

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.

Why is timing important in a car accident?

Timing is important in a car accident case. After you have been in a car accident, there are a lot of unexpected things to take care of and you may also be dealing with physical injuries and emotional distress. It can take time for you to recover and deal with the necessary phone-calls and paperwork.

Do most drivers carry insurance?

However, most drivers carry auto insurance, and your dealings will be with their insurance provider . Insurance companies have massive resources, including teams of lawyers and medical and forensic experts, all of whom are directed at reducing the money that is paid out to you for your car accident claim.

Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney

A car accident attorney is a type of personal injury attorney. You can be overwhelmed by the number of options there are in your area. It seems like every commercial, bus bench and billboard is offering the services of another attorney.

Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

It’s possible to handle an auto accident injury case on your own. You don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer. That begs the question, why should you?

When Should You Look for an Auto Accident Lawyer?

While you can bring an attorney on to your case at any time before the settlement is closed by the insurance company, it’s best to get one as soon as you are injured. The attorney may recommend specialist doctors to help diagnose the case and get you the best care that you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you aren’t required to hire a car accident lawyer, getting one can improve what you get as a settlement. Even after attorney’s fees are taken out, most people get more than they would have if they tried to settle the case on their own.

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