car accident when do you need a lawyer

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.

Full Answer

When to get an attorney for a car accident?

The following are only some ways an attorney can assist you:

• Communicating with the insurance companies of the liable parties
• Obtaining evidence of liability and damages
• Negotiating for the settlement you need and deserve
• Negotiating with lien holders
• Determining when it’s time to file a personal injury lawsuit
• Handling the litigation process to reach a settlement agreement

What is the best car accident lawyer?

• The negligent driver’s employer
• Municipalities if the road is in bad condition or street lights aren’t functional
• Other drivers on the road
• Auto manufacturers if a faulty part caused an accident
• Your own insurance company (if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage)

How much will a car accident lawyer cost you?

Deposits in vehicle accident cases can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The attorney's contingent fee is calculated by deducting the retainer from the settlement at the conclusion of the lawsuit. The contingency fee rate is 33 percent, so we'll use a $1,000 retainer as an example. As a result, if the plaintiff wins a $30,000 ...

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

Tips on Working with Your Lawyer

1. First, the lawyer should have a great reputation. Research reviews of lawyers by other clients to see how many other people have had success with him or her.
2. If you are the one filing the lawsuit, find a lawyer with the experience and knowledge to handle your case. ...
3. Ask the lawyer for a summary of his or her practice in these types of cases. ...

More items...

Is it worth hiring a car accident lawyer?

Yes, hiring a car accident lawyer is definitely worth it, even if you’re not at fault. The lawyer can help you get a better settlement and protect...

Should I get a lawyer for an accident that was my fault?

It’s advisable to get a lawyer for an accident that you caused. Although you won’t be able to receive compensation in case you have sustained an in...

Is it illegal not to report an accident?

In some cases, it is illegal not to report a car accident. In California, for example, if the outcome of the accident is injury or death, you’re ob...

Can a car accident lawyer help with a whiplash claim?

Given that whiplash is difficult to prove, getting a car accident lawyer can help your case. They can advise you on what actions to take and what e...

How Can I Find a Personal Injury Lawyer?

In many cases, it can be difficult to find the proper lawyer to help with a car accident claim. Calling numbers from a phone book can often lead to dead ends, and may be time consuming. Perhaps a more efficient and consistent way to find a personal injury lawyer is to utilize the online matching services provided by LegalMatch. By posting your case online, LegalMatch will match you directly with a qualified personal injury lawyer in your area, free of charge.

What are the causes of car accidents?

There are many different causes of car accidents. Some of these may include: 1 Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) 2 Drunk driving 3 Bad weather and driving conditions 4 Mechanical failure of car or car parts 5 Disobeying traffic laws 6 Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.)

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving (i.e., texting while driving, etc.) Unpredictable circumstances (such as a falling boulder, etc.) Depending on the cause of the accident, either party may or may not be held liable for damages or injuries.

Can you be held liable for an auto accident?

Depending on the cause of the accident, either party may or may not be held liable for damages or injuries. Proving fault in an auto accident claim can often be difficult and may require the assistance of a legal professional.

Why is having a lawyer important?

In contrast to the example above, there are also circumstances where having a lawyer is important. These are circumstances where they could negotiate you a much higher settlement, or where they could help counter insurance company tactics designed to keep you from getting paid.

What does it mean when an insurance company says you didn't report your injury?

This tactic takes many forms. Often the insurance company will say you didn’t report your injury soon enough or made it “worse” by not seeking treatment. This is their way of saying they won’t pay for all of it. You need representation.

Do insurance companies take your injury seriously?

The insurance company doesn’t seem to take your injury as seriously as you do. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Their job is to pay the least amount possible. Once they put a dollar amount on your diagnosis, they don’t really care whether the treatment worked or not. Get someone on your side who is there to represent your interests, and force them to take you seriously.

Can you give a recorded statement to an insurance company?

No one should ever give a recorded statement to an insurance company, even their own insurance company, without consulting an attorney first.

Is it worth getting a free opinion from a lawyer?

Even with a “minor” injury, it’s still worth getting a free opinion from a lawyer before you make any decisions in your case. And if the same minor injury required physical therapy, a specialist, an epidural, or other special treatment, it could be worth thousands more and a lawyer could make a big difference for you.

Is a broken bone considered serious?

Your injury is serious. The more serious your injury, the more money is at stake and the more the insurance company will try to lowball you. A “serious” injury does not necessarily mean surgery or hospitalization. A broken bone, a joint injury that requires injections or long-term treatment, and anything that causes severe pain are all serious injuries.

Fault matters in an accident

The police usually decide who caused an accident. Insurance companies use the police report to decide who gets payment. If you're careless, break traffic laws or drive dangerously, you could be blamed for an accident.

How to know when to sue

If you don't know whether to sue the other driver after a car accident, you probably should, especially if you were hurt in the accident.

It's best to hire a lawyer

Some people worry that they can't afford a lawyer, especially after an accident. But a good lawyer only asks for payment if you win.