car accident when to get a lawyer

How long after a car accident do you have symptoms?

Yet, some injuries don’t show symptoms for days or weeks. This is most common with head injuries. The impact of a collision causes a jolt to the head or a victim might hit their head during the crash. In either case, the result might be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Moderate to severe TBIs can lead to chronic lifelong problems with cognitive function, emotions, and a wide variety of other issues related to brain function. When children are car accident victims, even a mild concussion can cause developmental issues. If you discover an injury related to the car accident days, weeks, or months, after the accident, an attorney can help build your case and fight insurance companies who will claim the accident did not cause the injury.

Does Pennsylvania have no fault insurance?

Pennsylvania is one of about a dozen U.S. states with no fault insurance. In no-fault insurance states, injured parties file a claim under their mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) policies to receive compensation for injuries and lost wages. Pennsylvania requires mandatory medical benefits coverage for $5,000, which does not cover any lost wages. Pennsylvania also offers the option to opt out of the no-fault system.

Do you need a lawyer for a sprain?

If you sustain soft tissue injuries such as a sprain or strain, it’s highly unlikely you will need legal counsel. Yet, many other injuries you might consider as minor still warrant a meeting with an attorney, at the very least. For example, a broken bone, a bump on the head, or anything causing severe physical pain. You most definitely should get a lawyer if you were unconscious and paramedics transported you to the hospital via ambulance, you had to spend days or weeks hospitalized, or you’ve suffered obvious severe injuries including paralysis and amputation. Even if you have limited tort insurance in Pennsylvania, you might be able to seek non-economic damages for the most severe injuries.

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.

How can an attorney help you in a car accident?

Perhaps the most important way an attorney can help you with your car accident case is by being your advocate. This means that your attorney acts on your behalf and for your benefit throughout the entire claims process (negotiating with the automobile insurance company) and even in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary. He or she will be your champion before the judge, jury and other attorneys, making sure that your side of the story is heard and that you are compensated for all of your losses.

What does it mean to hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident?

Hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you after a car accident means you will have a professional working for you -- one who is extremely knowledgeable about the relevant laws and procedural rules that may affect your case.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?

For instance, in many states you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident or be forever prohibited from filing your lawsuit. An attorney will also be able to inform you about any special exceptions to the statute of limitations -- for minors, for example.

Can an attorney file a lawsuit?

Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how best to mitigate any possible defenses raised by the other side. In addition, once your case gets under way, your lawyer will play an invaluable role in preparing your case for trial -- and even going to trial if your case doesn't settle.

Do you need an attorney for a car accident?

Usually, car accidents in volving serious or long-term injuries require an attorney to get the most desirable outcome.

Find out whether it would be worth hiring a car accident attorney to review your case

In many cases, you do not need to file a lawsuit after a car accident. If one driver was clearly at fault and nobody has been injured, it is likely that the at-fault insurance company will give compensation without the need to go to court. So, when do you need a lawyer after a car accident?

When Do You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

If you are at fault for an accident and the other driver decides to sue you, you will need a lawyer to defend you.

When Don't You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

If you are at fault for an accident and nobody is suing you, there is no reason to hire a lawyer.

Conclusion: Do You 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.