contacting a lawyer when you've been in an accident

You should contact an accident attorney immediately following an accident and certainly before speaking to an insurance company. In addition to representing your interests to insurance companies, an accident attorney can help guide you through a lawsuit.

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What happens if a lawyer calls you after an accident?

If a lawyer calls you after an accident, they have likely received your contact information through unethical methods, said Keith Watters of Keith Watters & Associates. These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them.

What does it mean when a lawyer calls you?

These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them. “If an attorney calls you, they probably got the information improperly from the police or hospital,” Watters said.

Is it unethical for a lawyer to call you?

“If an attorney calls you, they probably got the information improperly from the police or hospital,” Watters said. “There are a lot of payoffs in this field and if a lawyer is willing to pay for information to get a client, that is a sign right there that the person is probably unethical.”

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What to do if you have been in an accident?

If you’ve been in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer before you call the insurance company if you plan to escalate the issue . Lawyers can give you advice and help you navigate the often complex process that’s involved in accident and injury-related court cases. For more information about car accidents , personal injury law, ...

What does a lawyer do when you have a lawsuit?

If you have a serious case where a lawsuit is possible, a lawyer will work on your behalf to ensure that you get the most money you can from the insurance company. Some of the compensation you may receive includes: Payment for a new vehicle (when needed)

What does it feel like to be in a car accident?

Being involved in a car accident can cause a wide range of emotions. Some feel panic and fear to anger and worry. If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re not sure whether to contact a personal injury lawyer or your car insurance company first, read on.

Why should I call a lawyer?

Why You Should Call a Lawyer First. After an accident, most peoples’ inclination is to contact their insurance company to begin the claims process. But in cases where the driver is at fault and you’ve been hurt, you should contact a personal injury lawyer first. An insurance company’s first inclination is to settle with you at ...

What happens if you feel fine after an accident?

Remember that even if you feel fine right after an accident, you could end up dealing with serious injuries that come to the surface later. If there are any witnesses, it’s absolutely imperative that you make sure you get their statements.

What happens if you leave the scene in an ambulance?

If you end up leaving the scene in an ambulance, they’ll likely transport you to the nearest emergency room. Once you arrive at the hospital, doctors will make an assessment of your injuries. They will either release you or recommend that you stay for further evaluation.

When to call a lawyer for a car accident?

Once things have calmed down a bit, you’ll need to contact a local attorney as soon as possible. If the accident was a simple fender bender, there won’t be much a lawyer can do for you.

Why do you need a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer can also help in the event an insurance company is acting in bad faith.

What to do if you are not sure of your rights?

If you need an expert to review anything legal you may be confused about in general. If you generally want to seek advice in settling a claim, you can contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the settlement.

What to do if you are involved in an accident?

If the accident you were involved in caused any severe injury that required you to go to a doctor, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer about your legal options. Attorneys can also help in accidents that result in fatalities.

What happens if you don't follow the doctor's instructions?

If you do not follow the doctor’s instructions, an insurance company can argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claimed them to be.

What information do you need to write down when you are in an accident?

You should make sure to write down the other driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and contact information. You should give the other driver your information for their needs too. You can also exchange information with anyone who was a witness to the accident.

What to do if your injuries are not obvious?

Even if your injuries do not seem serious, it is best to have them checked by a doctor in case you have an injury that does not seem obvious. Ensure that you keep any documentation related to your injuries as proof of any expenses accrued as a result of the accident.

Do you need a lawyer for a traffic collision?

This includes traffic collisions. Generally, contacting an attorney depends on what precisely happened and what injuries were suffered. If you are not hurt, you may not need to contact a lawyer. However, if you are injured, and especially if your injuries are permanent, you should contact a lawyer to help settle your claim.

Do I Need an Attorney? It Depends on Your Case

People expect a lawyer to say that every case requires the guidance and representation of an attorney, but the truth is, not every case does.

What if the Insurance Company is Already Offering Me Money?

It’s typical for the at-fault party’s insurer to offer an injured person a quick settlement amount. This is tempting, as it might sound like a decent sum that you’ll get sooner than you would if you hired a lawyer and entered negotiations.

Lawyers Know How to Investigate Your Case

Attorneys offer more than legal knowledge and negotiating skills. Because they often investigate cases with complex accident and medical details, they know what questions to ask and what experts to work with.

Debunking Myths About Hiring a Lawyer

Still feeling hesitant about calling a lawyer? We get it; there are plenty of myths about the drawbacks of hiring a lawyer. Let’s debunk some of the big ones.

Contact Crosley Law After Your Car Accident or Other Injury

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident or other incident, it’s very likely that you need the help of an experienced attorney. The legal team at Crosley Law will take your call 24/7 and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Unscrupulous lawyers break ethics rules when they contact injury victims

First-time car accident victims are not only dealing with physical and emotional distress, they are often navigating the legal system for the first time. Some find themselves hounded by unscrupulous attorneys who obtained their contact information illegally, commonly referred to as “ambulance chasers.”

Falling victim to the predators

Lawyers shouldn’t be soliciting clients as a general rule, so receiving an unexpected phone call from an attorney should be a warning sign for accident victims.

Violation of conduct

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) “ Model Rules for Professional Conduct “ provide strict guidance on how lawyers may solicit clients. An infraction could cost an attorney their law license. These rules, which were adopted by each individual state, regulate that:

Find your own law firm

Instead of falling prey to predatory attorneys, Keith recommends that accident victims find their own representation through referrals or research and seek someone who has extensive experience in the personal injury and car accident fields.