how long after a car accident can i get a lawyer

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

• FLORIDA. Retaining a competent and experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible is vital if you are injured in a wreck.
• ALABAMA. When do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer? ...
• ARIZONA. ...
• CALIFORNIA. ...
• GEORGIA. ...
• ILLINOIS. ...
• INDIANA. ...
• LOUISIANA. ...
• MASSACHUSETTS. ...
• NORTH DAKOTA. ...

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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

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. ...

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Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

You are not required to hire an attorney after a car accident. In most cases, in fact, it is unnecessary. Start by filing an insurance claim and proceed from there. If you are offered a settlement that you feel is unjustly low, you should hire a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

You Should Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible

In law, it is not often there is a simple, unequivocal answer to a question, but when it comes to how long after an accident you should wait to call an attorney, there is no gray area: Find a lawyer as soon as you can. There are many reasons this is the case, including:

Call Page Law to Retain a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney Today

Any delay in contacting a lawyer can have a detrimental effect on your personal injury case, so you should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. To schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 or contact us online.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can an attorney do a car accident settlement?

After you have been in a car accident, taking on this time-consuming work may be the last thing you want to do, assuming you're able. An attorney can do it all for you.

How long do you have to file a claim after an accident?

Many major insurers stipulate that you have as long as two or three years to file a claim under certain types of coverage. Again, check your policy or check with your provider to find out how long you have to file any claims after an accident.

How long after an accident do you need to show all the documents?

A good tip to remember as you go through the claims process is to keep copies of everything. Whether you’re filing a claim in the hours, days, or weeks after an accident, you’ll need to quickly show all the relevant documents, like bills or medical records.

How long do you have to notify the police of an accident?

Your insurer might also require you to notify the police within a certain amount of time, often 24 hours, after an accident. Your insurer may even have a mobile app that helps you document the accident and prepare to file a claim either with them and with the other party’s insurance company.

How to report an accident to the police?

1. Call 911. That will help make sure anyone involved is safe and getting any necessary medical care. If you call the police to the scene, they’ll document the accident in a police report, which is often necessary for filing a claim. Insurers often require that you report the accident to the police within 24 hours. 2.

How long do you have to report an accident?

Check your specific policy. Your insurer likely requires you to report accidents soon after they happen, often within 30 days. And then when it comes to filing claims (which is different from reporting an accident) your provider might not give a time limit, or it might set specific limits for types of coverage.

Is it scary to be in a car accident?

The answer varies. A car accident, even a minor one, can be a scary experience. And there’s a lot to take care of afterwards — dealing with any injuries, assessing damages, trying to process what happened. You might be tempted to delay filing a claim with your car insurance provider, or you may want to wait to see the full extent ...

Should I file a third party claim after an accident?

Whether you’re filing a claim solely with your own provider or you’re filing what’s called a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s provider, you should try to file as soon after an accident as is reasonably possible, but you do have some time. Check your specific policy. Your insurer likely requires you to report accidents soon ...

How to seek compensation for a car accident?

Filing an Insurance Claim. When you experience a motor vehicle accident, the first step in seeking compensation is to file a claim with either your own insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance company. In some states, comparative negligence laws apply, ...

Why do people seek legal representation for car accidents?

Some victims of car accidents choose to seek legal counsel and representation so that they can focus on their health and recovery while also pursuing legal action. You have the right to hire legal representation at any time throughout the process of making an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

How long does it take for whiplash to show up after an accident?

Keep in mind that some car accident injuries may only display symptoms days or even weeks after an accident. For example, whiplash may take several days to manifest, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Can a lawyer help you in a car accident?

While obtaining a lawyer does not guarantee you a specific outcome for your case, they can help investigate the crash, gather evidence to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence, and take care of negotiations with insurers on your behalf.

Can you seek insurance for a car accident if you are uninsured?

If the other driver’s policy cannot cover the costs of your losses, you may be able to seek them through your own policy if you carry uninsured motorist coverage. You can hire an attorney immediately after a car accident to help you assess your losses and explore the options available to you through your own insurance policy.

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 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.