what happens if yoy hire a lawyer after a car accident

by Dr. Casandra Veum 4 min read

If you're injured in a car accident, then hiring a lawyer will almost always ensure a much better settlement. 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.

Full Answer

When to hire an attorney after a car accident?

Jan 04, 2018 · But once you’ve hired a lawyer, do you know what happens next? Here are the four stages of a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident: Stage 1: Hire the Lawyer. To start your case, you need to hire an attorney. We recommending meeting with at least two experienced car accident attorneys who understand the laws of South Carolina. Many law offices, including …

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

May 27, 2020 · Car accident lawyers also help the claimant in recovering for the death of a loved one, especially when it is because of reckless or drunk driving or over speeding. When to hire an attorney? The first thing after an accident where you have suffered physical harm is to go to the hospital and get your treatment done. After having medical care, the next step is that of hiring a …

Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

The first situation in which you should absolutely hire an attorney for help following a car accident is when you suffer injuries. Some of the most common injuries that people suffer in a car accident include: Traumatic brain injuries, including brain bleeds and skull fractures Femur fractures, tibia fractures, and other types of bone fractures

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

There is no law mandating that you must hire an attorney when seeking compensation after a car accident. 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 …

Prioritizing Safety

When you get behind the wheel of a car, you want to put safety first every time. You expect others to do the same. Here are some practical ways to help ensure safer roads:

When you Need an Attorney

The reality is that a car accident can happen at any time and they often happen when people least expect them. The consequences of accidents vary from minor dents and dings to catastrophic injuries. So how do you know when you need a lawyer to help you after a car crash?

If You Need Expert Legal Guidance

The reality is that everyone can benefit from hiring a lawyer following a motor vehicle accident. If you are looking for a legal professional in the local area who is always going to place your rights first, then rely on the team at Cooney and Conway. At Cooney and Conway, our results speak for themselves.

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.

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.

What is Comparative Negligence in Houston Car Accidents?

Texas is one of many states that follow comparative negligence laws. These laws allow plaintiffs to recover damages after car accidents even if they were partially to blame for causing those accidents.

Does Comparative Negligence Still Matter With Multiple Defendants?

When a plaintiff faces multiple defendants in a lawsuit, the comparative negligence statute will still apply; the plaintiff’s fault percentage may not exceed the combined fault of the defendants.

Proving Fault in a Car Accident Claim

A car accident can happen extremely quickly, and it may be difficult to determine fault immediately after an accident.

What to do after a car accident?

Although it is always in your best interest to contact a lawyer after a car accident, there are some situations when it is highly recommended, including if: 1 You suffered injuries in the collision 2 Your injuries are permanent or long-lasting 3 Liability is contested 4 The insurance company refuses to pay 5 You have been asked to provide medical records or a statement

What does an attorney do for insurance?

Your attorney will: Negotiate with the insurance adjuster. Handle all details of your claim for you. Help prepare a written or verbal statement that is carefully crafted to your benefit.

What are the benefits of hiring a lawyer?

1. Handle the Insurance Company for You. Insurance companies are in the business of making money.

What is the most complicated part of a car accident claim?

Often one of the most complicated parts of a car accident injury claim is proving that another’s negligence caused your injuries. This is an important part of every car accident claim, as individuals harmed by another’s actions have the right to compensation.

What is an insurance adjuster?

Insurance adjusters spend their days negotiating insurance settlements. They are skilled negotiators who vigorously fight for their best interests. So too are auto accident lawyers. We regularly negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys. However, the significant difference is that we are solely focused on the best interests of our clients.

What is contested liability?

Liability is contested. The insurance company refuses to pay. You have been asked to provide medical records or a statement. The insurance company has offered a low settlement that does not cover your full expenses related to the accident.

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.

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.

How to Fire Your Injury Lawyer in the First Month

The law says that an personal injury attorney is entitled to be paid for the value of the work they did unless there is an offer on the table. In the first month, it is unlikely there will be an offer so you will only owe the lawyer money based on the amount of time they spent working on your case. In month 1, that amount is very small.

You Have a Low Offer and Want to Fire Your Car Accident Lawyer

Once an offer is made by the car insurance company, the lawyer’s contract will provide that they are entitled to their fee no matter what. You cannot fire the lawyer and accept the offer because they will assert an attorney’s lien with the insurance company. In this situation, it is difficult to get another injury lawyer involved.

Sample Questions From the Web

Caller: My son just signed a contract to retain a lawyer to handle his slight injury in a car accident. but now my son does not want to go through with it because something about the attorney does not feel right. He just signed the contract about 1 hr ago so can he just send him a fax or email firing him?