When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When should you hire a lawyer for a car accident?
Tips on Working with Your Lawyer
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.
Aside from any emotional turmoil and stress, you have to deal with your injuries, damage to your vehicle, handling your claim, and any other issues. Lawyers can help you deal with the process of your claim and reduce your stress in the process.
You have only a short amount of time under local, state, and federal law to file your claim and protect your rights.
One of the biggest losses after an accident is the loss of property. Your vehicle may be heavily damaged and, in some cases, be considered a total loss. It's typically the car insurance company's prerogative to either: Deem your car a total loss. Pay for repairs.
For example, if you've lost your vision due to an accident resulting from another driver's negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you get general damages in addition to the actual costs of your medical bills.
When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney. As you seek reimbursement, remember that it's extremely common to get pushback on these expenses . Insurance companies try to avoid paying more than they need to and will check to make sure all the expenses are valid. Keep all of your documentation and receipts.
In some cases (e.g., if you live in a no-fault state, or you were in a hit and run ), you may seek compensation from your own car insurance company. Regardless of the company from which you're seeking payment, you might find their initial claim offer is insufficient to fully cover your repair or replacement costs.