when do i contact a personal injury lawyer afer car accident?

by David Waters 5 min read

You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able after the car accident. You may be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company and should talk to an attorney before then. A personal injury lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf. There is also often a statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

If any of the following apply to your situation, call a lawyer right away: Any accident that causes significant injury to you or someone else. Any accident where fault is not clearly established. Any crash involving another motorist, such as a pedestrian, other cars, truck, or cyclist.

Full Answer

Is it too soon to contact a lawyer after a accident?

Mar 08, 2022 · After a car accident, the at-fault party will likely contact their insurance company. In many cases, the insurance company will try to find out the details of the accident so they can make a low settlement offer. If the other driver cannot provide a statement, the insurance company will hire…

Do I need an attorney for a car accident claim?

May 10, 2019 · When to Call A Lawyer. Initially, you’ll feel the imminent shock and worry that comes with being involved in 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.

When do insurance agents call after a car accident?

Nov 25, 2021 · Securing an Attorney After a Deadly Car Accident. In the most devastating car accidents, lives are lost and families are left behind to cope with the heartbreaking grief. In such distressing circumstances, families can turn to the help of a personal injury attorney to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What are the benefits of hiring an attorney after a car accident?

Jul 22, 2020 · How Soon You Can Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident? You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able after the car accident. You may be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company and should talk to an attorney before then. A personal injury lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

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.

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 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 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.

Can a personal injury lawyer file a claim?

There is also often a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you will not be able to file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries or loss after a certain period.

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.

What happens when you hire an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, all interactions and communications regarding your case will go through your attorney, who will know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. A personal injury case can often become a he-said/she-said situation. Even with a detailed accident report or eyewitness accounts of what happened, ...

What are the goals of insurance companies in a car accident case?

They have specific goals in a car accident case: to deny you the compensation you deserve or get you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible.

Is it too early to speak to a lawyer after a car wreck?

It’s never too early to speak with an attorney after a car wreck, and contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer should be a high priority if any of the following apply to your situation.

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.

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Jose (Jay) is a Senior Staff writer and team Editor for LegalMatch. He has been with LegalMatch since March of 2010. He contributes to the law library section of the company website by writing on a wide range of legal topics.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You may need a lawyer after a car accident if: You or any other party has suffered serious injury as a result of the accident. Drunk driving was involved. Violations of laws were involved. Serious property damage resulted (especially that of government roads or property)