when should i hire a car accident lawyer

When You're Injured The first and most obvious time to consider hiring a car accident lawyer is if you've been injured in the collision. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's always a good idea to get professional advice to make sure you aren't overlooking any potential long-term effects of the crash.

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?

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.

Is there a time limit to sue for a car accident?

Due to the time-sensitive nature of car crash claims, the sooner you can contact an experienced car accident attorney, the better. Your state may place a time limit (a statute of limitations) on your ability to sue for a car crash. Further, certain insurance policies may require prompt notification of an accident.

How long do car accident injuries take to show up?

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).

1. When You're Injured

The first and most obvious time to consider hiring a car accident lawyer is if you've been injured in the collision. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's always a good idea to get professional advice to make sure you aren't overlooking any potential long-term effects of the crash.

2. When the Accident Is Due to Someone Else's Negligence

Usually, when an accident happens, it's pretty easy to figure out who will be held responsible for what happened but every now and then, things aren't quite so clear-cut.

3. When Insurance Companies Try to Lowball You

Even if you know that the accident wasn't your fault, some car insurance companies will attempt to offer a much lower settlement than it would cost for you to have the damages from the accident repaired.

4. When There Are Complex Legal Issues Involved

Car accidents can sometimes lead to complicated legal issues, such as disputes over who is actually at fault or questions about how much money should be awarded in damages. If you find yourself dealing with any of these sorts of issues, it's a good idea to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you navigate them.

5. When You Don't Feel Comfortable Dealing with the Insurance Company on Your Own

Even if the car accident wasn't your fault, dealing with car insurance companies can be a frustrating and intimidating experience. Dealing with car insurance companies is a full-time job for car accident attorneys, so they will be able to get you the compensation you deserve from the insurance company—without you having to lift a finger.

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 Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

The primary job of a car accident lawyer is to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. In addition, you’ll find the lawyer will remove a lot of the stresses associated with a car accident off your shoulders, such as:

Are There Some Accidents Where It’s More Important to Have a Lawyer?

There are some accident scenarios where having a lawyer on your side is even more important.

Is it Worth it to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

In many cases, yes. It is to your advantage to hire a lawyer when you’ve been the victim of a car accident. Studies show that most people will recover a much bigger settlement with an attorney on their side than if they go it alone.

If I have minor injuries, do I still need to contact an attorney?

Even if you aren’t sure you have injuries or believe them to be minor, you should still contact a Wisconsin car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. They can help you determine what to do next.

Should I provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjustor?

No, you have the right to refuse and should avoid speaking to them at all. Once you hire an attorney, your attorney will handle all communications with them.