when should you call a lawyer after a car accident

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
• Any collision in a school zone
• Any crash in a construction zone or work zone
• Anytime you disagree with the police report

More items...

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You need to call a car accident lawyer as soon as you can and if the situation requires the intervention of such an attorney. Some car accidents are pretty straightforward; if the other driver is at fault for a clear accident (such as hitting your vehicle from behind), chances are the driver or their insurance won't contest this fact.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?

Aug 31, 2018 · So first, let me share a handy checklist to help you decide if you need an attorney after your car accident. Seek an attorney’s help if: The accident caused injuries or a fatality; You don’t know (or dispute) who is at fault; You will miss work due to injuries sustained in the accident; The police report doesn’t reflect what you believe happened

Why should I hire an injury attorney?

You may be struggling to make ends meet and trying to help your family stay out of bankruptcy after an accident. During this time, valuable evidence might get lost or even destroyed. Contact an experienced lawyer for your car accident immediately to begin building your case and to avoid missing any critical deadlines.

What happens if I Can’t settle my accident case?

Jul 22, 2020 · 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.

It never hurts to ask

Simply put: in accidents involving big property damages and injuries, the legal and insurance systems are too complex for accident victims to navigate on their own. And usually, there is too much at stake to even try.

Those attorneys you see on billboards are spending millions on advertising and have monumental case quotas to fill, which leads to neglect of current clients

If any of the above criteria sound familiar, you should call an attorney. (I strongly suggest that you not call the number floating by you on a bus or a billboard. Those attorneys are spending millions on advertising and have monumental case quotas to fill, which leads to neglect of current clients. Read my blog about them here.

Are You Hurt?

If you’ve been hurt in a car or motorcycle accident, you need an attorney’s help. First of all, you have a big job ahead of you: healing.

Insurance company agents are trained to gain your trust so that you tell them things that they can use against you

Aside from helping you to focus on medical treatment and healing, a personal injury attorney can…

Calling a Lawyer: It Never Hurts to Ask

If you feel like you might want to hire an attorney but you’re still not sure, I suggest you call a few attorneys to talk to them about your case. Because personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee (meaning you pay nothing until your case is settled), you will owe nothing for these conversations.

What to do after a car accident?

Steps to Take After a Car Accident. Immediately after you are injured in a car accident, there are steps you can take to help you collect the compensation you need. Call 911 – Call 911 and report your accident, which helps alert both police officials and emergency medical teams to the scene of the accident. Your police report and your medical ...

How long does it take for a car accident to become apparent?

Unfortunately, some car accident injuries can take days and even weeks to become fully apparent. Always report your accident and obtain a police report. Admitting Blame – It’s human nature to apologize – even when we are not wrong. Yet after a car accident, saying “I’m sorry” can be used to show that you admitted fault for the crash.

What is minor collision?

Minor collisions that result in significant vehicle or property damage. Any injuries to a passenger in your own vehicle or to yourself. Any significant work missed by you or your passengers. Problems dealing with car repairs and insurance limits. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

How long does it take to recover from a car crash?

While this may seem like a lot of time, three years can pass quickly after a crash. You may be injured severely and focused on recovery and on improving your life. You may be struggling to make ends meet and trying to help your family stay out of bankruptcy after an accident.

Do you need a lawyer for a car accident?

Not everyone who has been involved in a car accident will need to seek legal representation. However, if your accident was severe or complex, then it’s necessary to call a lawyer as soon as possible, so they can begin building your case. If any of the following apply to your situation, call a lawyer right away:

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Arkansas?

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. In the state of Arkansas, you only have three years to file a personal injury claim. While that may seem like a lot of time, valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed in just a few weeks.

Do insurance companies have your best interest in mind?

These insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind—the only people they have in mind are their shareholders and reducing their liabilities. They may pressure accident victims into signing a settlement too quickly and you could end up with less than you need to cover your injuries.

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.