when should you get a lawyer after a car accident

When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident

1. The Car Accident Caused Serious Injury or Death. If anyone was seriously injured or killed in the car accident, contact an experienced accident lawyer right away.
2. You Can’t Work Because Of Your Injuries And Need Ongoing Care. ...
3. Multiple Parties Were Involved in the Accident. ...
4. An Uninsured Motorist Was Involved in the Accident. ...

More items...

Full Answer

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

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.

Should I contact an attorney for a car accident?

When do you need a lawyer for a car accident case? Even with a “minor” injury, it’s still worth getting a free opinion from a lawyer before you make any decisions in your case. And if the same minor injury required physical therapy, a specialist, an epidural, or other special treatment, it could be worth thousands more and a lawyer could make a big difference for you.

Do I really need a car accident attorney?

Mar 11, 2022 · 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:

When to hire a lawyer after a car accident?

For instance, in many states you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident, or you'll lose the right to take the matter to court. An attorney will also be able to inform you about any special exceptions to the statute of limitations—for minors, for example.

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.

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 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 to do after a car accident?

Follow these steps after you have been in a car accident: Always contact the police. They will provide official documentation of the wreck and investigate at the scene in an attempt to determine who is at fault. Seek medical treatment for any injuries you incur.

What happens if you get in a car accident?

Car accidents may cause serious damage to your body including burns, disfigurement, permanent disability , brain injury , organ damage, and other injuries. Your vehicle may be in need of repairs or a total replacement.

What evidence is needed for a car accident?

An attorney representing you can collect evidence such as: 1 Photos of the accident scene 2 Photos of the damaged vehicle 3 Police crash reports 4 Eyewitness statements 5 Information from a vehicle’s event data recorder 6 Medical and work records 7 Electronic evidence including cell phone records 8 Manufacturer records and recall information

How long can you wait to file a claim in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the statute of limitations is 2 years after the accident or 2 years after the last no-fault medical payment.

Where is Mark Bryant?

From humble beginnings in Paducah, Mark Bryant has risen to become one of the best-known trial attorneys in Western Kentucky. Mark graduated from the University of Kentucky's College of Law in 1973 and has been practicing law for over 45 years.

Is Kentucky a no fault state?

Since Kentucky is a no-fault state, your insurance company will pay your personal injury protection (PIP) benefit regardless of who was at fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can review accident reports and witness statements to determine the other driver’s negligence.

What can a personal injury attorney do?

Hiring a personal injury attorney can help make sure that you get all of the remedies that are available to resolve your claim. An attorney representing you can collect evidence such as: Photos of the accident scene. Photos of the damaged vehicle.

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.

What can an experienced car accident lawyer do?

An experienced car accident lawyer can help to level the playing field in your dealings with insurance companies.

What to do after a car accident?

After a car accident, always remember: 1 If you have any injuries, expenses, or damage, you may be entitled to compensation. 2 Most lawyers will give you a first consultation without any risk or commitment. 3 Insurance companies are not on your side. 4 You should not delay.

What happens if you get injured in a car accident?

If you have been injured or incurred property damage in a car accident, you may have significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. In many cases, these expenses continue long after the accident.

How long does it take to file a personal injury claim in Delaware?

Often the relevant deadline is for personal injury claims, which in the State of Delaware is 2 years, typically running from the date of the accident. However, the deadline can be different in other states, other types of claim, or may start running from a later date depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injury.

What is comparative negligence in Delaware?

In Delaware, for example, the comparative negligence rule applies which means that a victim’s compensation will be reduced if the victim is at fault for the accident, and will not recover anything if they are more than 50% at fault.

Is it bad to talk to a lawyer?

There are no drawbacks to talking to a lawyer. Any good lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation, either on the phone or in person, to discuss your case. They will listen to your story and advise you whether or not you might benefit from having a lawyer to represent you.

What happens when you file a car accident claim?

When you file a claim in a car accident case, you are not opposing an individual driver but instead a large insurance company that handles such claims on a daily basis. Some people who have been involved in an accident are concerned about causing distress or expense to the other driver, even if that driver caused the accident.

Should I Get An Attorney After A Car Accident?

If you are not hurt, you may not need an attorney. However, don’t entirely rule it out. In certain complex situations, an attorney’s legal knowledge may be critical – even if you are not injured.

What Compensation Can I Collect?

After an accident, there’s so much to be done – and much of it is costly. If you hire an attorney, they will fight for you to win the maximum amount of compensation possible. For instance, these expenses could be covered:

What Do I Need to Do to Get Compensation?

If you hire Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, you won’t have to do much! Our lawyers will help you manage your case from start to finish. We will keep any and all evidence organized and preserved. We will also use our experience to handle insurance company tactics to effectively fight back on your behalf.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Ensure a Strong Case?

While hiring legal professionals to help build a strong case can result in just compensation, you can do a few things as well to help solidify your case. These things include:

How Soon After My Accident Should I Hire an Attorney?

Hire an attorney as soon as possible. You will need immediate representation because the at-fault party will reach out to their insurance provider, who will then reach out to you. Why does this matter?

What Happens After I Hire an Attorney?

After you hire an attorney at Lerner and Rowe, our legal team will need to know more specific details about the accident. This information can be gleaned from your recollection of the accident, other parties’ information, the police report, medical documentation, and more.

What Do I Have to Lose in Hiring a Lawyer?

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by contacting Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. The call is free, the consultation is free, and you pay no out-of-pocket fees unless compensation is won for your case.