when should you hire a lawyer after a car accident

by Prof. Lafayette DuBuque MD 9 min read

You should hire an attorney to represent you after a car accident in these situations:

  • You suffered injuries and/or significant damage to your car. ...
  • It is obvious, or even just possible, that someone else’s actions contributed to causing the accident. ...
  • You’ve been offered a low-ball settlement by the other driver’s insurance carrier. ...
  • Your injuries are severe and permanent. ...

More items...

Full Answer

When to hire an attorney after a car accident?

May 21, 2021 · The short answer is if you are asking this question, you need to talk to a lawyer. After a car accident, always remember: If you have any injuries, expenses, or …

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

Mar 24, 2021 · Speaking to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident offers you answers to your legal questions and guidance in dealing with the insurance representatives who may contact you. You should hire an attorney to represent you after a car accident in these situations: You suffered injuries and/or significant damage to your car.

Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

Feb 20, 2022 · In such serious accidents, you will be in a state of shock and you won’t know what to do. Furthermore, you won’t be able to state the facts and think straight. Therefore, if you experience any such situation, you should call a lawyer. There are lawyers who are experts and know how to deal with such accidental situations.

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

Sep 14, 2021 · In the following instances, you should contact an attorney to represent you after an automobile accident: You were injured and/or your car was severely damaged. You may not need the services of a vehicle accident damage attorney if you were engaged in a minor fender-bender that did not result in significant injuries. In all other cases, however, consulting with an expert …

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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 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, ...

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).

What happens if you are distracted while answering a phone?

If the driver engaged in distracted driving while answering a phone or navigating on a GPS, this breach in their duty of care they owed you while on the road may have contributed to the accident. A lawyer can help investigate the cause of the accident and use evidence to demonstrate the fault of the other driver.

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.

Why Should I Hire An Attorney For A Car Accident?

If you are wondering, “why should I hire an attorney after a car accident,” the answer is simple – they have legal experience and knowledge you do not possess. Their legal background in managing car accident cases will be beneficial to you in every way. This is especially true if you have been seriously injured.

What Will A Car Accident Attorney Do For Me?

When you hire an attorney to represent your car accident claim, your attorney will provide you with the following services:

The Statute of Limitations

If you are wondering when to hire a lawyer after a car accident, the answer is as soon as possible. However, there is a limitation on the time you have to file a lawsuit for compensation.

An Attorney Can Make The Difference

Serious injuries can change your life. You may need to have extensive medical care to treat the injury, and you may not be able to return to work. The losses that you experience are not your fault, and the responsible party should be held accountable.

What to do if someone else is in a car accident?

You’ve been offered a low-ball settlement by the other driver’s insurance carrier.

What happens if you lose a loved one in an accident?

If you lost a loved one due to an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may have the right to obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim.

What happened to the woman who was thrown from her car?

According to the lawsuit, the 30-year-old woman was thrown from her car after the other driver caused the accident by crashing into it.

What happens if you make a mistake in a trial?

If you manage to make it to a trial, the jury will dismiss you as a crackpot. Trust a lawyer to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Never attempt it on your own. Collect the money owed to you.

When do insurance adjusters work?

Insurance company attorneys and claims adjusters begin working on claims right away after an accident. In accidents where their insured may have been liable, they may try to shift that liability onto the other driver to minimize their own financial exposure.

How many car accidents in Pennsylvania in 2018?

According to PennDOT, one out of every 164 Pennsylvania residents sustained injuries in a car accident in 2018. This equals about nine car accident injuries every hour resulting from the 352 crashes that occur each day of the year (on average).

What injuries did the woman in the car crash have?

The woman suffered severe injuries in the crash, including broken ribs, a punctured lung, deep lacerations on her head and body, a broken nose, internal damage to her liver and kidney, a serious leg wound, and road rash. According to PennDOT, one out of every 164 Pennsylvania residents sustained injuries in a car accident in 2018.

1. When you have no one to help you

We can suffer in a situation where no one can come to your help. It might be because you are in a foreign country or in another city or state. In such situations, even if you have friends and family, they won’t be able to come to you.

2. You need to file an insurance claim

Insurance claims are not that easy. There are various legal situations that you cannot cope with. So if you have experienced a car accident, you will claim insurance. Your vehicular insurance will be separate and your personal injury will be separate.

3. When you need to be hospitalized

Visiting a hospital is a common practice after suffering from a road accident. Therefore, you will also do so. You need to visit the hospital and get a complete checkup. This is necessary because you might suffer from injuries after some time. A lot of times, we do not feel the pain at that instant. However, things get serious with time.

4. Filling for a lawsuit

In some cases, the party at fault won’t admit to their mistake. Thus, you will be left with only one option, which is to file a lawsuit. And because it will be related to the court, you will definitely need an attorney to deal with the situation.

5. Your insurance company is playing tricks

Insurance companies have a lot of tricks in their hands. They might delay the payment time to hold on to their money for a longer time. So if you feel like the company is stalling time and delaying your payment, you should consult an attorney. He will help you out in this situation.

What are the rules for insurance?

If the following is true of an accident, it is unlikely that the insurance company will lowball you: 1 There was only property damage, and nobody was hurt or killed. 2 You suffered minor or no physical injuries. 3 The settlement you deserve is relatively small.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You are not legally obligated to hire a lawyer after a car accident. The only reason you need a lawyer after a car accident is if you are being sued or decide to sue the other driver.

1. Legal Understanding

One of the basic reasons to hire a lawyer has to do with their legal understanding. A lawyer knows what the law says and how it applies to your situation. In the case of an accident, this can mean that even if you don’t think you have grounds for compensation, your lawyer may surprise you.

2. Handling Insurance Companies

If you were just in a traumatic event, you shouldn’t have to deal with complicated insurance and legal issues. The best car accident attorney you can get will take care of the insurance companies. They know how they work, what their jargon means, and what they can do by law.

3. Amount of Compensation

If you hire a lawyer to represent you, you have a much better chance of getting the maximum allowed compensation. This means that you will end up better off having an attorney than you would without one. Don’t take less than you’re entitled to, an accident can have far-reaching impacts on your life.

4. Liability Disputes

If you don’t have a lawyer the insurance company may try to set you up to take the blame for the accident. If they are successful you won’t be able to collect the damages that you need to get your life back on track. If you look for the best car accident lawyer near me, you will find people who can help you.

5. Reaching a Settlement

If you’re going to settle with an insurance company and avoid going to court, the best way to do that is with a lawyer. They will be able to pressure an insurance company because having an attorney means you’re ready to go to court. Most insurance companies aren’t going to want to pay the extra money that the court causes.

6. Going to Court

Nobody wants to go to court, it takes up a lot of time and can be expensive. Despite this, there are circumstances in which you should go to court. This can mean that the insurance company isn’t willing to pay what you need, or you have a solid case and they are offering you pennies on the dollar.

7. Getting your Life Back

After an accident, you will be dealing with a lot of things. If you’re hurt, you’ll have to deal with extensive injury recovery, therapy, and medical bills. The stress of having to miss work, change your entire life routine, and get healthy can put an enormous weight on your shoulders.

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.

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