when to contact lawyer during your car accident case process

by Mrs. Rhea Dietrich 4 min read

While that may seem like a lot of time, valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed in just a few weeks. That's why injured accident victims should call an attorney as soon as they are able, even if they're not certain they wish to file a lawsuit.

Full Answer

When to hire a lawyer after a car accident?

When to Lawyer Up After a Car Accident. Usually, car accidents involving serious or long-term injuries require an attorney to get the most desirable outcome. An automobile accident brings with it a host of questions.

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

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.

What to do if you're involved in a car accident?

If you've been involved in a car accident, read on to learn about the car accident settlement process and timeline. Most states require drivers to report car accidents to the local police department, country sheriff, or state highway patrol.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

The vast majority of car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations between the injured party and an insurance company. Only a tiny percentage of car accident cases reach the court for trial. This is because car accident claims can often be favorably resolved without filing a lawsuit.

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What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

As soon as you are in a place that is safe from danger, your first priority is to call 911. You’ll need to seek medical treatment no matter how insignificant you feel your injury is, because not all injuries — especially head trauma and spine injuries — are immediately observable.

Do You Need to Hire an Attorney?

Depending on the severity of your accident, or lack thereof, you might be wondering if your case even warrants legal representation. The following outlines the situations for which you should contact a personal injury lawyer to talk about your case and discuss your legal options.

How Soon After an Accident Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?

It’s in your best interest to contact a lawyer for representation in your case as soon as possible after your accident, and there are a couple of reasons why.

Why Should You Call a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Company?

It’s always advisable to talk to a car accident attorney before you speak to an insurance company. An attorney can help you understand your rights and avoid common pitfalls.

How Can a Lawyer Help You After a South Carolina Car Accident?

If you’ve never had to file an insurance claim after an accident, you might not know what is involved and what a lawyer can do to help. Here are some of the things the legal team at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, can do to help with the claims process:

Contact Our South Carolina Accident Law Firm If You Have Recently Been Injured in a Car Accident

The South Carolina car accident attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, are committed to protecting the rights of crash victims in Rock Hill and other nearby communities. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, get your free consultation today to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights.

Why is it important to have a lawyer after a car wreck?

Because the lawyer can advise you on what exactly you need to do following the car wreck. Time is of the essence following an accident. Witnesses disappear, photos need to be taken, a police reports should be timely made, and other things are important to do to preserve evidence and build a potential case. A lawyer can also make suggestions on how ...

Why is it important to contact a Michigan no fault accident lawyer after a crash?

And answering the questions correctly is so important because a lawyer hired by the MACP can use errors in the application against you and try to dismiss your entire case later on. Because of this, it is important to contact a Michigan no-fault accident lawyer after a crash to walk you through the steps of filing a claim for no-fault benefits.

What is an insurance adjuster?

The person who contacts you is known as an insurance adjuster, or claims representative, and they are paid to try to minimize your case so their company’s exposure is limited. They do this by taking a recorded statement soon after the crash. These statements can be used against you at a later date.

Does Michigan have no fault for car accidents?

A lawyer can also make suggestions on how to get your car fixed following a crash. Because Michigan is a no-fault state, your own car insurance will only pay for the damage caused in a wreck so long as you have collision coverage.

Damage to Your Vehicle

Having a car accident is never pleasant, but it can be even less pleasant if your vehicle has been damaged in the process. The last thing you want to do is give up your time and money to get your vehicle repaired if someone else was clearly at fault for causing the accident.

Personal Injury

Personal injury can be difficult to deal with, especially when you are not familiar with all the laws that would apply to your case. Even as you are wondering when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident, it is always best to get in touch with a car accident attorney who has the skills and knowledge to represent your case.

Property Damage

A car accident can leave you with severe property damage, especially if someone else is to blame. In most cases, you might be left wondering when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident. It is when this happens, contact a personal injury attorney who will be able to pursue the person responsible for your damages aggressively.

Disputed Liability

If you have been involved in an accident, you should first contact a car accident lawyer. You want to make sure that your legal rights are protected as soon as possible. Even if someone claims to be willing to pay for your damages out of their pocket, you should still speak with a licensed attorney.

Hit and Run Accidents

One of the most common injuries resulting from car collisions is being involved in a hit-and-run accident. When an individual has been hurt by someone who leaves the scene of an accident without giving their information, there are some steps that you must take immediately.

Uninsured Drivers

If you have been in a car accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver and you’re asking when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident, you should immediately contact a car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Disputes between Insurance Companies

There are many different ways to establish when should you contact a lawyer after a car accident or handle insurance disputes, and car accident attorneys offer a third party perspective on these cases. Your attorney will also ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Does My Car Accident Case Require a Lawyer?

If your crash involved a minor fender bender, you might not need the assistance of a lawyer to file your claim. However, if you suffered bodily injuries and extensive damages, it is likely that your crash will have a lasting effect on your life for years to come.

When Is It Too Late to Contact a Lawyer Regarding a Car Accident?

In Texas, there is a statute of limitations for this type of claim. Under state law, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. While this law deals with filing a lawsuit, not an insurance claim, we recommend you act before the statute of limitations runs out.

Who Is Responsible for My Compensation?

Texas is considered an at-fault state. This means that the driver responsible for the car accident is also responsible for any of the costs incurred. Every driver on the road is liable for any damages or costs that they cause.

What Costs Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?

A single car accident can result in significant economic and medical costs. We will help you fight for compensation for your:

What Type of Evidence Does a Lawyer Need to Prove My Case?

Whether or not you receive a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance provider will depend on the amount of evidence we have. We will collect all of the relevant evidence available in your case, including:

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help With My Claim?

Our lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer a variety of benefits to our clients.

How Can I Talk to a Lawyer Today?

Every car accident is different. The lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, will look at the specific details of your case and come up with a strong strategy to pursue you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 713-850-8600 to get started with your free consultation.

1. When Should You Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Jul 18, 2017 — Although it’s best to start working with your attorney as soon as possible after your crash, an attorney can enter the process at any point to (1) …

2. How Long Should You Wait after an Accident to Call a Lawyer?

Any delay in contacting a lawyer can have a detrimental effect on your personal injury case, so you should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident (4) …

5. Do You Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

Jul 15, 2021 — If you or anyone you care about has been injured in a car accident, especially if there is any permanent injury, or significant time is lost (14) …

6. When should you hire a lawyer for a car accident? – JD Supra

May 21, 2021 — If you have any injuries, expenses, or damage, you may be entitled to compensation. · Most lawyers will give you a first consultation without any (17) …

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Call a car accident lawyer. Don’t wait to contact a lawyer after your accident. Make the call to a qualified attorney, like ours at DeMayo Law Offices, (24) …

9. When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer – Bryant Law Center

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 (27) …

How long do you have to file a car accident claim?

Depending on the state, you may have from 1 to 6 years to file a lawsuit against the other driver for car accident damages.

Where do you report a car accident?

Most states require drivers to report car accidents to the local police department, country sheriff, or state highway patrol. Additionally, some states require a written report of the accident if anyone was seriously injured or killed or if there was severe property damage.

Why do parties settle before going to court?

Parties tend to settle before going to court because a favorable outcome isn't guaranteed in a jury trial. By filing an insurance claim, you can recover damages for any medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering damages that resulted from your car accident.

What are the two types of car accident liability?

Generally, there are two types of systems regarding car accident liability: At-fault system. No-fault system. Your car accident settlement process will depend on which system your state follows.

What happens if a company denies your claim?

If the company denies your claim, it will likely allow you to make an appeal to the claims adjuster. If you are suing the other driver, you will need to make an initial filing by drafting a complaint and submitting it to a county or district court.

Can car accidents be settled without a lawsuit?

Only a tiny percentage of car accident cases reach the court for trial . This is because car accident claims can often be favorably resolved without filing a lawsuit. If you've been involved in a car accident, read on to learn about the car accident settlement process and timeline.

Can an injury attorney help you with a car accident?

As a result, it's easy to underestimate your damages or even overlook important factors in your case. If you're considering filing a car accident claim or have received a settlement offer, an injury attorney at a personal injury law firm can help you make the right choices.

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