when to get a lawyer 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?

Perhaps the most important role a car accident attorney plays is that of advocate. This means acting on your behalf and with your best interests in mind at every stage of the claim process. Whether it's dealing with a car insurance company or presenting your case to a judge or jury, your attorney will be your champion, making sure your side of the story is heard and that you are …

Do I really need a car accident attorney?

When to Call a Lawyer 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?

Jul 01, 2019 · If you discover an injury related to the car accident days, weeks, or months, after the accident, an attorney can help build your case and fight insurance companies who will claim the accident did not cause the injury. Contact An Experienced Attorney For More Information. The aftermath of a car accident can challenge anyone. You might deal with accumulating medical …

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. Accidents involving serious bodil...

You Can’t Work Because Of Your Injuries And Need Ongoing Care

If you were hurt so badly that you can’t return to work after a car accident, a lawyer can make sure that you maximize the compensation you receive...

Multiple Parties Were Involved in the Accident

If you were in an accident involving three or more vehicles, this can complicate the insurance claim settlement and negotiation process and lead to...

An Uninsured Motorist Was Involved in the Accident

If one or more of the parties involved did not have insurance at the time of the car accident, you should search for a car accident attorney right...

You Need to Collect Evidence About the Accident

If you were hurt in a car accident, you may need a lawyer to help you collect and analyze evidence that establishes who was at fault and what your...

You Have Upcoming Settlement Talks

Most car accident lawsuits settle before going to trial, which means that you’ll probably receive a settlement offer from the at-fault driver or hi...

Time Has Passed Since the Accident

In Texas, you are required to file a lawsuit after an accident before a deadline known as the statute of limitations has passed (typically two year...

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?

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.

How long after a car accident do you have symptoms?

Yet, some injuries don’t show symptoms for days or weeks. This is most common with head injuries. The impact of a collision causes a jolt to the head or a victim might hit their head during the crash. In either case, the result might be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Moderate to severe TBIs can lead to chronic lifelong problems with cognitive function, emotions, and a wide variety of other issues related to brain function. When children are car accident victims, even a mild concussion can cause developmental issues. If you discover an injury related to the car accident days, weeks, or months, after the accident, an attorney can help build your case and fight insurance companies who will claim the accident did not cause the injury.

Does Pennsylvania have no fault insurance?

Pennsylvania is one of about a dozen U.S. states with no fault insurance. In no-fault insurance states, injured parties file a claim under their mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) policies to receive compensation for injuries and lost wages. Pennsylvania requires mandatory medical benefits coverage for $5,000, which does not cover any lost wages. Pennsylvania also offers the option to opt out of the no-fault system.

Do you need a lawyer for a sprain?

If you sustain soft tissue injuries such as a sprain or strain, it’s highly unlikely you will need legal counsel. Yet, many other injuries you might consider as minor still warrant a meeting with an attorney, at the very least. For example, a broken bone, a bump on the head, or anything causing severe physical pain. You most definitely should get a lawyer if you were unconscious and paramedics transported you to the hospital via ambulance, you had to spend days or weeks hospitalized, or you’ve suffered obvious severe injuries including paralysis and amputation. Even if you have limited tort insurance in Pennsylvania, you might be able to seek non-economic damages for the most severe injuries.

What to do if you have an accident?

If your accident resulted in substantial injuries that have had a significant impact on your life, it’s especially essential to contact an attorney. By engaging with a qualified attorney you give yourself the best possible chance to receive maximum compensation.

What to do if you are hurt in a car accident?

If you were hurt in a car accident and more than one other party is involved, contact a lawyer to talk about the case . A car accident lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and keep your liability to the other parties as low as possible. An attorney can also help communicate with the lawyers for the other parties ...

How long do you have to file a lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, you are required to file a lawsuit after an accident before a deadline known as the statute of limitations has passed (typically two years from the date of the accident). If a lot of time has passed since your accident, you should talk to a car accident lawyer right away to make sure you haven’t missed this deadline.

Do car accidents settle before trial?

Most car accident lawsuits settle before going to trial, which means that you’ll probably receive a settlement offer from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company. Usually, an unreasonably low settlement offer.

What happens if you have three vehicles in an accident?

If you were in an accident involving three or more vehicles, this can complicate the insurance claim settlement and negotiation process and lead to multiple lawsuits. Some accidents involve other parties such as pedestrians, property owners, or commercial entities.

Can a car accident lawyer negotiate a settlement?

In most instances, an experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate a higher settlement than you can on your own.

What to do if you don't have insurance in Texas?

If one or more of the parties involved did not have insurance at the time of the car accident, you should search for a car accident attorney right away. Texas law requires people who drive in the state to pay for the accidents they cause.

Find out whether it would be worth hiring a car accident attorney to review your case

In many cases, you do not need to file a lawsuit after a car accident. If one driver was clearly at fault and nobody has been injured, it is likely that the at-fault insurance company will give compensation without the need to go to court. So, when do you need a lawyer after a car accident?

When Do You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

If you are at fault for an accident and the other driver decides to sue you, you will need a lawyer to defend you.

When Don't You Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

If you are at fault for an accident and nobody is suing you, there is no reason to hire a lawyer.

Conclusion: Do You 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.