when to get a lawyer for 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?

Usually, car accidents involving serious or long-term injuries require an attorney to get the most desirable outcome. Updated by David Goguen, J.D. An experienced injury attorney can be extremely helpful in navigating the often chaotic and confusing world of insurance claims and injury settlements after a car accident.

Do I really need a car accident attorney?

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. Our lawyers offer a free consultation and review of your case and we can help you choose the legal path that is best for you and your family. Call us today at (800) 767-4815 to learn more.

When to hire a lawyer after 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.

When should I get a lawyer for my auto accident?

There is no law mandating that you must hire an attorney when seeking compensation after a car accident. 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.

What is the average settlement for a car accident?

In broad terms, the average car accident settlement amount in the United States is about $20,000.

How much should I settle for a back injury?

For lower back injury settlements for sprains and strains, the average settlement is between $10,000 and $50,000. The larger settlements are the result of better lawyering and specific facts which can change the value of your case.Feb 13, 2022

How do I settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a LawyerEvaluate the extent of your damages. ... Speak to the insurance adjuster. ... Craft your demand letter. ... Do your due diligence before going to court. ... Await the judge's verdict and accept the settlement. ... Understand that representing yourself isn't always best.More items...

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.

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.

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 is the right car accident lawyer?

The “right” car accident lawyer is always needed by a victim of any form of accident. First, a great car accident lawyer will protect the innocent victim’s rights against the big, powerful insurance companies. People, let’s get one thing straight: the insurance companies (even your own) are not on your team. Second, a great car accident lawyer and their team will take care of all of your needs; leaving you stress-free and with the necessary time to focus on getting the proper medical treatment. My saying goes that if “a client focuses on the healing process, the lawyer will take care of the rest.”

What to do if you have been in a car accident?

A good car accident attorney can help make sure that you get the medical care for your injuries, often without the co-payments or deductibles you face when using your health insurance. Oftentimes, people don’t realize they are injured until the day after a car accident. By then, they may have spoken to an insurance adjuster and already said something to jeopardize their right to a full recovery. This is why we recommend anyone who may have sustained an injury or major damage to their vehicle consult a lawyer before calling the insurance company. Even if you are unsure if you need representation, most reputable car accident attorneys will offer a free, no-obligation consultation in order to help assess your rights.

Why do you need a personal injury lawyer?

Anytime you are injured in a car accident you should consult a car accident attorney. Doing so will ensure you get the best advice possible on how to proceed with your claim. Most of the time an attorney will be needed in order to get you the compensation you deserve. This is because insurance companies will attempt to pressure you into settling for much less than you deserve. They will use various tactics to convince you that what they are offering is a fair settlement, but what you must remember is they are looking out for their own best interests, not yours. That is why hiring a personal injury lawyer is imperative in these situations. Doing so will not only alleviate the stress involved with trying to settle a claim on your own, it will also ensure that you are adequately compensated. Pursuing a claim for serious injuries requires extensive resources that only an attorney will be able to provide.

What to do if you have a wrongful death case?

If you have a serious injury or wrongful death case, you need to hire a lawyer immediately. There are too many potential facts that can disappear. Witness memories, skid marks and other reconstruction evidence, video records, and other information that is critical to your case can change or disappear. The defendants and their insurance companies are usually quick to collect and preserve this evidence. If you do not do so yourself – the right way – you are starting your case behind the eight ball.

What to do when you have a leaky faucet?

There’s a reason they say “he who represents himself has a fool for a client.” When you have a leaky faucet you hire a plumber. When your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic. When your air conditioner isn’t working you call the AC repairman. So why, when we are talking about the most important repair of all, your body, do you not call an attorney the moment you are injured in an accident or as a result of negligence? The truth is many people think its simple if you’re hurt in a car accident that someone else caused. Go see a doctor a few times and send the bills to the insurance company and they will treat you fairly. After all, we’ve all seen the TV commercials about how you are in “good hands” and they are “like a good neighbor.” The truth is you are NOT in good hands and if they were your neighbor you would pack the moving truck and leave the neighborhood. Insurance companies have one objective and thats to make money for their shareholders and this only achieved if they pay out a small piece of the premiums that they collect.

How to contact Sibley Dolman Gipe?

You can easily reach Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA at any time at 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH), or you can write to us using our online contact page.

What happens after a car accident?

You must plan for your future medical care. You may not be able to return to work. Your life may be changed forever. You may have lost a loved one. Drivers who are reckless and negligent are responsible for all of your damages and harm.

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.