With the number of vehicles roaming streets and highways, there is always a high chance of auto crashes. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the impact, car accidents may result in minor to catastrophic injuries and other damages. Victims of such collisions often ask, Do I need a car accident lawyer?
The answer lies in several factors, such as the severity of the damages and the impact of the losses on a victim’s life. If you are involved in a car accident, understanding the indicators that suggest the need to hire a car accident lawyer will help you safeguard your rights and seek appropriate compensation. In this guide, you will learn the four important signs that it’s time to contact a car accident lawyer.
Do I Always Need to Have a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
In reality, you don’t always have to hire a car accident lawyer. This is true if the accident results in minor property damage, where you and the at-fault party can resolve the issue amicably. However, the situation may require you to contact a lawyer primarily if you sustain injuries and other damages from the collision. By hiring one, you can increase your chances of obtaining maximum compensation in a car accident claim.
Sometimes, a car accident may seem minor initially, but it eventually results in severe damage. For example, you were hit by a speeding driver. After a crash, you didn’t bother going to the hospital since you felt fine. However, weeks after the collision, you noticed you were experiencing symptoms like numbing of the arm and migraines. You determined that you have a late-appearing arm injury after having it checked.
This is why seeking medical attention immediately after a crash is essential. A car accident lawyer can also assist you in seeking the appropriate medical practitioners to assess your well-being and check other damages when calculating the total loss from the collision.
4 Signs You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When filing a personal injury claim for compensation, having a car accident lawyer is always a good idea. However, these clear signs indicate that you will need an attorney by your side to win your case.
You Sustained Injuries.
If you or any passengers were seriously injured in a car accident, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury, you should hire a car accident lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the complexities of your case and guarantee you receive reasonable compensation for medical expenses.
Aside from the actual health costs, other damages may go along with your injury. For instance, a victim of a significant car accident may sustain a permanent injury. In this circumstance, the lawyer can account for future medical expenses, such as rehabilitation and other treatments, and include them in the compensation. At the same time, as severely injured victims often suffer emotional and psychological distress from the crash, a car accident lawyer can also add these damages to the overall settlement value.
There is a Dispute in Liability.
Insurance companies will try to reduce the settlement or dismiss the case entirely. One way they can do this is by challenging their client’s liability, especially if you have limited evidence to support your claim. If the opposing party denies liability or there are several parties involved in the collision, hiring a car accident lawyer is critical. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and develop a compelling case to prove fault and maximize your compensation.
On the other hand, if you are partially at fault for the crash, the lawyer can look into the case’s specifics, such as the jurisdiction in your state. If the law allows you to file a claim even if you are partially at fault, a car accident lawyer can examine how much you contributed to the collision and negotiate the settlement value you deserve.
The Insurance Company Wants to Settle Immediately.
If the insurance company urges you to settle a car accident claim quickly, avoid agreeing to it. While an initial settlement may be appealing and beneficial, especially if you have medical bills to pay, it is usually not in your best interests.
Insurance companies may make a low settlement offer to minimize their financial risk and resolve the claim as soon as possible. However, if you accept a settlement before fully understanding the overall extent of your damages and injuries, you may end up with significantly less money than you deserve.
For instance, specific injuries might not immediately show signs following the collision. You may miss any hidden or long-term injuries that can later require expensive medical care if you settle too soon. Before accepting a settlement offer, you must get a complete medical evaluation to determine the entire degree of your injuries.
A quick settlement might also not cover lost wages, future medical bills, or rehabilitation expenses if your injuries require continuous care or prevent you from returning to work. It’s critical to consider the long-term financial effects of your injuries and ensure that any settlement fully accounts for future costs.
Remember that you are NOT entitled to further compensation after you have accepted a settlement and signed the release, even if your injuries worsen or you need more expenses. This is why it is crucial to hire a car accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of your case and assesses the total damages for maximum compensation.
You Have Limited Time to File a Case.
The statute of limitations describes when a person can bring a lawsuit or make a legal claim. Generally, injured victims of personal injury cases have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim. However, this depends on the jurisdiction of your state.
If this time restriction passes, the victim loses their ability to file a legal action and seek damages or compensation for their injuries and other damages. You may lose your claim if you have limited time to file a case.
Without an attorney with knowledge and experience handling car accident cases, you may proceed with a trial-and-error strategy. Unfortunately, this can waste your time and significantly impact your case. A car accident lawyer understands this time restriction, ensures that they comply with all legal deadlines, and knows how to expedite the legal process.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the signs that indicate you should hire a car accident lawyer is critical for safeguarding your rights and increasing your chances of receiving appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether trying to prove liability, dealing with catastrophic injuries, or navigating complex legal procedures, a skilled attorney can give necessary support and advocacy at every stage. By getting legal counsel immediately, you may guarantee that your rights are protected, your case is thoroughly examined, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
