When Should You Get an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Just like you don’t rush to the doctor with every cough, you don’t need a lawyer for every car accident. However, knowing when legal guidance could make a difference is essential. When your well-being, income, or peace of mind are at stake, it’s worth seeking professional advice. So, when is it time to consult an attorney after a car accident?
You Cannot Work
If you sustained an injury during the car accident and cannot work, bring your case to an attorney. Even if the at-fault party has auto insurance and covers your lost income, you may not receive a fair amount from the insurance company. Insurance carriers do whatever they can to limit the amount they pay for settlements or accepted claims. That means you may receive substantially less than you legally deserve for lost wages.
Later on, you may discover your injuries are more extensive than you first believed. This means that you may be out of work longer than expected. Your initial settlement may not cover the entire duration that you cannot work. A lawyer increases the chances that you get every penny you deserve and need.
You or a Passenger Sustained Serious Injuries, or Someone Died
Perhaps you can continue working, but you still sustained serious injuries during the accident. Or, depending on the incident’s severity and circumstances, the outcome may have been fatal for a driver or passenger. Usually, mishaps that result in serious damage or death bring about complicated lawsuits. Your lack of knowledge concerning the latest laws could leave you at a serious disadvantage if you take on your case yourself. Worse, the other party may hit you with a wrongful death or personal injury counterclaim. Either way, a lawyer can protect your rights with expert advice and experience.
The Accident Injured Several People
Sometimes, car accidents involve several vehicles and individuals. For instance, rather than only drivers and passengers, property owners and pedestrians could also become part of the equation. If you count yourself among the many auto accident victims, handling the resulting claim(s) and legal action(s) could prove confusing, frustrating and time-consuming.
Certain attorneys have experience navigating multiple lawsuits and parties involved in a car accident. Even if evidence determines that you hold a degree of liability in the accident, having a lawyer by your side can reduce your overall liability. You get to focus on your recovery while your advocate works with any other attorneys and insurance companies involved in the case.
The Accident Took Place in a Construction Zone
Construction zone motor vehicle accidents sometimes involve violations. For instance, the other driver disregarding warning signs and traffic laws could be what triggered the accident. If so, your claim could come with penalties and heavy fines. You may not be aware of this if you do not work with a lawyer to handle your case.
You Have To Talk About a Settlement
Rather than go to court, maybe you successfully sued the other person without a legal professional’s aid. Recently, you received a settlement offer from an insurance company that you feel is fair. This is the time to rethink proceeding without a professional’s insight. Should you accept the current settlement as is, you could give up certain rights, which may later come back to haunt you. With a lawyer’s help, you could get a higher settlement, as opposed to an in-truth unreasonably low offer that only seems fair or generous on the surface.
The Other Person Did Not Have Insurance
Did it turn out that the at-fault party did not have any insurance? Or maybe while the other driver had coverage, it was not enough to pay for the extent of damages and injuries. Inadequate or nonexistent insurance calls for a lawyer.
It may make sense to file a civil lawsuit against the other person as an alternate way to receive compensation. With this scenario, however, the uninsured/uninsured party may not have the assets or finances needed to cover the full cost of your injuries or damages, so prepare yourself for that possibility. A lawyer can help you figure out how to proceed.
You Have To Gather Evidence
To build your case to determine which party bears fault for the incident, you may have to gather adequate evidence. If you were injured, you may not be in a good condition to collect evidence on your own. By leaving things to an attorney, you have someone in your corner who knows the most effective ways to assemble undeniable proof. For instance, what do you know about the “black boxes” newer cars have? Auto accident attorneys are familiar with such recording technology. They also know how to get the court orders necessary to quickly and legally procure such evidence. This level of knowledge can save a lot of time.
The Accident Happened in the Past
Perhaps the auto incident in question happened a few months or even years ago. It could be that you are only now realizing the extent of your injuries and want to pursue damages. Attorneys understand the statute of limitations, which is the time you have available to take legal action for a car accident.
Beyond ensuring you file within the statute of limitations, an experienced attorney knows how to handle all the procedural details. Sometimes, accident victims mistakenly trust an insurance company that seems cooperative, only to find they’re running out of time. Often, insurers appear helpful while subtly delaying, hoping to reach the deadline and deny the claim altogether.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer
Do you wonder if a reputable attorney should be managing your car accident case? Do not take any chances with your health, finances, or well-being. Know when to accept a settlement and when to return to the negotiating table.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to contact an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.
