The list of to-dos after getting in a car accident can seem like its never ending. From talking to your insurance provider to attending doctors’ appointments, trying to get your life back together after a car collision can be incredibly challenging.
Working with an auto accident attorney can seem like just another task you need to take on. While an attorney is not necessary after every car crash, they are highly recommended if you’re looking to take on a personal injury case.
But how do you know if you need to hire an attorney for your specific situation?
When is an Attorney Necessary After a Car Accident?
Getting in a car accident is challenging and difficult, especially if you weren’t at fault for the accident. In some situations, a car accident attorney can help you through that process. However, a car accident attorney is not always necessary.
If you’ve been in a standard car accident with only damage to a vehicle, you probably do not need to hire an attorney. If injuries are mild and limited to only a few scrapes or bruises, you probably do not need to hire an attorney. You should be able to get the cash you need from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
If the insurance company is hesitant to provide you with the right amount of compensation or is difficult to connect with, an auto accident attorney may be necessary.
However, if you or someone in your vehicle has been seriously injured in the accident, you will need to hire an attorney. An attorney can help you through filing a claim and get the compensation you need.
In most situations, an insurance provider will come to you with a settlement amount if their driver was at fault. While this amount may be tempting to take, it is typically much lower than you would get if you worked with an attorney. This is why it is always recommended to talk with an attorney before agreeing to a deal.
Here are some instances when you should definitely speak with an auto accident attorney:
There is a serious injury, including broken bones, hospitalization or paralysis
Fault is difficult to determine
A death has happened because of the accident
The driver’s insurance company is difficult to communicate with
You’re not confident in your negotiation skills
Are unsure what kind of compensation you may be entitled to
If you are still unsure whether or not you need an attorney for your car accident case or you don’t know your rights, contact one as soon as possible.
How Can an Attorney Help?
A car accident attorney understands what you’re going through. They’ve helped individuals through similar situations in the past, so they can act as a guide through an extremely stressful time.
But aside from that, an attorney can help protect you from accidentally admitting fault, taking a settlement far below what you’re entitled to, or hurting your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. An attorney will take the matters into their hands, so you can focus on getting the rest and relaxation you need to recover.
Your car accident attorney will also work with you to ensure you win your case. Because you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you will need to gather evidence and build a case around it. Your attorney will help you identify what is needed and develop an argument that works in your favor.
A car accident attorney can also help you determine the compensation you rightfully deserve. Because there may be many compensation areas you don’t know about, an attorney can help you uncover a larger settlement amount.
While hiring an attorney does mean you need to pay for their services, you can typically ask to have these payments covered in your settlement. If money is holding you back from hiring a car accident attorney after your collision, you may actually be losing money by not hiring professional assistance.
Car accidents can have serious consequences. If you’ve been injured because of the mistake another driver made, don’t take the situation lightly. While the settlement you’re being offered by the insurance company may sound like a good deal, it is most likely a low offer that you could blow through rather quickly.
If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re wondering whether or not an attorney is necessary, contact the law office of Lamber Goodnow. We can help you analyze your situation, uncover whether or not you need our assistance, and get you started on building a case that will get you the compensation you need.