Dealing with car accidents, especially minor ones, is pretty straightforward. However, there are some situations where having an attorney is necessary, for example, when there is extensive damage or you have sustained serious injuries.
If you’re wondering when to hire a car accident lawyer, here are a few instances that will clear your questions:
1. You Have Sustained Injuries
Injuries from car accidents range from minor to severe. Some injuries may not be visible right away, and the symptoms may become apparent after a while. Serious and long-term injuries often lead to significant medical expenses and rehabilitation. For example, if you have made several trips to the ER or had to undergo surgery.
A lawyer can help ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and any future medical needs.
2. There Is Disputed Liability
Sometimes, the other at-fault driver may deny liability, or there are multiple parties involved. In such cases, determining liability becomes complex. You will have to deal with investigations from different insurance companies and different versions of what happened.
An attorney can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case to help establish responsibility. They will evaluate police reports, photos, and videos to try to recreate how the accident occurred.
3. The Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement
Insurance companies may offer settlements that don’t fully cover your losses. This is mostly the first offer, which is presented very early on in an attempt to trick you into accepting an amount that is much lower than what you deserve.
A lawyer can negotiate with insurers to seek a fair settlement. This might involve a lot of back and forth with the insurance company.
4. The Other Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage or any coverage at all, recovering compensation can be challenging. Despite having established clear liability, getting may still be impossible, and you could be forced to even consider a lawsuit.
An attorney can explore different alternatives, like your own insurance policies. For instance, if you have collision coverage, an attorney will make sure the insurance company pays for repairs and replacement as required.
5. You Missed Work or Lost Income
Car accidents can lead to missing work. Despite being understanding and sympathetic, most employers won’t cover the payment you missed. If your injuries cause permanent disability, this will affect your earning capacity and standard of living. You may be forced to take a lower-paying job or stop working altogether.
To receive fair compensation, you must calculate both missed payments and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you calculate losses and include them as compensation on your claim to ensure everything is comprehensively covered.
6. You Need Help Navigating Deadlines
Every state has deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Once the statute of limitations lapses, you no longer have the right to file for compensation, and your case can be entirely dismissed. Having a lawyer by your side will ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
7. You Were At Fault or Blamed for the Accident
Sometimes you may end up getting blamed for an accident even if you were innocent. Even if you were partially to blame, an attorney can still work to protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies and potentially reduce your liability.
In cases where fault may be shared, a lawyer can negotiate to minimize your financial responsibility.
Conclusion
While not every car accident requires legal representation, some situations do. If you have been injured or encountered challenges with insurance claims, consulting a car accident lawyer is invaluable. They will guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
