Yes, having a car accident lawyer may prove to be beneficial for your case if you have sustained injuries in a crash. (Learn more about Worst car accident injuries)
However, the details of the car accident will matter. There may be situations when having a lawyer for your help may be advantageous and in other situations you will be at a huge disadvantage of handling your case alone. (Get detailed insights on What are the chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit?)
In case of minor injury, it is good to take legal opinion from a lawyer. However, if the minor injury has caused you to consult a healthcare specialist, or required surgery or any other medical treatment that requires spending money may make it mandatory to hire a lawyer as they can make a huge difference.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You?
A car crash attorney will help you by starting with the investigation immediately and will try to gather evidence relating to the car accident damage. The evidence may comprise of the following:
- Getting the copy of police report from your accident
- Investigating the accident scene
- Talking to all the witnesses who were present at the accident scene
- Help to calculate your total damages which includes pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
- Communicating with other parties on your behalf
In case the insurance companies will pressurize you to settle for less than what you deserve, your attorney will help you in every way. They will not only negotiate with the insurance adjusters but will also fight to pursue fair compensation for you by filing a car accident lawsuit.
Insurance companies have adjusters that will help to fight for your injury claim after a collision. They not only evaluate your personal injury claim but will also search for ways to pay you less than you actually deserve. They will make their decision that will provide you with the bare minimum quantity even though they may be thinking of your best interest.
Without the presence of a lawyer in your case, it will be impossible to fight for your legal rights, know all your legal options on how to proceed with the claim, and you will get an estimate of your damages.
Signs That Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Is Worth It for You
While a car accident lawyer can be helpful in many situations, you should especially consider finding them positively in the following situations.
When you do not have a clear understanding of the personal injury law: Common people do not know about the injury law and car accident laws when they get involved in a car collision. The insurance claim process will vary as it will entirely depend on where you live. Therefore, it becomes fundamental to know the local laws that will help to proceed with the initial steps of your claim process.
The lawyers on the other hand have an expertise of the laws and have experience in handling accident cases. They will make every effort to get you compensation for your damages.
You Have a Lot of Damages: After a car crash, you may be owed various economic and non-economic damages including:
- Medical costs
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
The economic damages are also known as special damages whereas general damages are popularly known as non-economic damages. Economic damages are monetary damages and can easily be calculated. However, non-economic damages are difficult to calculate and a legal professional can help you to estimate your damages that includes both.
Your Claim Is Denied or You Get A Low Compensation: Insurance companies may deny your claim due to various reasons. Therefore, hiring a lawyer is the best thing that you can do that will help to boost your chances of approval from the start. However, if your claim is denied after filing a lawsuit or they are providing you a low settlement offer, a lawyer may help you. They may file an appeal and fight for your rights.
The Insurance Company Won’t Negotiate: In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to further negotiate with you if they come to know you are fighting your own case. Their lawyers will find loopholes and will take undue advantage of you. (Get detailed insights on When to hire a lawyer after a car accident?)
Some Situations Where You Don’t Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
It is not necessary to consult a lawyer in all situations. Some situations in which you do not need the help of a car accident lawyer are as follows:
- You Did Not Sustain Any Injuries: If you sustain no injuries after a car crash, you may not need to file a personal injury claim. In such a situation, you are not required to hire a lawyer. However, there may be situations in which your injuries may not surface at a later stage. Therefore, it is advisable to get it checked by the doctor if you are unsure about your injury.
- You Get a Fair Offer: If the insurance company is providing you a fair settlement offer, you may not require the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. However, you must be sure that you are receiving a sum that will cover all your costs. (Learn more about How do you settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?)
How To Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer?
Finding a good car accident lawyer can be challenging for you. Some key qualities that you must always look out for when you are looking for a lawyer are as follows:
- The case results of the law firm
- Experience of the law firm in handling cases similar to yours
- The law firm’s reviews, news publications, and client testimonials.
- Their response time in your case
- Their dedication to your case.
- Whether they provide free consultation or not
Along with all these pointers, you must also consider factors like their fees. It will be beneficial if they are charging fees on a contingency basis as it will provide you more incentives in comparison to your lawyer.