Should You Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

Car accidents are a common occurrence in our daily lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were approximately 6.7 million car crashes in the United States in 2018. Some of these accidents were minor fender benders, while others resulted in severe injuries or death. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may wonder whether you should call a lawyer. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring a lawyer after a car accident and when it’s a good idea.

Understanding the Aftermath of a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Your first priority should be to seek medical attention if you or anyone involved in the accident is injured. Once everyone is safe, you must exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. You should also take photos of the scene, including any vehicle damage and any injuries.

Reasons to Consider Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident

While you may be able to handle a simple insurance claim on your own, there are several reasons why you might want to consider hiring a lawyer after a car accident. These include:

1. Severe injuries

If you or anyone involved in the accident suffered severe injuries, you’d want to hire a lawyer. Severe injuries can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

2. Liability disputes

If there’s a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, you’ll want to hire a lawyer. In some cases, both drivers may share fault for the accident, making it difficult to determine who should be responsible for paying for damages. A lawyer can help investigate the accident and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company.

3. Insurance company disputes

You’ll want to hire a lawyer if you’re having trouble getting your insurance company to pay for damages or medical bills. Insurance companies are making money, which means they may try to pay you less than you’re entitled to or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Insurance Claims

One of the main reasons to hire a lawyer after a car accident is to get help with insurance claims. A lawyer can help you with the following:

1. Negotiating with the insurance company

Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to accident victims. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

2. Gathering evidence

To support your insurance claim, you must provide evidence of the accident and your injuries. A lawyer can help gather this evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and police reports.

3. Filing a lawsuit

You may need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and represent you in court.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Legal Issues

In addition to helping with insurance claims, a lawyer can help with legal issues related to a car accident. These may include:

1. Determining liability

If there’s a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help investigate the accident and determine liability. This can be especially important if the other driver claims you were at fault for the accident.

2. Filing a personal injury lawsuit

If you suffered severe injuries due to the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. A lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover these damages.

3. Representing you in court

If your case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you and advocate for your rights. This can be especially important if the other driver has hired a lawyer or you face a complex legal issue.

When You Don’t Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident

While there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer after a car accident, there are also situations where it may not be necessary. For example, you may not need a lawyer if:

1. The accident was minor

If the accident was minor and there were no injuries, you may be able to handle the insurance claim on your own. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer to ensure you’re not missing anything.

2. You were clearly at fault

If you were clearly at fault for the accident, a lawyer might be unable to help you. However, if there’s any doubt about who was at fault, it’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer.

3. You’re happy with the insurance settlement

If you’re happy with the settlement the insurance company offers, you may not need a lawyer. However, having a lawyer review the settlement is always a good idea to ensure you’re not missing anything.

How to Find the Right Lawyer for Your Case

If you’ve decided to hire a lawyer after a car accident, finding the right one for your case is important. Here are some tips to help you find a good lawyer:

1. Look for experience

Look for a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases. Ideally, you want someone with a track record of success in similar cases.

2. Check their credentials

Ensure the lawyer you choose is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with the state bar association.

3. Read reviews

Read online reviews from past clients to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation and level of service.

4. Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation with the lawyer to discuss your case and ask any questions you may have. This will allow you to evaluate the lawyer’s communication style and decide if they’re a good fit for you.

The Cost of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident

One of the biggest concerns for many people when considering hiring a lawyer after a car accident is the cost. However, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict, usually around 33%.

Conclusion

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. While you may be able to handle a simple insurance claim independently, hiring a lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.