When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Research has shown that in 2020, there were about 35,766 fatal car accidents in the United States. Many accident victims are always eligible to receive compensation from the other parties that cause the accidents. However, there is usually confusion about the appropriate time to hire a professional lawyer.

There is no specific law that you must hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, most accident victims choose to seek legal counsel and representation while they focus on getting better. Anyone who has been involved in a car accident has the right to hire legal representation. Unfortunately, many accident victims do not know when to hire a lawyer after an accident.

When do you need to hire a lawyer after a car accident? The best answer to this question is you need to hire a lawyer after a car accident if you or anyone have suffered any damage or injury. You will also need to hire a lawyer if the insurance company refuses to cooperate or does not treat you fairly.

When Should You Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Immediately after an accident, the other party's insurance companies and lawyers will begin working on the claim process. In some accident cases where another party caused the accident, the insurance company of the other party may try to shift the liability onto you to minimize their expenses.

Therefore, getting an experienced lawyer immediately after an accident offers you the answers to all your legal questions and guidance. You should speak to a lawyer after a car accident in the following situations:

You sustained injuries, and your car suffered significant damages

You might not need to get a car accident lawyer if you have been involved in a minor accident that did not cause serious injuries. However, in other circumstances where your vehicle and yourself have suffered severe damages and injuries, you will need to hire an experienced lawyer. This is the best way to protect your legal right and get compensation for your medical expenses and damages.

Another Person's Negligence Contributed to Causing the Accident

You should hire a lawyer about any car accident where there is the possibility that someone else’s negligent actions may have contributed. This includes involving more than one car or any accident involving sudden and unexpected control of your vehicle.

The other party’s insurance company offered you an unacceptable settlement.

It is important that you meet a lawyer before you agree to a settlement or make an official statement to the at-fault party's insurance provider. Immediately after an accident, it is almost impossible to understand the cost that the accident might cost you clearly.

This is why you need a lawyer to help you analyze the extent of the damages you may have incurred. If you don’t speak to an experienced lawyer before speaking to a third party, you risk receiving a car accident settlement that might be low and may not cover the expenses fully.

A government entity caused the car accident

It takes experience to know how to recover damages from a local or state government agency. Therefore, if a government agency has contributed to the accident, it might be time to speak to an experienced lawyer who understands the implications of taking legal action against a government entity.

You lost a family or loved one due to the injuries sustained after a car accident.

If you have lost anyone as a result of another person’s negligence, you have the right to receive compensation from the other party. Therefore, you will need the right information on who is eligible to file a claim, when to file a claim, and everything you need to put in place. In this case, a lawyer can provide you with all the details about the process and can assist you in recovering the damages.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

If you are wondering if you would need a lawyer after a car accident, then the answer is yes, you do. Most people do not believe they need a lawyer after a serious accident. They believe they will get the compensation they want since they are going through an insurance company.

Unfortunately, it is usually not that simple. Lawyers understand the whole proof and have the experience they need to take on insurance companies that seek to offer a low settlement, delay or even deny claims. Hiring a lawyer to represent you can help ease the stress of dealing with legal actions after the accident.