Legal Blog
When Do I Need A Lawyer For an Accident
Auto accidents are a part of life, and anyone can become involved in one. This is why there are laws in place to protect people involved in accidents from having to deal with the aftermath alone.
After getting involved in an accident, it is important to know your rights and legal obligations. Understanding them can help you make the best out of an unpleasant situation. To prevent any confusion or mistake while trying to make a claim, it is always best to involve an auto accident lawyer in the case. These professionals understand the laws surrounding your case and can help you strengthen your case.
If you need to figure out when to get an accident lawyer involved in your case, then you've come to the right page. Read on.
When Do You Need a Lawyer Your Injury Is SeriousA serious injury can lead to lifelong consequences, so you don't want to waste your time before contacting a lawyer.
Importantly, a severe injury does not have to involve surgery; it could be a broken bone or any other injury that causes severe pain. In such cases, a lawyer will help with the following:
- Determine who is responsible for your injuries
- Negotiate with the other party's insurance company
- Gather evidence and take pictures that can be used as evidence in court.
If, after the accident, you've had some pain, but it's not severe enough to go to the doctor right away. Maybe you're feeling a little tenderness and swelling, but it didn't seem too serious. If you're not sure if you need a lawyer for an accident, then you most likely need one. A lawyer can help you figure out what happened and what your legal options are.
You're Worried You Can't Pay For TreatmentSuppose you need treatment for the injury sustained, but you don't have the money for it. This can feel like a hopeless situation, but you don't have to suffer in silence. All you need to do is reach out to an accident lawyer for help. They can help you get immediate treatment while your insurance settles the bill later.
The Insurance Company is Not Taking Your Injury SeriouslyWhen you get in an accident, your first reaction may be to contact your insurance company and start filing claims. But if you're not careful, the insurance company may end up giving you less than you deserve. The insurance company doesn't have your best interest; they focus more on their profits and will do everything to short-pay you. Therefore, you need an experienced lawyer who can speak for you and fight for your right.
You Missed Work TimeIf you've missed work time because of an accident, you may be entitled to file a claim. In certain cases, the insurance company will pay for your lost wages and medical bills. If you're not sure whether you are entitled to file a claim, then talk to a lawyer who specializes in car accident lawsuits.
What To Do After a Car AccidentIt is essential to call 911 immediately to report the accident and request assistance. If someone has been injured, stay with them until emergency services arrive. You will need the police and medical reports when filing your claim.
Also, ensure you keep all important evidence, including pictures, if possible.
What Not To Do After a Car Accident Leave the SceneYou may be tempted to run from the accident scene. However, it would be best if you never did this. You should call 911 and wait for the law enforcement agents to show up and take the report. Also, while waiting, if anyone needs first aid, you can help in any way you can.
Don't Delay Medical HelpAfter an accident, it is possible to want to overlook medical help, especially when the injury seems insignificant. However, only a medical practitioner can determine the extent of your injury.
Don't Admit BlameYou may be tempted to just apologize for the accident; however, this can be used against you. Therefore, to be on the safer side, don't say anything about the accident until your lawyer arrives.
Don't Accept SettlementAfter the accident, your insurance company may want to pressure you to take whatever they are offering. No matter how tempting the offer, never accept a settlement without the consent of your lawyer.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer They Help You File Necessary PaperworkIf you've been injured in an accident, it's important to take care of all your legal paperwork promptly, as they enhance how fast you receive justice. A car accident lawyer can help you with this process by filing the necessary paperwork with the insurance company and keeping track of every other detail that might be relevant to your case.
They Ensure You Meet DeadlinesIn most cases, car accident victims have just three years to file a claim after an accident. However, it may be hard to keep up with legal issues, especially when you have sustained a serious injury. At this point, your lawyer acts fast and ensures you don't miss any deadlines.
They Carry Out Thorough InvestigationA car accident lawyer will carry out a thorough investigation and make sure that your rights are protected. They will carefully examine the evidence and ensure that it is admissible in court. They use experts like forensic specialists and accident recreation teams to ensure that you get justice.
They Work on a Contingency BasisHiring an attorney on a contingency basis will allow them to work on your behalf without being paid until they win a settlement in your favor. This is the best way to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
If you have been involved in an accident, whether it was your fault or not, it's essential to get legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. Otherwise, you could end up making decisions about your case that will leave you with a significantly smaller settlement.
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