When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

One decision a person involved in a car accident will need to make is do I need to hire a lawyer? As we explain below, hiring a lawyer is never a bad idea, but it may not be necessary in minor accidents with little damage. That said, there are plenty of exceptions and additional concerns depending on the particularities of the accident and a car accident attorney can help determine your best course of action.

Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer and When is the Best Time to Do So?

Generally speaking, more serious collisions warrant hiring a lawyer. For instance, if a car accident results in physical injury, death, or other heavy damage, seeking out legal representation from a well-regarded car accident lawyer might be necessary. Many car accidents are minor, such as fender benders or crashes that result in minimal or no damage and injury and are easily settled without legal assistance. However, there may be [state traffic laws you’re unaware of that could entitle you to more compensation than the at-fault party’s insurer is willing to pay. Experienced car accident attorneys may be able to help recover any losses that are a result of an accident, from medical expenses and lost wages, to car repairs or automobile replacement.

In terms of when one should obtain legal representation, the general rule of thumb is the earlier the better. By hiring a lawyer soon after an accident, you can safeguard yourself against any costly mistakes you might make on your own, especially if this if your first time dealing with a serious car accident. Additionally, as the deadline for filing a personal injury claim varies depending on the state you are in, you may require the help of an attorney to meet your state’s deadline.

What Should I Look for in a Car Accident Attorney?

Car accidents constitute the majority of personal injury claims, so it is wise to do your homework when seeking legal counsel. Personal injury law is a crowded field and not all attorneys can provide the specific services your case requires. Nevertheless, most personal injury lawyers are committed to securing justice for their client. Look for an attorney who is truly passionate about his or her work, experienced in state and national transport laws, have dealt with a wide variety of insurance and health care issues, and have a history of taking cases to trial, if necessary.

The best attorneys will typically accept cases on a contingency basis, charging a fee only if they succeed with your case. Be sure to use both online and real-life tools when gathering a list of prospective candidates, such as consulting trusted friends and family that have gone through similar ordeals. Additionally, you should review at least several different candidates so that you can find the one with the level of commitment, agreeable fee structure, and location that’s most convenient for you.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney Following a Minor Car Accident?

Imagine you’ve just been in a minor fender bender with barely a scratch on you and your car. Like most people, you probably do not think that you require a lawyer or even need to consult one, especially as it can cost money. However, since most top personal injury law firms are only paid if they win your case, consulting an experienced lawyer for a minor injury case is a smart practice as it is a lawyer’s jobs to make sure you get the largest settlement possible. By seeking out a free, no-commitment evaluation of your case, you can proceed with peace of mind knowing that you’ve assessed all the facts and made an informed decision about whether your case merits legal representation.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do That I Can’t Do Myself?

Since most people are not experts in national and state transport laws, it’s hard to determine whether your legal rights are being fully protected following a car accident. Personal injury lawyers are experts at understanding nuances in state law as it relates to injury and using their knowledge to get you a maximized compensation amount. An experienced personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents will guide you through the steps of filing a claim, submitting a demand letter, handling negotiations, and going to trial if that’s what it takes to get you the best result.

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