A car accident is something we wish to avoid at all costs. However, no matter how careful we try to be, sometimes crashes happen. They can cause bodily harm, mental and emotional stress, and property damage. Vehicle collision injuries can keep you from working, resulting in lost wages. If your injuries lead to a permanent disability, it will negatively affect your earning ability.
You may file a claim for damages if you’ve been hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. However, getting fair compensation for your losses on your own can be challenging. You may be unsure about the proper steps to take after a car collision.
Not all situations require a car crash attorney. You may not need a lawyer if the insurance company offers reasonable compensation. But in other instances, you may be uncertain whether to hire a legal professional. For example, you might wonder about minor accident attorney necessity. In many cases, getting advice from an experienced car accident lawyer is beneficial, even if your crash seems minor.
If you’ve been involved in a crash, this article provides essential information to make things easier. Below are three situations that require an auto accident attorney:
1. The Other Driver Was At Fault
Filing a claim for damages due to a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You must prove the other driver was at fault by gathering pertinent evidence, such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and accident scene photographs.
Here are some examples where the other motorist is at fault for the car accident:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
- Running a red light or disobeying other traffic laws
- Distracted driving
However, proving the other driver’s negligence is a complicated legal matter. You need an attorney with extensive experience handling car accident claims. Furthermore, you must be mindful of the statute of limitations or the deadline for filing a claim.
2. You Sustained Serious Injuries
Hiring a car accident attorney is crucial if you’ve been severely hurt in a crash. Serious injuries due to a car crash include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Fractures
The above injuries can severely affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You also incur considerable financial expenses for surgery, medication, and therapy. Loss of wages is another concern if you’re temporarily out of work due to your injuries. In case of permanent disability, you may worry about how to provide for your family if you can’t work anymore.
Generally, damages are computed by considering your injuries, the approximate recovery time, and expected current and future medical expenses. Hence, you need professionals to evaluate your injuries and establish a fair compensation amount. However, finding the right experts on our own can be challenging.
A seasoned accident attorney has access to medical specialists, accountants, and other expert witnesses. These experts can assess your injuries and additional long-term costs related to your car accident. Furthermore, they can calculate your current and future medical expenses as well as lost earnings. Thus, your lawyer can determine reasonable compensation for your losses and help you obtain it.
3. You Need Help Negotiating With The Insurance Company
Sometimes insurance companies offer claimants a smaller settlement than they think they deserve. This may happen for many reasons. One reason is that you may have failed to provide sufficient proof to support your claim for damages. Critical evidence includes medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and proof of income, including non-salary benefits.
Another reason some insurers may offer an unfair settlement is that some victims hastily accept the first offer out of desperation. They may be confused, intimidated, or simply didn’t know any better.
If you feel the insurer offers a settlement not proportionate to your losses, hiring a reputable car accident attorney to negotiate on your behalf would be beneficial. They can help you gather the necessary evidence to back up your claim. Also, they have strong negotiation skills to help you get a reasonable settlement.
If the insurance company declines to offer fair compensation, you have the option to file a lawsuit.
Final Thoughts
After a car accident, it can be challenging to determine whether you need to hire an attorney. In truth, a few situations don’t require one, such as if the insurer offers a reasonable settlement.
However, if you were injured in a crash due to somebody else’s negligence, it’s best to have an experienced car accident attorney. Also, if the insurer offers a smaller settlement than you think you deserve or you’ve sustained severe injuries from the accident, you need an expert legal professional.
Although no one wishes to be involved in a collision, they’re sometimes unavoidable. It helps to be always prepared and well-informed.