In a matter of seconds, a car accident can make an average day into a hectic one. You can find yourself with injuries, vehicle damage, medical bills, an insurance call and queries over who is accountable for your losses all at once. Sometimes, an insurance claim could be easily handled without the assistance of an insurance agent. For others, the help of a professional lawyer is a huge advantage.
Then, when should you call a car accident lawyer? In most cases it’s advisable to hire one after you’ve suffered serious injuries, if there’s any incrimination involved, if you have a lot of money lost, or if there are issues with your insurance company, or if your case is a multi-party, complicated accident.
Knowing when to reach out to a lawyer can save you from any errors in the claims process and safeguard your interests.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
If the accident resulted in severe injuries and/or substantial medical costs, there is no doubt about who is at fault, or insurance coverage is in question, it is important to speak with a car accident lawyer as early as possible.
A lawyer will be able to examine the facts of the accident, inform you of your legal remedies, interact with the insurance companies, gather evidence and help determine the value of your claim.
Not all accidents necessitate the services of a lawyer. If there is limited damage to property, and no injuries, then it’s a minor accident that can be managed via insurance. But sometimes, the more serious crashes have legal and financial complications that are hard to deal with on your own.
Hire a Lawyer When You Have Serious Injuries
The most obvious case where the law could help is if you are seriously injured.
Injuries you can sustain in a car accident might include:
- Broken bones
- Head or brain injuries involving the brain.
- Spinal injuries
- Injuries involving the neck or back.Injury of the neck and back.
- Internal injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of mobility
- Long-term pain
Severe injuries can result in expenses that last beyond the accident. Treatment could involve hospitalization, surgery, rehab, physical therapy, medication, or future medical treatment.
A lawyer can assist in assessing your existing bills and also the possible future monetary effects of your injuries.
Long-Term injuries can complicate claims.
Others injuries don’t heal fast.
When your doctor anticipates a long course of treatment (months or years), figuring out the loss is more complex. This may result in future medical expenses, disability from work and ongoing pain needing to be taken into account.
Not knowing all these costs before accepting an early settlement could lead you to pay them out later.
When Fault for the Accident Is Disputed
Another crucial question that comes to the fore about when to seek help from a Car Accident Attorney is if there is a dispute over who is at fault or if the insurance company involved is contesting liability.
For instance, the other driver can allege that you were responsible for the accident. The insurance provider also might state that you are partly liable.
A lawyer can do an investigation of the accident and determine the following evidence:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Traffic camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Accident scene photographs
The evidence can aid in determining what occurred and who is perhaps legally liable.
The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Not all claims of auto accidents are automatically accepted.
Your claim may be denied if the insurance company does not believe that you are covered, responsible, injured in the accident, or that the accident occurred.
Consulting with a lawyer can enable you to learn why your insurance company is denying your claim if they have done so.
An attorney will be able to comb through the insurance policies, accident evidence and correspondence with the insurance company to identify what may be available.
The Insurance Company Provides a low settlement.
A lawyer may also be necessary when your insurance company makes an offer for a settlement that simply doesn’t seem to cover your losses.
Car insurance payouts can be more than just your car.
Losses related to the accident may be:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future treatment
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Sometimes it’s worth settling quickly when bills are rising. In general, however, an agreement will terminate the claim, and it is important to be aware of what you are agreeing to.
You Cannot Work Because of Your Injuries
An accident can impact your ability to work.
You might not be able to work for a few weeks, months or even never return to your previous job.
The loss of income can cause a lot of financial stress in a household.
Your lawyer will be able to help you complete a wage loss document and ensure that future income losses are also considered, in the event that your injuries get in the way of your work.
This is especially significant if you have a work injury that is permanent and prohibits you from working.
Multiple Vehicles Were Involved
Multiple car accidents can be far more complex than two-car accidents.
The responsibility could be split amongst different drivers.
A number of insurance companies can also get involved, each trying to establish the responsibility of its policyholder.
An attorney can take the time to look into the events and determine which parties may be responsible.
This can be particularly helpful in scenarios such as highway collisions and chain collisions.
A Commercial Vehicle Was Involved
When the accident involves a commercial vehicle, it’s wise to seek legal advice.
Examples include:
- Delivery trucks
- Company cars
- Tractor-trailers
- Construction vehicles
- Rideshare vehicles
- Commercial vans
It can be the responsibility of someone other than the driver.
The driver’s employer, vehicle owner, maintenance business or any other business may also be liable, depending on the situation.
Other records, insurance policies and evidence may also play a role in commercial accident cases.
A Loved One Died in the Accident
The legal complexities surrounding fatal car accidents can be very complex.
Medical bills, funeral costs, lost household income and emotional stress can all be issues faced by families.
Some family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit based on their local state law.
In these situations, it is generally advisable to seek professional legal counsel as they present legal and financial issues that need to be addressed.
The Insurance Company Keeps Contacting You
Insurance adjusters might need statements, documentation, medical records or more information after an accident.
It is important that you get the facts right, but be aware that what you say could impact on your claim.
A lawyer will be able to communicate with insurers for you.
This can also help to lower stress during your time of medical treatment and recovery.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After an Accident?
When legal input may be required, it is typically best to obtain advice early in the process, rather than when a dispute is serious.
Evidence can be lost over time. Repairs can be made to the vehicle, security cameras can be cleared, witnesses can be less forthcoming, and recollections can be lost.
Additionally, there could be legal statutes of limitation for filing accident claims or lawsuits.
The deadlines differ depending on the location of the accident, and having local legal counsel will help you understand the rules that would apply to your case.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
A car accident attorney can be responsible for a number of aspects of a claim.
They can investigate the collision, gather evidence, go through the medical records, determine financial damages, negotiate settlements, and represent a client in court if needed.
Just because you have an attorney, it does not mean that you should go to trial.
Numerous claims are settled by negotiation. If an agreement is not possible, however, it may be relevant to have someone ready to take further action via the courts.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Not always necessarily.
However, if there were no injuries, the damage to your vehicle was relatively small, and the insurance company is treating the case fairly, you might want to handle the claim without an attorney.
Injuries are often not immediately apparent though.
Symptoms of neck pain, back pain, headaches and more can show up hours or days after a collision.
If symptoms do occur, it might be a good idea to get the right kind of medical help and to think of whether legal advice is required.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, when would it be advisable to hire a car accident lawyer? If an accident causes severe injuries, high medical costs, lost income, contested liability, insurance issues, multiple at fault parties, commercial vehicles or any long-term financial ramifications, you should seek legal representation.
Things may go wrong easily and you don’t need a lawyer. Simpler circumstances are not the same.
Early advice can help you know your rights, ensure valuable evidence is not lost, prevent expensive errors and make the crucial decision about what to do when dealing with insurance providers.
Accident and personal injury laws vary from place to place, so if you are involved in a major collision, you may want to consult with an attorney in the jurisdiction where the accident took place.