Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident

At some point in our lives, we may find ourselves in a car accident. After the accident occurs, our minds begin to race with a million different questions such as “what do I do now?”, “what are my next steps?” One of the more important questions we should ask ourselves, especially if other parties are involved, “do I need a lawyer after my car accident?” The experienced car accident attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green have provided a few reasons why it is imperative to do so.

As a rule of thumb, it really depends upon what occurred and what injuries were suffered, and to whom. If you have not been injured, the response is most likely “no”. In the event that anyone else has been injured in the car accident, especially if there is any serious personal injury, you should contact a car accident lawyer about representing you in a claim against any individual who might be liable for your injuries. However, regardless of whether you were harmed or not, the facts of the accident should not be ruled out as circumstances surrounding the car accidents can constantly change. It is important to look at how severe the car accident was and use your best judgment. An accident where no one else was seriously injured could be handled just with your insurance.

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Ideally, the best time to contact your car accident lawyer is immediately following the accident. This will help you avoid any costly legal mistakes and obtain the proper legal representation. The deadline for filing personal injury claims vary from one state to another state. Since you might have to pay for the medical bills as well as cover any lost wages, it is better to contact your lawyer sooner rather than later. After a car accident takes place, you should file your claim within 14 days of the accident.

Why You Might Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, car accidents happen often. Most of the personal injury claims in the US are due to an accident involving a car, truck, motorcycle, etc. A fair number of these motor vehicle accidents usually bring about minor injuries and can usually be handled with insurance. However, in more severe car accidents (including physical injuries, death, or extensive damage to the vehicles involved), this may require the legal representation of experienced car accident lawyer.

Your car accident lawyer can assist you with getting compensated to cover your costs due to your accident (for example: medical bills, lost wages due to your inability to go to work because of your sustained injuries, car repairs, etc). A car accident lawyer may also allow you to file a wrongful death claim especially if a friend or family member is killed in the accident due to the other driver speeding, drunk-driving, or reckless driving.

Ways A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a car accident lawyer could be incredibly valuable to your injury claim. Some of the benefits in hiring such a lawyer can include:

Determining Liability

It might appear obvious to you who was at fault, yet the other party and their representation may not agree. Car accident lawyers are personally involved with the investigation, visiting the crash scene to collect proof that might later demonstrate who was at fault. They have the assets to hire experienced investigators and accident reconstruction specialists if liability is disputed.

Fight for Maximum Insurance Payout

Insurance companies often times have the incentive to pay out the least amount possible in order to cut down their costs. In court, the agencies may try to deny coverage, postpone the hearing to delay the outcome, or even minimize the settlement as much as possible. Seasoned car accident lawyers see right through these tactics and use the facts at hand to ensure your injuries are fully covered.

Contingency expense representation

Like most car accident and personal injury lawyers, your car accident lawyers may provide a no-obligation, free consultation as well as case assessment. They also take cases on possibility of winning. This implies they will bear the expenses of investigation and case readiness, and you don’t owe any legal fees except if they are successful in obtaining compensation for you. The more genuine your injuries are, the more likely it is to have a qualified lawyer on your side.

What to Look for When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident lawyers represent their clients on a wide range of issues stemming from personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, and liability determinations. When searching for a car accident lawyer, you must focus on their skill level, years of experience, level of commitment, and fee structure. It is also important to check the lawyer’s background, references, and reputation. If you didn’t decide on a lawyer we suggest checking out a directory like jurisoffice.com.

Not all car accidents necessarily require the need for legal counsel; however, should you need a car accident lawyer, one could be invaluable to your claim. Get familiar with your legal choices by speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in your area.