When Should You Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?
Not every accident needs an attorney. Perhaps you sustained minor injuries and recovered quickly, or your collision only resulted in some property damage. In other words, if the accident wasn’t too serious, or it only involved property damage, you probably don’t need an attorney. However, if the accident carries significant consequences, a skilled attorney can level the playing field, protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. Here is a breakdown of scenarios where hiring an attorney proves beneficial:
1. Accidents with Serious Injuries
Serious injuries from accidents result in hospitalization costs, long-term treatment bills, and lost wages. Not only that, but you may even face lifestyle changes and permanent disabilities if the collision was severe. Seasoned car accident attorneys ensure you recover compensation for all damages. More importantly, they offer expert legal guidance to ensure a seamless claims process, so you can focus on getting better.
2. Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, can worsen the impact of even a minor accident. That said, insurers aren’t typically very empathic. Rather, they tend to argue that your claims for medical expenses aren’t viable, as they’re related to your pre-existing condition and not the crash itself.
If someone else’s negligence has caused the accident, they should be held responsible. Therefore, in such cases, consulting an attorney is necessary. They can contend that you are still entitled to compensation, given that you were not at fault. If your injuries are aggravated by a pre-existing condition, an attorney can make a strong argument and recover costs, so you don’t have to pay for them yourself.
3. Fault Disputes
Insurers also have a negative reputation for disputing fault when you cannot produce clear evidence or lack information right after the accident. The insurer can say you’re partly or entirely at fault since it’s unclear who is liable. Negligence rules vary by state, and partial blame can either reduce your compensation or, worse, result in you not receiving any.
This is when you should stop fighting alone and get an attorney’s help. Experienced attorneys have various ways to gather evidence and reconstruct the accident scene. With their resources, attorneys can build a strong case that not only demonstrates fault but also assists you in resolving disputes and obtaining rightful compensation.
4. Inability to File Paperwork
Filing paperwork on time can be challenging in cases of severe injuries, particularly when hospitalization is required. In these situations, it’s best to hire an attorney who can handle all the paperwork and adhere to deadlines.
Remember, insurers often dismiss claims near filing deadlines. They know your options are limited if you cannot file your lawsuit, so adhering to deadlines is crucial. When you know you need medical help and time to recover, there’s no point waiting things out. Act quickly to hire an attorney, and let them take things forward while you rest.
5. Proving Negligence
In most cases, negligence impacts the amount of compensation you can receive. If you can prove the other driver’s negligence and how it led to the collision and damages, seeking compensation gets a lot easier.
On the other hand, insurance companies can try to establish your negligence, especially when you don’t have sufficient evidence to prove otherwise. In doing so, they reduce the liability of their policyholder and limit your compensation. This is one of the scenarios where hiring an attorney is worthwhile. Competent attorneys have the experience of dealing with such insurers. They can challenge their assertions and prove their policyholder’s negligence to get you the compensation you need.
6. Settlements in Bad Faith
Many insurance companies try every possible trick in the book to reduce their payout; they may put you under pressure to make a decision quickly or offer a meager settlement that is downright insulting.
Given how traumatic an accident can be, you may feel compelled to accept whatever the insurer says. That’s why having an expert by your side helps. Attorneys are aware of these tactics, and they know how to work around them. You can navigate these complexities with their support, ensuring fair coverage for your losses and avoiding unfair treatment.
Wrapping Up
Hiring an attorney may not be the first thing that comes to your mind after an accident. But when you’re dealing with serious injuries, poor settlement offers, and disputes regarding liability, this decision will offer you peace of mind during a difficult time. It’s a smart choice because it ensures that you avoid mistakes and mistreatment throughout the claims process and increase your chances of securing fair compensation.
