When Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
The decision to hire a lawyer after a car accident is an important one. A good attorney will help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you are in an accident that is caused by another person’s negligence, you need an attorney on your side to help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses. In addition, you will need a lawyer to represent your best interests in the insurance settlement negotiations.
There are certain situations where hiring a lawyer after an accident is not necessary, such as when you were involved in a minor crash that didn’t result in any serious injuries. However, there are also some situations where a car accident attorney can be incredibly beneficial to you.
1. Immediately After Crash
If you have been in a car accident, it is imperative to call the police and get a formal report made. This can help in the investigation and can even be helpful in your claim against the other driver.
2. Avoid Making Self-Incriminating Statements After a Crash
Many people make a self-incriminating statement after a car accident that can affect their case. For instance, they may say things like: “It was nothing.” or “I didn’t feel any pain.” This can be very damaging to your case later on.
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Don’t Take the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer by a Deadline
It is easy to let insurance adjusters trick you into accepting a settlement before you’ve hired an attorney. After all, the insurance adjuster may tell you that a particular date has to be met or else you won’t be able to file a claim. But, most of the time, that’s just not true.
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Insurance Companies Use These Tricks against Injured People Who Don’t Have Lawyers
If you do not have a lawyer and you do not accept the insurance company’s settlement offer, the insurance company will try to tell you that your case is over or that you are not eligible for compensation. These are all tricks that are meant to discourage injured people from getting a good lawyer, and the insurance company knows it’s not likely to pay more if the injured person has a good attorney.
5. Identify the Most Liable Parties in Your Case
When you have an experienced lawyer by your side, they can help you identify all liable parties, including the other driver’s insurance provider and any negligent manufacturers or mechanics who caused the accident. This includes assessing the damages and interviewing key witnesses.
6. In-Depth Investigations
An experienced attorney will do a thorough investigation of your car accident to find the most liable parties. This can involve contacting accident recreation teams, forensic specialists, and experts to determine how the crash happened and who caused it.
7. The Injuries You’ve Suffered in the Crash
When you have been in a car accident, you will suffer from physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. These can have a wide range of effects on your life and your family’s lives.