Your primary concern after being involved in a car accident may be making sure you and any passengers are safe. However, you may also need to consider how the accident may impact your ability to drive, your insurance rates, and any legal implications. If you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a more serious crash, it’s important to know when it makes sense to retain the services of an attorney after a car accident.
When you are injured in a car accident and believe the other driver is at fault, hiring an attorney will almost always be in your best interests. An attorney can help you understand what kind of compensation you’re entitled to as well as expedite the process of receiving that compensation from the liable party or their insurance company. Here are some instances when retaining a lawyer is highly recommended:
When You’ve Been Seriously Injured
If you’ve been severely injured in a car accident, you should consider retaining an attorney regardless of who might be at fault. If you have significant medical expenses, lost wages, and/or other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries, you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation.
A good lawyer can help you navigate this complicated process and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to based on the facts of your case. If you have been permanently injured in a car accident and will have ongoing medical expenses, it’s important to retain counsel as soon as possible. Each state has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits, meaning you must initiate litigation within a specified time.
Your Car Is No Longer Drivable
If your car is no longer drivable, the responsible party’s insurance company may compensate you for the loss of your vehicle. If you don’t have collision coverage or your deductible is too high, you may need to file a claim under your policy.
In either case, it’s important to have the facts of your case in order when communicating with the other driver’s insurance company. A good car accident attorney can help you document the specifics of the accident, help you understand applicable insurance laws, and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your loss.
The Accident Caused Serious Property Damage
If the accident caused significant property damage, you may be able to collect compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Keep in mind that the amount you’re able to collect will be dependent on the extent of the damage and the amount of coverage the other driver has.
In some cases, you may need to file a lawsuit to collect the full amount of the damages. A car accident attorney can help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to proceed.
The Responsible Party Has No Insurance
If the responsible party has no insurance, you’ll want to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait to initiate a lawsuit, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to collect any compensation. In this scenario, it’s especially important to hire a lawyer who has significant experience dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
Since these types of cases are more complicated than standard car accident cases, an attorney will have better access to resources and knowledge that will help you recover on time.
You Have Questions About Your Legal Rights
Even if you weren’t injured in the accident and have no intention of filing a lawsuit, it’s still a good idea to retain an attorney. An attorney will be able to thoroughly investigate the facts of the accident and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal rights.
This can be helpful if you plan to file a lawsuit in the future or want to be sure the other driver’s insurance company is held accountable for their actions. It’s also important to note that if you are found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance company will likely raise your rates. An attorney can help you understand your rights, give you advice on how to proceed, and make sure the insurance company treats you fairly.
Conclusion
Your primary concern after being involved in a car accident may be making sure you and any passengers are safe. However, you may also need to consider how the accident may impact your ability to drive, your insurance rates, and any legal implications. When you are injured in a car accident and believe the other driver is at fault, hiring an attorney will almost always be in your best interests.
An attorney can help you understand what kind of compensation you’re entitled to as well as expedite the process of receiving that compensation from the liable party or their insurance company.
When you have been seriously injured in a car accident, your car is no longer drivable, the accident caused serious property damage, or the responsible party has no insurance, it’s important to retain counsel as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and collect the compensation you’re entitled to.
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