When you’re in an accident, it is a very scary and stressful situation. You are probably more worried about your physical well-being than anything else. However, if you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you must take the appropriate steps to protect your interests. This means getting in touch with the other driver and their insurance company, as well as your agent if you have one.
But did you know that there are some circumstances where you might want to hire a car accident lawyer? Although it’s not necessary after every car accident, lawyers can be a great resource in certain situations. Here are some reasons why having a personal attorney after an auto collision could be beneficial.
You Were Injured in the Accident
If you were injured in the crash, you might want to consider hiring a lawyer. If your injuries are minor, you may be able to handle the situation without a lawyer. However, if you have more severe injuries that will take a long time to heal, it could be beneficial to have an attorney on your side.
This is because insurance companies are going to be more focused on the cost of your medical bills than they are on who was at fault or who is responsible. They will try to get you to accept as little money as possible and will try to get you to settle out of court as fast as possible.
A personal injury attorney will be focused on getting you as much money as possible. This can be extremely helpful if you have a serious injury that will take a long time to heal.
The Other Driver Was Negligent and Caused the Crash
If you were in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence (i.e., speeding, running a red light, etc.), it is usually a good idea to hire a lawyer. In these situations, the other driver’s insurance company will start by offering a very small amount of money.
They will use every trick in the book to get you to accept this amount, so you can be sure they will pressure you to take it. However, your attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve. Additionally, an attorney will likely be able to start settlement negotiations much sooner than you would be able to do so on your own.
The Collision Caused Major Property Damage
If the accident caused significant damage to either your car or the property of another person, it might be a good idea to hire a lawyer. This is because, in these situations, insurance companies will often try to blame the property damage on you (e.g., they may say that you rear-ended the other car).
If they are successful in getting you to take the blame, they will only settle the case for a small amount. However, if it is their driver that caused the property damage, they will be willing to pay out a much larger amount. An attorney can help you prove that you are not responsible for the damage.
The Police Want to Question You
If you are ever involved in an accident where someone is injured. This is standard procedure. However, if you are not prepared for the questions they want to ask you, it could end up badly for you. For example, if the police think that you were driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the crash, you could be charged with a crime.
Or, if you were not driving your car at the time of the crash, you could be charged with having false information on your insurance. An experienced attorney will know what to say and how to respond to the questions the police have for you. This can help you avoid serious legal consequences in the aftermath of the accident.
When You Are Involved in a Self-Defense Situation
If you are ever involved in a car accident where you have to act in self-defense, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer. This is because there are certain circumstances where you can use self-defense to fight charges associated with a car accident. For example, if the other person was trying to kill you, you would be legally allowed to defend yourself.
Or, if the other person was trying to kill a loved one of yours, you would be legally allowed to defend them as well. However, law enforcement and the courts are not always familiar with these laws. An attorney familiar with self-defense car accident laws will be able to help you fight these charges.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the circumstances where it makes sense to hire a car accident lawyer. Remember, whether or not you want to hire an attorney is up to you. There are certainly benefits to using an attorney after a car accident. However, it is important to note that while they can be helpful in many situations, they are not always necessary.
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