About 6 million car accidents occur in the United States Each year. They range from minor fender benders to serious multi-car accidents with fatalities. One thing they all have in common is that people turn to insurance companies for the repairs and cost of recovery.
Not all accidents require you to hire a car accident lawyer. Minor accidents tend to have low damage costs and are simple to address.
However, if you notice these signs, then it may be time to consider hiring legal representation to assist in negotiating with the insurance company.
Life Altering or Severe Injuries
This is a tricky one because injuries are not always immediately apparent. However, if you suffer life-altering or serious injuries requiring hospitalization, you need to speak with a car accident lawyer. These injuries can have catastrophic effects on your life by limiting your earning ability and hindering your enjoyment of life.
In the worst of crashes, you may need a fatal car accident lawyer. These attorneys represent the loved ones of someone who has passed in a car accident.
Liability Is in Question
It’s not always clear you is at fault for an accident. More often than not, both parties contributed in some capacity to the accident. You need to hire an attorney to represent your best interests and fight for you.
Insurance companies will do everything in their power to shift the liability to someone else. There’s also the potential for less settlement money when more people are injured. Your attorney will fight to hold the insurance company liable while also fighting to get you the largest settlement for your injuries.
Insurance Company Trouble
Insurance companies are a business, and they look out for their best interest, not yours. This can lead to them giving you a lower than reasonable offer or outright refusing to pay. Accepting a low initial settlement offer can preclude you from seeking additional compensation later on, even if you discover additional injuries.
An experienced car accident injury lawyer will know to look for additional less apparent injuries. They will also negotiate with the insurance company for a larger settlement offer. If the insurance company refuses to pay, they can represent you in pursuing a legal claim against them.
How to Find a Car Accident Lawyer
Start by asking your friends and family if they know of anyone. Then you can get a personal recommendation from someone you know and trust. Ask if they have hired the attorney, what the outcome of their case was, and what it was like working with that person.
Another option is to look online. Read reviews from past clients and choose someone who specializes in car accident cases. Schedule consultations with a few and choose the one that you feel the most positive about.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is to make sure everyone is alright. After this, you’ll need to address the fixing of your car and the injuries you sustained. If you find yourself in any of the situations discussed in this article, then it may be time to look for the best car accident lawyer in your area.
Browse our other legal articles for more guidance and explanations of the law and your rights.
