When You Do (And Don’t) Need An Attorney For A Car Accident
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 11:36 AM
- Auto accident victims often struggle not only with physical injuries but also with financial and emotional hardships. While victims of “minor” accidents may not believe they require the services of an attorney, accident victims make a big mistake when leaving their fate to insurance companies. If you’ve been in a car crash, contact a reputable auto accident attorney who can help protect your rights, recover losses, and reduce the hassle associated with insurance claims. Understanding when to get legal assistance may prevent you from losing large amounts in monetary damages.Insignificant Accidents Insignificant (or minor) auto accidents are common, such as when one vehicle backs into another in a parking lot. Often these occur at low speeds, resulting in minimal or no damage. In cases like these, especially if no one was noticeably injured (no broken bones or open wounds), you might choose to work directly with your insurance company. However, making a “no injuries” judgment comes with some risk. While you may feel fine at the time of the accident, some injuries can turn out to be an issue later. It’s best to seek medical attention, receive treatment for your injuries (if any), and have a doctor clear you of any risks.If you are medically cleared, and there was no other damage, then it may not be worthwhile to seek the help of an attorney and file a personal injury claim. However, please note that it is better to be safe than sorry – hire an attorney early! When to Hire an Accident Attorney According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than half of personal injury claims result from motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Any car accident involving personal injury, significant damage to a vehicle or other property, or wrongful death calls for seeking legal representation of an experienced auto accident attorney. Keep in mind that injuries resulting from vehicle crashes vary widely, from minor to highly significant. While some injuries- such as fractures, lacerations, or dislocations – are apparent, many common injuries may not be noticeable. Some minor fractures and concussions may not be immediately detectable, and neck or lower back pain can cause persistent discomfort for days or weeks after the accident. If any of the following occurred as a result of your accident, you’ll want to retain the services of an attorney:
- Significant damage to your vehicle
- Serious injuries requiring a hospital stay or potential to affect your long-term health
- Medical treatment and expenses
- Someone died in the accident
- Unable to resume normal activities (i.e. work, school)
- Dispute over who is at-fault for the accident
- Paperwork (i.e. police report, insurance documentation) does not appear accurate
- Non-economic losses such as emotional trauma or pain and suffering
