When to Hire a Lawyer

When you've been in a car accident, you have a lot on your mind. Aside from any emotional turmoil and stress, you have to deal with your injuries, damage to your vehicle, handling your claim, and any other issues.

Lawyers can help you deal with the process of your claim and reduce your stress in the process. The following information will help you determine whether hiring an attorney is the right choice for you.

Property Damage

One of the biggest losses after an accident is the loss of property. Your vehicle may be heavily damaged and, in some cases, be considered a total loss.

It's typically the car insurance company's prerogative to either:

  • Deem your car a total loss.
    OR
  • Pay for repairs.

First, you'll need to determine whether your coverage will pay or whether the other company will pay. For instance:

  • If you are at fault, you'll seek reimbursement through your own policy.
  • If you are not at fault, you'll generally seek payment through the other insurer.
  • In some cases (e.g., if you live in a no-fault state, or you were in a hit and run), you may seek compensation from your own car insurance company.

Regardless of the company from which you're seeking payment, you might find their initial claim offer is insufficient to fully cover your repair or replacement costs.

If you don't have the energy or knowledge to pursue a more substantial claim, you need the services of an attorney to ensure you get what you deserve.

Personal Injury

If you are injured as a result of an accident, you need to get the proper medical care right away. If you delay, it can be harder to prove your injuries resulted from the car accident.

Your payment for care will depend on the coverages in your policy. If you are not at fault, your bills will be paid for by the other driver's liability coverage. If you live in a no-fault state, however, you can seek payment from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to get your bills without the delay of negotiation between companies.

You can also seek payment from:

When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

As you seek reimbursement, remember that it's extremely common to get pushback on these expenses. Insurance companies try to avoid paying more than they need to and will check to make sure all the expenses are valid. Keep all of your documentation and receipts. If you continue to have trouble getting your medical bills paid, seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney.

Attorneys have experience working with insurance providers to get the highest possible settlement amounts for clients.

They also have experience getting compensation for general damages that are difficult to determine, such as:

  • Pain and suffering.
  • Mental anguish.

For example, if you've lost your vision due to an accident resulting from another driver's negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you get general damages in addition to the actual costs of your medical bills.

Statute of Limitations

If you have been injured or you have lost any type of personal or business property due to an accident, don't wait to get the help you need and deserve.

You have only a short amount of time under local, state, and federal law to file your claim and protect your rights. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and varies by state.

If you feel you need an attorney to navigate your claim, contact one without delay.

Having the help of an experienced attorney can leave you free to concentrate on healing and moving on with your life.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review