When Is It Beneficial to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you sustained injuries in a car accident, there are multiple reasons to consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you. Most car accident cases can benefit from a skilled lawyer who can help you navigate the complicated legal process.

You need a legal advocate on your side to protect your rights and help you fight for the maximum compensation possible. Here's a look at some situations when it makes sense to consider hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you.

You Have Serious Injuries

If you suffered severe or permanent injuries in the accident, you'd want to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Minor collisions with minimal injuries that resolve quickly typically won't benefit from a lawyer's services.

However, when your injuries are severe or catastrophic, you will likely have future medical expenses, you may not be able to return to work, or you may need to modify your home to accommodate a wheelchair, etc.

Disputed Liability

Liability disputes can be one of the most frustrating aspects of car accident claims for injured parties. Proving the other driver is at fault is crucial to your ability to collect any compensation. Different states have special negligence laws.

Depending on where your accident occurred, you might be dealing with something called contributory negligence. A handful of states don't allow you to collect any monetary relief for a car accident if you were even 1% at fault for the accident.

According to McCormick & Murphy, P.C., Insurance companies will look for any means of putting a percentage of responsibility on you so they can avoid paying any money out.

The Other Driver Fled the Scene

If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, speaking with an attorney is recommended. A skilled attorney has the investigative resources to attempt to find the driver who fled the scene. If they cannot locate the driver, there's still a chance you could receive reimbursement for your damages.

You may have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage through your own insurance company. These claims work differently from other claims you might present to your own insurance company.

In an uninsured motorist claim, your insurance company investigates the accident as though they are the other driver's insurance.

Some people mistakenly assume that the adjuster is on their side because they are presenting the claim to their own insurance. But insurance companies always aim to protect their bottom line, no matter who the claimant is.

Trusting in the insurance company could result in a lower settlement if you don't have someone to protect your rights.

Multiple Parties Are Involved

Accidents involving more than two cars can become complicated when apportioning fault. You need a lawyer who understands the applicable laws and is a strong negotiator.

Everyone will be fighting to put the additional liability on the other parties. You need someone who can stand up for you and ensure your rights are protected in these liability arguments.

The Other Party Is a Government Agency

If your accident involves a government agency employee or vehicle, you need to hire a lawyer right away. Claims against government agencies have different rules and deadlines. You could have only a few months to present an administrative claim, or you forfeit your right to bring an injury claim at all.

The Insurance Company Offered You a Low-Ball Settlement

Insurance companies know that most plaintiffs have no legal experience, so they use that to their advantage. The adjuster might try to get you to settle early in the case for a minimal amount. They do that because they assume you need money now to cover bills. Also, this caps their exposure for the entire claim.

If you agree to settle, they will have you sign a release of all claims. That means if you need additional treatment in the future or suddenly find out your injuries are getting worse, you have no legal grounds to come back and ask for further compensation.

Don't risk losing out on valuable compensation by agreeing to a settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.

Interviewing multiple lawyers in your car accident claim might seem daunting. Attorneys meet with prospective clients every day and are used to being asked questions and going over case facts.

Because most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, you literally have nothing to lose. Schedule a meeting with a firm near you to determine whether hiring a lawyer is beneficial to your case.