Car accidents happen in seconds.
Unfortunately, their effects can last a long longer.
Negotiating with insurance companies, looking for alternative transportation, and dealing with potentially serious injuries is draining physically and mentally.
Many people hesitate to involve a professional and lose out on benefits they were entitled to.
Use this guide to figure out when do I need a lawyer after a car accident.
When Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Most people are too shaken up after a serious car accident to think about the law. going forward though, knowing when to lawyer up is extremely important to your financial and legal future.
Let's get a few things out of the way first. If you were at fault in an accident or are being treated as such and are facing criminal charges you'll absolutely need a lawyer. You need the best representation to protect your freedom.
Other cases that will likely require a car accident lawyer include:
- Serious Injuries
- Problems With Insurance Companies
- Other Parties Have An Attorney
You Were Seriously Injured
There's nothing worse than sustaining serious or life-altering injuries. This is doubly true when they're someone else's fault.
Whether you were the driver or a passenger in an accident serious injuries will likely require a lawyer. They can help you file any needed civil suits and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
If you're looking at significant medical bills and missed work you need to get everything you're entitled to.
You're Getting Nowhere With Insurance
In theory, insurance companies are there to help you put the pieces together after an incident. In practice, though they often deny or undervalue claims just to save a buck.
A skilled personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf. They know the often complicated tricks and techniques to poke holes in the adjuster's estimate.
Some companies will do their best to drag things out. They know that many people are desperate after an accident. They have medical bills piling up, no vehicle, and need money fast.
They'll try to wait as long as possible to improve their bargaining position. If you don't have the best representation they can take advantage of that to low ball your claim.
The Other Party Has an Attorney
This one seems obvious but doesn't trigger the alarms bells it should. If you were in an accident and are contacted by an attorney for the other party you absolutely need to get a lawyer.
In many cases, contact by an attorney is just the beginning. They could be preparing a lawsuit or an attempt to push fault onto you with the insurance company.
Don't give them the opportunity to put you in a vulnerable position.
Play as Hard as They Do
If you have to ask do I need a lawyer after a car accident, the answer is probably yes. Skilled and experienced attorneys can help you get everything you're entitled to and prevent you from being taken advantage of.
If you've been in a serious auto accident or are being stonewalled by your insurance company, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
