“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” but what if you don’t know how to make lemonade?
No matter how prepared or how careful you are, car accidents can and do happen. Sometimes, trying to “make lemonade” out of a bad situation is out of your league.
Of course, you can just call your insurance company for simple fender-benders. However, what do you do if someone died? What happens if someone sustained serious injuries or if there was major property damage?
Most people don’t know when to hire an auto accident lawyer, but we’re here to help. Below are some of the reasons to make you consider hiring an attorney for auto accidents.
Insurance Companies Are Your Classic "Frenemy"
Acting friendly doesn’t mean that they’re your friend. While they may say that you’re “in good hands,” recognize that insurance companies are businesses first and foremost. They’re only concerned about their own bottom line.
They’ll use tactics such as offering a quick settlement when you’re out of your wits trying to make sense of the accident. They’ll attack when you’re at your weakest so you can agree quickly to their low-ball offer.
They may also do whatever possible to delay paying for your medical treatment. If you acquiesce, they’ll use the fact that you put off going to a doctor against you. They’ll claim that your injuries must not be serious if it took you too long to seek medical attention.
It’s also not unheard of for insurance companies to deny the claim completely.
If you try to fight the insurance company alone, you should realize that you’re at a big disadvantage. An insurance defense lawyer is already a grandmaster while you’re still trying to learn the rules of the game. To level the playing field, you need an equally formidable ally.
When to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, you don’t have the luxury of time, but first, you have to get treatment for your injuries. Once you’re stable, call an experienced car accident lawyer immediately.
If you wait, the insurance company will use that time to gather evidence against you to devalue your claim. An auto accident lawyer will take care of every aspect of your case. This includes preserving evidence and protecting you from self-incrimination.
Your attorney will make sure that you’re fully compensated for any harm you suffered, even harms that you may have overlooked. Aside from the medical bills, you have to take into account future medical bills if you sustained residual disabilities. There’s also the issue of lost wages and possible loss of future earning capability.
If multiple parties are involved, it’s also advisable to lawyer up, especially if the liability is being disputed. If there are two or more vehicles involved in the accident, the investigation and negotiation become complicated. It’s also a must to hire a car accident lawyer if you’re being served with a lawsuit or are facing criminal charges.
If You Wait Too Long, It's Too Late
Car accidents can be a life-altering event. If you’re taking your time to decide when to hire an auto accident lawyer, the insurance company will have the upper hand. That could spell the difference between getting what’s rightfully yours and descending into financial hell.
Don’t wait! If you’re involved in a car accident and need legal assistance, contact us right away.
