When to Find a Lawyer After a Car Accident

After a car accident, many people ask, “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn't my fault?” Even if the accident was not your fault, it is a good idea to have a lawyer on your side. A car accident attorney can help you recoup all of your losses, especially if the other party decides to sue and blame you for their losses. Here’s how:

Car Accident: Other Driver Has No Insurance

In the aftermath of an accident, it can be difficult to know whether or not to call a lawyer. Some accidents are straightforward and have clear legal consequences that require an attorney. For example, if there were injuries or the other driver had no insurance, it is important to contact an attorney.

Car Accident Without Insurance (Not at Fault)

Smaller accidents without injuries may seem uncomplicated, but these may still have significant consequences in the long term. Some may even lead to personal injury settlements. For instance, if you are in a car accident without active auto insurance, you may still need a car accident attorney even if you were not at fault.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance?

It depends upon your state, but it’s important to report your accident to your auto insurance as soon as possible. Additionally, it’s never too soon to speak with an attorney after a car accident. If the car accident caused injuries, involved pedestrians or cyclists, or if it is unclear who was at fault, you should make it a priority to contact an experienced car accident attorney right away. This is especially true if you, or the other motorist, did not have insurance.

Can You Sue Someone for a Car Accident If You Have Insurance?

After a car accident, you can sue the responsible party for all damages that resulted from the crash. Typically, you will have two years to file a personal injury claim for any damages you incurred, but the exact statute of limitations may differ for your state.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Whether your accident was minor or major, it will not hurt to consult with an experienced attorney. Many personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation, during which they will listen to your story and let you know if you have a case or not.

Hiring a car accident attorney can be very beneficial. Without one, you will need to handle your claim on your own. This means you will need to deal with the insurance company without assistance.

The Problem with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are committed to denying you the compensation you deserve or to settling as quickly as possible for the least amount of money they can. If you are dealing with an insurance company on your own, an insurance agent will call you, or even visit you at home or at work. These agents want you to act quickly and sign an agreement without thinking too much about it. They want you to think they have your best interests at heart, but they only have their companies’ best interests at heart.

The at-fault insurance company will ask you to sign a waiver removing all legal liability from them and will tell you not to hire a lawyer. They will tell you that a lawyer will complicate things, but remember, they are only thinking of the insurance company, not you. Having your own attorney, separate from the insurance company, will help you in this matter. He or she will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, getting you the most money possible — the money you deserve.

Car Accident Attorneys Will Fight for Your Legal Rights

Additionally, hiring a car accident attorney will help save you time and allow you to focus on your recovery. If you contact an attorney right away, they can help you with your case right from the start. They will know what steps to take in order to get you a fair settlement and make the process as easy for you as possible.

Your car accident attorney will estimate the potential damages you may recover. In order to figure out the value of your case, they will take your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, and pain and suffering into consideration. This will help you decide if the settlement offered is worth accepting.

It’s Never Too Late to Contact a Lawyer

Even if you begin to pursue legal action on your own and find it too complicated or become worried you might not recover all the losses you are owed, you can still decide to contact an attorney. While it’s best to contact a lawyer right away, an attorney can step in at any time to help you with your personal injury claim. This will increase your odds of getting the largest, fairest settlement possible.

The other insurance company has attorneys working for them, and you should, too. If you have been in an auto accident, you are not required to have a lawyer, but it will be in your best interest to retain one. After all, a car accident attorney will protect your legal rights, whether they involve the other party’s insurance company or yours. For example, according to Florida law, the at-fault driver is responsible for your property damage and injuries, but your own insurance policy — through its personal injury protection (PIP) provision — covers your bodily injury, too.

Remember, it is unwise to negotiate with the other insurance company without consulting an attorney who has your best interests in mind. The insurance company’s goal is to find a way to pay you as little as possible, no matter what you deserve. Make sure this does not happen to you. Contact a car accident attorney for a free consultation and find out how they can help you after your accident.