When Do You Need To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accidents are a common cause of accidents in the U.S. and may lead to unexpected medical bills, property damage, and other challenges. If you’ve been in a crash, you may wonder if you need an attorney to handle the insurance claim or possible lawsuit.
In some cases, hiring a car accident lawyer can make a big difference in the amount of compensation you receive and the ease of navigating the legal system. Read on to learn when hiring an attorney after a collision is in your best interest.
Serious or Long-Lasting Injuries
If your injuries are minor, like small cuts or bruises, you might feel comfortable dealing with the insurance company yourself. However, major injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage often result in extensive medical bills and long recovery times. Insurance companies may try to downplay these injuries or quickly offer a low settlement.
An attorney can:
- Collect medical records to prove the full extent of your injuries
- Gather expert opinions regarding future healthcare needs and expenses
- Negotiate with insurers who want to minimize payouts
When permanent disabilities or months of rehabilitation are involved, a lawyer can help ensure you don’t get stuck with unpaid medical bills or inadequate compensation for lost wages and other losses.
Unclear or Disputed Liability
Sometimes, it’s obvious who caused the accident. But in many cases—especially multi-car pileups or crashes involving complex traffic situations—figuring out liability can be difficult. States follow various comparative fault rules, which means each driver can be assigned a percentage of fault for an accident. If you’re found partly responsible, your total compensation might be reduced.
Insurance adjusters might blame you for the crash, even if the other driver was at fault. A lawyer can investigate the incident and work to gather evidence on your behalf to minimize the level of fault you’re assigned.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies generally want to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Some of the tactics they might utilize include:
- Offering an early, lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all your costs
- Delaying processing your claim or failing to return your calls
- Requesting repeated or unnecessary documentation to wear you down
A seasoned attorney recognizes these tactics and can respond effectively. They’ll know when insurers are acting unreasonably or violating fair claims practices. Plus, they can advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair—saving you from accepting far less than what you deserve.
Disputed Damages or High Financial Stakes
Even if fault is clear, insurance companies sometimes argue about how much you should be paid. You might seek compensation for your economic damages (e.g., lost wages and medical bills) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering).
Hiring a car accident lawyer can safeguard your financial interests when these amounts are large, such as if you need surgeries or long-term medical care. An attorney can gather pay stubs, doctor’s letters, and other documents proving the total impact of the crash on your life.
Get in Touch With a Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
If any of these factors apply to your crash—or if you simply feel overwhelmed—it might be time to consult a car accident lawyer. Even in simpler cases, having legal counsel can save you stress and increase your chances of a fair outcome. Many attorneys offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they recover money for you.