Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming and traumatizing. After an accident, there are many things to consider, including whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer.

If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car crash, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer.

Having a lawyer by your side can help you navigate the legal process and obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Are you asking, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?” We can help!

Here’s a guide for hiring a lawyer after a car accident.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a recent car wreck, you may be confused about what to do next. When you’re not sure which way to turn, a car accident lawyer can help you understand the next best steps to take.

You want an attorney who understands personal injury law and can help you through every step of the legal process. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Ensure You Receive Proper Medical Care

The first concern following any car accident is your health and well-being. Even if you don’t go to the emergency room, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor for a medical examination.

Accident victims often make the mistake of waiting weeks to months before seeing a doctor. Be aware that insurance companies can use this delay against you.

You want to see a doctor who specializes in treating traumatic injuries and can properly document your trauma and treatment process. This provides evidence you may need down the road.

Your car accident lawyer can help give you a list of suitable doctors. They can help make sure you’re getting the right medical care to maximize your healing and the proper documentation to ensure fair compensation.

Watch for Hidden Injuries

In some cases, car accident injuries may not be apparent for hours, days, or even weeks following the accident. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention following an accident.

Even if you think you didn’t sustain any injuries, it’s in your best interest to have a doctor examine you. hidden car accident injuries include concussion, whiplash, or internal bleeding.

If you delay medical treatment, it can be harder to prove your injuries were a result of your accident.

Collect Vital Evidence

If you’re recovering from car accident injuries, the last thing you want to deal with is paperwork. Unless you’re an expert in personal injury law, this can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process.

A car accident attorney can handle all the details for you, including gathering police reports, witness statements, evidence, and more. They can negotiate with the insurance company and take your case to trial if needed.

They can deal with the legal process for you so you can concentrate on healing. It brings peace of mind knowing you have an advocate fighting for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Damage Evaluation

If you’re debating whether or not to consult a car accident attorney, consider the importance of damage evaluation. Car accident lawyers understand how to accurately assess car accident damages.

In complicated cases, they hire damage experts to provide a comprehensive view of your accident and the extent of your damages. Your attorney will consider all the costs related to your claim, including hard-to-assess losses like future medical care and pain and suffering.

A diligent attorney and a comprehensive evaluation increase your chances of securing a favorable settlement in your case.

Offers an Unbiased Third-Party Opinion

Car accidents are traumatic, and accident victims often experience emotional distress. Trauma can make it difficult to view your situation objectively.

This is another reason to have expert legal representation. As a neutral party, your attorney can offer an unbiased view of your case. 

As an accident victim, you’re dealing with the aftermath of the accident and the enormous task of recovery. Your attorney isn’t clouded by the trauma of the situation and can help you make rational decisions regarding your case.

Avoid Jeopardizing Your Claim

If you’re wondering whether you need an accident lawyer, keep in mind the earlier you receive legal advice, the better. Many people aren’t sure of the steps to take and make critical mistakes following a car accident.

An experienced attorney can help you avoid these mistakes and offer advice about the best steps to take from the start. Some common errors accident victims make include:

• Seeking medical care from the wrong doctor or health facility
• Waiting to seek medical care
• Deleting digital evidence or throwing evidence away
• Contradicting yourself when dealing with insurance agents
• Making posts on social media that can hurt your case 

The wrong move can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in compensation. A mistake could result in you having to pay accident costs without help from the other party’s insurance. 

These are mistakes you want to avoid. Don’t jeopardize your claim by trying to handle it on your own.

Hire a qualified car accident attorney to fight for you instead.

Make a Claim Before It’s Too Late

In every state, there is a statute of limitations to file your claim. Typically, it’s between two to six years, depending on your location. In some situations, you may have less time.

If you’re wondering if you should wait to hire an attorney, the answer is no. If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney as soon as possible.

Your lawyer can begin to collect evidence and build your case to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation you deserve.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims. Sometimes, the at-fault party’s insurance may accept the claim but undervalue it.

Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to negotiate with insurance companies on their client’s behalf. They understand the typical reasons for a denial or undervaluation.

Your attorney will know the best steps to take for dealing with the insurance company and ensuring you get adequate compensation for your injuries.

Know Your Options

Most car accident cases are settled out of court. Once you accept a settlement offer, it limits or prevents you from taking further action.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand any settlement offer you receive and whether you’re getting fair compensation. If a settlement can’t be reached, your case could go to trial.

In this situation, it’s critical to have an attorney by your side. Your attorney understands how to deal with delays, motions, and countersuits.

You can feel peace of mind knowing that your attorney will represent your case fairly and accurately in court.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

To justify the expense of hiring a lawyer, accident victims may wonder how much compensation they could receive. The amount of compensation you receive depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The extent of your injuries
• Who is responsible 
• Whether more than one party is to blame

In certain situations, it’s possible the other driver and you can both be at fault. You can still fight for compensation if the other driver carries the majority of the fault.

Compensation you could receive in a car accident case includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Loss of benefits
• Household expenses
• Childcare costs
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished earning capacity

Lost wages and medical costs are easier to calculate than non-economic costs such as pain and suffering and diminished earning capacity. You want a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of car accident laws and can calculate these types of damages.

Many insurance companies try to offer a quick settlement. Although a settlement helps reduce court fees and time in court, it’s not always in your best interest.

Taking a quick settlement can leave money on the table that should be yours. Enlisting the help of a car accident attorney can help you understand your damages and compare settlement offers to what you could receive.

Reasons You May Not Need a Lawyer

You aren’t required to hire a lawyer after a car crash. There are situations when hiring a lawyer may not be necessary.

These instances include:

• Minor accidents with no apparent damage
• When the other party admits they’re at fault and agrees to pay damages
• When the damage is minimal and you file with your PIP insurance 

Choosing the Best Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident is a stressful and traumatic event for anyone. It’s only normal to feel overwhelmed and confused following an accident.

Are you wondering, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?” If you’re dealing with serious injuries as a result of a recent car wreck, the answer is yes.

At Sweet Law, we understand the trauma of a car accident and the difficult recovery process that follows. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Don’t wait any longer. Contact Sweet Law today to schedule a free case evaluation.