Over 5 million motor vehicle accidents were reported to the police in 2020 alone. Car crashes are a fact of life, and some can just be written off.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it can be difficult to determine whether you need to hire an auto accident attorney. Let’s go through the top signs that you may need to hire an attorney.
1. Serious Injuries
If you or anyone involved in the accident has suffered serious injuries, it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney. Serious injuries can include broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries that require medical attention and ongoing treatment.
Personal injury lawyers know everything about the law surrounding car accidents and can provide guidance on your legal rights and options. They can help you understand the different processes, the statute of limitations, and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
A personal injury lawyer can work with you to determine the full extent of your damages. This could include things like your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and help you seek the maximum amount of compensation possible.
A personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence to support your case, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They can also work with experts to reconstruct the accident and determine liability.
If your car accident case ends up having to go to trial, your car accident lawyer can represent you and advocate for your point of vire. They can present evidence, question witnesses, and make a compelling case to a judge or jury.
2. Liability is Disputed
If there is a dispute over who is at fault for causing the car accident, you may need to hire an attorney. A car accident attorney can investigate the car accident and gather evidence to prove liability.
A lawyer can work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
3. The Insurance Company is Uncooperative
If the insurance company is unresponsive, uncooperative, or denies your claim, it may be necessary to hire an attorney. An attorney can negotiate with the company for you.
If the insurance company is uncooperative, a lawyer can file a lawsuit for you.
A lawyer can advocate for your rights and make sure the insurance company isn’t taking advantage of you. They can also help protect you from unfair settlement offers or other tactics that the insurance company may use to try to minimize their payout.
4. Loss of Income
If you have been unable to work due to injuries resulting from the car accident, or if your ability to complete the type of work you do has been affected, you may be entitled to compensation for the money you would’ve earned.
A personal injury lawyer can help you document the amount of income you have lost as a result of the accident. This can include lost wages, as well as any lost bonuses or other forms of compensation.
If your injuries are expected to cause you to lose income in the future, a lawyer can help you calculate the amount of lost income you are likely to incur. This can include future lost wages, as well as lost opportunities for career advancement.
5. Emotional Distress
Experiencing emotional distress after an auto accident is common and understandable. Car accidents can be traumatic events that can cause physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological trauma.
After an accident, you may feel disoriented, numb, or in shock. You may have trouble processing what just happened and feel like you’re in a daze.
You may experience anxiety and fear about driving or being in a car. You may also have flashbacks or nightmares about the accident. You may feel like you can’t do the things you used to do or enjoy the things you used to enjoy.
You could feel angry or irritable about the accident, especially if it wasn’t your fault. You may feel like you’ve been wronged or that someone else is responsible for your pain and suffering.
Or, you may blame yourself for the accident, even if it wasn’t your fault. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed about the accident, especially if you were injured.
If you are suffering from emotional distress as a result of the accident, an attorney can help you seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
6. The Statute of Limitations is Approaching
If the statute of limitations for your claim is approaching, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a claim, and if you miss this deadline, you may not be able to pursue legal action.
A personal injury lawyer can quickly assess your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. They can also determine whether you are approaching the statute of limitations and advise you on the best course of action.
7. Multiple Parties Are Involved
It’s especially important to get a lawyer if you’ve been in a multi-car crash. In a multi-car crash, there may be multiple parties who share fault for the accident. A lawyer can help you determine the degree of fault for each party involved.
In a multi-car crash, there may be multiple insurance companies involved as well. A lawyer can work with each insurance company to ensure that you receive proper compensation for what happened.
If you’re ready to get started, start searching for a “personal injury lawyer near me“.
Hire an Auto Accident Attorney Today
Overall, hiring an auto accident attorney can be beneficial in many situations. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Do you need more help with other legal topics? We’ve got you covered. Look at some of our other posts on relevant topics.
