Car accidents are never fun, whether fender benders or major collisions. If you’ve been in an accident, you may wonder if you need to call a lawyer. The answer isn’t always black and white – it depends on the circumstances of your case. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to call a lawyer, while other times, you may be able to handle the situation on your own. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to call a lawyer after a car accident:
The Severity of the Accident
The unpleasant truth is that although no one ever plans to be in a car accident, they always do. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 6 million car accidents every year in the United States.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s vital to assess the severity of the crash and determine whether or not you need legal assistance. Some accidents are relatively minor, while others can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. The following are some factors to consider when assessing the severity of a car accident:
- The number of vehicles involved in the crash
- The type of vehicles involved
- The speed at which the cars were traveling
- The angle of impact
- Whether or not anyone was injured
- The extent of damage to each vehicle
If you’ve been in a minor car accident with no injuries and only minor damage to your vehicle, you may not need to call a lawyer. In this case, your insurance company will likely be able to handle the claim without legal assistance. However, if you’ve been in a severe car accident with injuries or significant damage to your vehicle, it’s a good idea to at least consult with a lawyer at Richard Harris Law Firm to find out if you have a case. A good lawyer will be able to help you understand your legal options and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
The Cause of the Accident
Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to call a lawyer after a car accident is the cause of the crash. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you might have a strong case against them. For instance, if the other motorist was speeding, intoxicated, or texting while driving, they may be liable for the accident. In this case, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer to see if you have a case against the other driver.
On the other hand, if the accident was caused by factors such as bad weather or poor road conditions, you likely won’t be able to file a lawsuit against anyone. In this case, your insurance company will likely be responsible for covering the damages.
The Insurance Company’s Response
After a car accident, you’ll need to notify your insurance company and file a claim. In most cases, your insurance company will try to settle the claim quickly and for as little money as possible. If you’re unhappy with the insurance company’s initial offer, you may need to negotiate with them or file a lawsuit.
If you’re dealing with an insurance company after a car accident, it’s important to remember that they are not on your side. The insurance adjuster may act like they’re trying to help you, but their ultimate goal is to save the company money. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer before dealing with the insurance company. A lawyer will be able to protect your interests and help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Circumstances of the Accident
In addition to the accident’s severity, the circumstances surrounding the crash will also play a role in deciding whether or not you need to call a lawyer. For example, you may have a workers’ compensation claim if the accident occurred while you were working. Alternatively, if a defective product caused the accident, you may have a product liability claim. These two circumstances could complicate a car accident case and warrant legal assistance.
If you were involved in an accident that was your fault, there’s no need to call a lawyer. In this case, you will likely be responsible for covering the costs of the damages yourself. However, if you’re not sure who is at fault or the other driver denies responsibility, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to help you determine who is at fault and help you file a claim against the other driver.
The Cost of Calling a Lawyer
Some people avoid calling a lawyer after a car accident because they’re worried about the cost. Since they work on a contingency fee basis, personal injury lawyers only get paid if you win your case. In other words, you won’t have to pay anything up in advance because your attorney will charge a fee based on a portion of your compensation.
This arrangement benefits both parties because it allows you to seek legal assistance without any financial risk. If you don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay your lawyer anything. However, if you win, you’ll be glad you had legal representation because you’ll likely end up with a bigger settlement than if you had attempted to handle the claim on your own.
The Insurance Companies Involved
Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to call a lawyer after a car accident is the insurance companies involved. If both parties have insurance and the insurance companies cooperate, you may not need a lawyer.
In these cases, the insurance companies will likely be able to settle without legal intervention. However, if one or both parties do not have insurance or the insurance companies are not cooperating, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you with your case.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to hire a lawyer to help recover the damages you’re entitled to. This is because the insurance companies may not be willing to pay what you’re owed, and a lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
There is no hard and fast rule for deciding whether or not to call a lawyer after a car accident. You’ll need to weigh the accident’s severity, the circumstances surrounding the crash, the cost of hiring a lawyer, and the insurance companies involved to decide if legal assistance is necessary. If you’re still unsure whether to call a lawyer, it’s always a good idea to consult with one for a free evaluation of your case. This way, you can get expert advice on whether or not you have a case worth pursuing.
