Being involved in a traffic collision caused by someone else can be highly unsettling, but you can ease your stress and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome by seeking legal assistance. Do you know when to get an attorney for a car accident? An experienced auto accident attorney can help you recover compensation for the losses that you have incurred because of your accident while also helping to reduce the hassle and paperwork that may be associated with filing your claim with the responsible insurance company.
When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident
If you are involved in an accident that only results in minor property damage and does not cause any injuries, it is likely unnecessary for you to hire a car accident lawyer. These small claims can often be easily settled by filing a property damage claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you are injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, however, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The best approach is to hire an attorney as early as you can so that you can avoid making some potentially costly mistakes. You should avoid signing any documents, releases, or settlement agreements with the insurance company without first talking to a lawyer. You should also refuse to give recorded statements to an insurance company representative without an attorney.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney
When you are injured in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed. It is important for you to seek medical attention and concentrate on getting better. Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing the claims that they have to pay. They often contact injured victims as soon as they are made aware that an accident has occurred. Insurance companies may extend offers soon after accidents that are unreasonably low and insufficient to pay for all of the losses that the victims have suffered. In other cases, they may dispute liability and attempt to place the blame on the victims. An experienced automobile accident lawyer is knowledgeable about the existing laws and understands the types of tactics that insurance companies employ in an effort to reduce their losses. When you have the help of a lawyer, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while your attorney negotiates on your behalf to secure the maximum amount of compensation to which you should be entitled in your accident case.
Key Characteristics to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have figured out when to get an attorney for a car accident, the next thing that you should determine is what to look for in your lawyer. You will want to find an attorney who is experienced in handling car accident cases. When you talk to attorneys, ask them about the past cases that they have handled. You should check your lawyer’s references, background, and past track record. You will want to make certain that your lawyer is familiar with state law and current litigation practice and is knowledgeable about current case law in the area. It is also important that you choose an attorney with whom you are comfortable. Your attorney should keep in close communication with you about your case so that you understand what is happening at all times. Finally, a good car accident lawyer should be willing to represent you on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not be paid for his or her legal services unless you win a settlement or a jury verdict.
How to Handle Your Consultation
When you meet with an attorney for your consultation, you should be prepared to ask a number of different questions. You should ask the lawyer the percentage of cases that he or she handles that involve car accident claims. It is also a good idea to ask a lawyer what his or her experience is in handling claims involving similar injuries to yours. You should ask about the fee structure and the out-of-pocket expenses that you would be expected to pay. Every accident is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all settlement amount that your lawyer can provide to you. However, he or she should be able to analyze what happened, your out-of-pocket expenses, and your noneconomic losses and provide a range of values within which you might expect a fair settlement to fall.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing when to get an attorney for a car accident can help alleviate some of the stress of a traffic collision. A lawyer can work to investigate your accident and build a strong case on your behalf that clearly demonstrates the liability of the at-fault driver.
