When Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Every year, almost 400,000 people under the age of 25 die on the world’s roads. That’s an average of about 1,000 people a day. And that’s only people under the age of 25. Overall, there is an average of 3,287 deaths per day across the world.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2010, motor vehicle accidents in the United States cost an amount of almost 1 trillion dollars due to loss of productivity and loss of life.
Car accidents are traumatic, which is why many individuals involved in a car accident will choose to hire a car accident lawyer. Car accidents can cost you time, money, and many other things. There is a lot to think about after a car accident and it can provide some peace of mind to have a professional fighting for you every step of the way.
But when should you hire a car accident lawyer? Keep reading to find out!
The Accident Was Complicated
If there was more than one vehicle involved in an accident, liability could be hard to determine. Unless it was a rear-end, and you rear ended a car who then rear-ended another, who is at fault isn’t entirely clear.
If you and the person you’ve been in an accident with both have the same insurance carrier, that can also make things difficult. While your insurance is there to protect you, all insurance companies will try and divvy out as little as possible when it comes to compensation.
In confusing circumstances when it’s unclear who was at fault, you want to have a lawyer who is with you every step of the way and knows how to help prove that you were not at fault.
You’re a Novice
Car accidents are stressful, no matter the outcome. And when it’s your first one, it can be hard to know exactly what to do. When it comes to filing a claim, you want to be honest but you also don’t want to compromise yourself in any way. Sometimes there are hurdles along the way and it can be daunting to deal with and navigate on your own.
Having a lawyer to help you through the steps can give you peace of mind throughout the process. That being said, if you’re in the thick of it or you want to be prepared in case something happens, you can read here about what to do immediately after an accident.
There Were Injuries Incurred
The very worst thing that can happen in the event of a car accident is a fatality. That being said, any injury incurred as a result of a vehicle collision can be painful and stressful to deal with.
And you might not realize you were injured right away. The shock due to an accident and the adrenaline that pumps through your veins as a result, may cause you not to feel any pain right away. It’s important not to make a claim that you didn’t sustain any injuries right away until you go about your daily routine and make sure that you haven’t been hurt.
Even if you believe that your injury is minor, if it causes you to seek medical attention or if it prohibits you from performing work duties or activities to the same ability that you could before, that injury can cost you time and money. And it can also cause you stress and pain.
You Need to File for Damages
If you’ve incurred an injury from your car crash, you’ll need to file for damages. This includes more than you think. Any medical bills that you have plus medical bills that you may need to pay in the future should all paid back to you.
Any time that you’ve had to miss from work as a result of medical visits or to have to recover from an injury also constitutes as compensation that you should receive. And if your injury impacts your ability to do your job, you could also be eligible for compensation as a result of a reduced earning capacity.
If the other driver was being reckless or malicious, you might be eligible for punitive damages. You could also be eligible for a significant amount of compensation as a result of pain and suffering, depending on how serious the accident was.
The Adjuster Has Made an Offer
Many people don’t want to deal with reaching out to insurance or hiring a car accident attorney. They’ll take the first offer that is made to them by the adjuster. That being said, the same way that a lawyer will look out for you, the adjuster is looking out for the insurance company.
If your injuries are significant, chances are the offer that has been made to you is not enough. While it might seem like a good chunk of change in the moment, when you hold it up to all the missed work, medical visits, and all of the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing, it probably isn’t enough to even cover just the bills.
Liability Is Being Disputed
Car accident lawyers have dealt with case after case. They know the ins and outs of all the paperwork and all the ways in which the truth can be manipulated.
If you know that you were not at fault and the liability is being disputed, hiring a car accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you’ll come out with the best possible advantages.
Don’t Hesitate to Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are traumatic and stressful. They can cause you anxiety and pain for a long period of time, especially if you don’t receive the compensation that you deserve.
Talking to insurance and adjusters and making a claim can be difficult to navigate, especially if you don’t have the time and you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of the process.
Are you unsure of whether or not you need a car accident lawyer?
Just give CHASENBOSCOLO a call. We offer a FREE, no obligation consultation. And if you do decide to hire us, we will not charge you a dime unless you receive compensation. You’ve got nothing to lose by giving us a call!