There is no such thing as a typical car accident. They range from a newly licensed driver trying to parallel park and bumping into another car to a multi-vehicle, high-speed collision that leaves people seriously injured or dead.
Whether you should hire an attorney after a car accident is a personal decision that only you can make. There are, however, some factors to take into consideration to guide you toward the right decision.
It costs nothing to talk to an attorney
The vast majority of attorneys with practices concentrating in personal injury law offer free initial consultations, so it costs nothing to learn about your rights and obligations from someone who knows the law. Whether you caused the accident or were the victim of the negligence of another party, a consultation with a personal injury attorney may prevent you from making costly mistakes.
For example, an attorney knows that it may not be in your best interest to talk to an adjuster or investigator from the other party’s insurance company. What you say can affect your ability to collect compensation for your injuries or impair any defense that you may have if you were at fault. A personal injury attorney handles all contact with insurance companies for you.
Hiring an attorney to handle your claim against the party who caused the car accident will not cost you anything. Personal injury lawyers work under a contingency fee agreement, which means you only pay a legal fee when you win.
How serious was the damage or injuries?
If you were injured in the accident, you should let an attorney handle your claim to recover compensation. Attorneys know the personal injury laws and how to use them to your advantage to recover damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including physicians, hospitals and prescription medications.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
- Lost wages.
- Lost or impaired future earning capacity.
- Property damage, including damage to your car.
Personal injury lawyers know the tactics used by insurance companies to delay or avoid paying legitimate claims and work on your behalf to overcome them. Lawyers know how to gather and present evidence to prove that the other party was at fault and that you sustained damages as a result of it.
What is your comfort level for handling legal matters?
Some people can pick up a musical instrument and teach themselves how to play it while other folks need music lessons with a trained professional. The same is true about car accidents. Some people feel comfortable handling claims for minor property damage on their own while others need help from a lawyer.
If your auto insurance policy includes collision coverage and all that you have is damage to your vehicle, you may feel comfortable filing a claim with your own insurance company without using an attorney. Taking a “do-it-yourself” approach might not be a good idea with claims for personal injuries.
Investigating the accident, gathering evidence and filing a personal injury lawsuit will probably be beyond your comfort level and should be left to a personal injury attorney. Knowing that your claim for damages is in the hands of an experienced legal professional gives you the peace of mind and time to focus on getting the medical care and rest you need to recover from your injuries.
