When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

• April 20, 2023
• Strong Law
• Car Accidents

Driving a car is a necessity for many people. Whether it is to get to work or school, drive around your community, or take a long road trip, it is important that you are safe when behind the wheel. For those that are driving, it is generally a safe activity. However, accidents can happen. If you are involved in any type of accident, receiving legal support through an attorney can be a good idea. A common question that people ask is when do you need a lawyer for a car accident? There are various situations in particular when it could be a good idea to call an attorney.

When Should You Hire an Attorney Following an Accident

Car accident attorneys, such as the lawyers with Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, can offer very helpful services. There are various situations when you should call these attorneys following an accident.

Injuries are Involved

One of the primary situations when you should hire an attorney is when injuries are involved. While most car accidents will only result in vehicle damage, a bad accident could result in physical injuries for anyone involved in the accident. As injuries can result in significant medical bills and other costs, you will want to know that you have support whether you or someone else is hurt. Your attorney can provide a lot of services to help estimate compensation for injuries and ensure you have appropriate support.

Damages to Vehicle

It is also a good idea to hire an attorney if you are involved in an accident that results in damage to a car. A lot of people will ask the question, Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident? While there are situations when you can handle an accident on your own with the other driver and insurance companies, if there is vehicular damage to either vehicle, it would be a good idea to have a lawyer by your side. Your attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation and reimbursement for any damages to your car.

Other Parties are Not Responsive

If you are involved in an accident in which another party is at fault, you will need the other driver to be responsible and cooperative. If you find that the other driver is denying fault, not responding to your attempts to contact, or does not have insurance, you should call an attorney. Your counsel will be able to take additional steps to make contact. This can include filing legal notices or working with their insurance company or legal counsel to further make contact and force the other party to be cooperative.

Insurance Company is Denying Claims

No matter where you live and what type of car you drive, you are obligated to carry auto insurance. At a minimum, all drivers need to carry liability coverage and most drivers would benefit from comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect their car as well. While this insurance is supposed to provide protection in the event of an auto accident, there are situations when an insurance company may deny a valid claim. In these situations, you can try to appeal on your own. However, it is still a good idea to hire an attorney to help you contest a claim. Your attorney will be able to fully assess your situation and send the appropriate notices to have a claim approved.

Dispute Over Fault

While determining fault in some accidents is obvious, other accidents can be harder to define liability and fault. In these situations, it is very important that you have an attorney by your side. In these situations, your counsel will be able to evaluate the case, including reviewing accident and police reports. They can then help to prove the other party was at fault. In some situations, this can result in shared liability as well.

When Contacted by Attorney

If you have been in an auto accident, it is common that the other party involved will also hire counsel due to the services they can provide. If you are contacted by a lawyer, it would always be a good idea to hire your own as well. You will want to be assured that you have someone experienced and knowledgeable about the law speaking with the other attorneys. This can ensure you are not disadvantaged by not being properly represented.

You Are at Fault in the Accident

While most people will hire an attorney when they have incurred damages in an accident due to the negligence of another party, it is also a good idea to hire a lawyer if you are at fault. If you are clearly at fault in an accident, your attorney can offer a lot of services. This can include ensuring that you have support if the other party in the accident is making outlandish claims or asking for excessive compensation for damages. Your attorney can also work with local law enforcement to try and reduce any punishment that comes with the accident.

What Should Your Lawyer Do?

In almost all situations it is a good idea to call a lawyer to at least discuss the situation and your options. Your lawyer should be in charge of:

Investigation and Consultation on Accident

When you call car accident lawyers, you can first receive a consultation and investigation related to your accident. Car accident cases can be complicated and may require additional investigation to determine fault and what fair compensation is. Your car accident lawyer will be able to complete all of the investigation work for you to help throughout the process. They can then provide guidance and a consultation that will help you make a more informed decision on how to move forward.

Support Determining Damages and Filing Claim

If you are going to move forward with any type of claim, you will want to be reimbursed for damages that you have incurred. With a car accident, this should include damage to your vehicle, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident. Your attorney can help you evaluate your case and calculate these damages. They can then compile the amount and include it in any formal legal filing and notices. This can start the process of moving forward with an accident claim and settlement negotiations.

Attorney Will Handle Negotiations

It is almost always a good idea to resolve a car accident claim outside of the formal courtroom. To save time, money, and stress, you should always work with the other parties to come to a fair settlement. This will typically involve having negotiations and discussions with the other party, insurance companies, and other interested parties. When you hire a local attorney, they can provide all of the support that you need during this process. This will help ensure you are properly represented and should help result in a fair outcome. If the case ever moves onto further legal processes, your attorney can offer support to build and present a case in court.

Call the Team with Strong Law Today

If you are involved in an auto accident, it is always advisable to speak with an attorney to discuss your situation. When you are looking for legal support following an auto accident, it would be idea to call the team with the Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorney.

You can call the firm today by dialing 206-741-1053 and can even schedule a consultation to learn more about how these attorneys can help and provide support moving forward.