Q: My car wreck was minor—just a fender bender. I understand that big wrecks require attorneys, but mine was no big deal. Will this come back to bite me?
A: Your safest bet is always to contact an attorney after any car accident. Otherwise, you face risks that could turn out to be very costly.
(prostooleh/Freepik)
What Are the Risks of Not Hiring an Attorney After a Minor Car Crash?
You May Not Receive Adequate Compensation for Injuries
Many people fail to call an auto accident attorney because they don’t think their injuries are very bad, but there are many significant injuries from car accidents that fly under the radar.
These injuries include:
• Whiplash
Even minor car wrecks can whip your head and neck around, resulting in whiplash. Whiplash can cause neck pain and headaches and make it hard to move your neck. In severe cases, it can cause tingling or numbness in the arms and vertigo. It’s common for whiplash symptoms not to show up for several hours after the car accident. You may walk away fine but wake up to tremendous neck pain the next day.
• Back Injuries
When a car wreck jostles your spine, you could end up with back injuries like herniated discs that could leave you with pain, numbness, and even loss of mobility. These injuries may not hurt at first, but they could leave you with pain for years to come.
• Internal Bleeding
The fact that you are not bleeding on the outside is no guarantee that you don’t have internal bleeding. The force of a car crash can crush or tear blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding. It’s also not uncommon for organs to be damaged in a car crash, which can cause unseen bleeding.
• Soft Tissue Injuries
These include sprains and strains. These injuries can’t be seen by the eye, so it’s easy to miss them, but they could leave you with pain, reduced mobility, and muscle spasms.
One tactic of Big Insurance is claiming that your injuries are tied to pre-existing health conditions. For example, they may say your back pain is from a past car wreck, even though you know that old back injury hasn’t bothered you in years.
An attorney can make sure that you get seen by a competent doctor who is experienced with car accident injuries. They can establish a clear connection between your injuries and the car crash so that the insurance company does not try to dispute the source of your injuries.
An attorney can also make sure that you get adequate compensation for your injury—not just for what it is costing you now but what it could cost you into the future if it persists.
You May Not Receive Adequate Compensation for Property Damages
What may seem like trivial car repairs may add up when you get to the auto shop. Even a small wreck can compromise your frame, suspension system, or multiple body panels.
Property damage disputes can get sticky. For example, you may get a repair bill for your car that ends up exceeding the original estimate, and the other driver’s insurance may refuse to pay the difference. An attorney can make sure you are not left paying for damages caused by the other driver.
The Other Side Could Change Their Story and Sue You
Let’s say that you have a friendly interaction with the other driver, then walk away from the crash scene. The next thing you know, the other driver has changed their story and is suing you. It’s a nightmare scenario, but it happens. An attorney can make sure you have the right evidence to defend yourself against falsehoods.
You Could Miss Important Evidence
Experienced car wreck attorneys understand what kind of evidence wins car wreck cases. The average person may not. An attorney can help you gather the most compelling evidence from the get-go so that you can win your case.
You Could Say the Wrong Thing to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies have one goal: to protect their bottom line. They may catch you in a weak moment and get you to admit to something that could hurt your case. An attorney can be the go-between, speaking to the insurance company so that they don’t take advantage of you. This not only helps your case but also alleviates a lot of stress in your life.
You Could Miss Out on Compensation That You Are Legally Entitled To
Because attorneys understand the full scope of car accident law, they know what benefits you may be eligible for. For example, maybe you think you were fully at fault for the accident, but the other party actually shared some blame for it. For example, maybe you rear-ended someone, but they braked too suddenly or made a sudden lane change without signaling.
Nevada is a comparative negligence state, so if the other party was partially at fault, they can be held financially accountable (as long as you were not more than 50% at fault in the accident).
You Could Miss Important Filing Deadlines
Nevada has cut-offs for car accident claims. For example, you should report your accident to the Nevada DMV within 10 days from the date of the crash (or have a police officer do this when they make their report). If you decide to file a claim, you have two years from the date of the crash to do so.
An attorney can make sure you complete the right forms in a timely manner and anticipate any delays that could jeopardize your case.
After Any Car Wreck, Remember To:
- Check for immediate injuries and contact the authorities right away if help is needed. (And even if you don’t need emergency medical care, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any significant injuries that may not show up right away.)
- Get contact information from the other driver. This should include: full name, license plate number, cell phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information (policy number and the name and contact number for the insurance company).
- Call the police to report the crash. Unless you have to leave the scene for pressing injuries, stay until the police officer says that you can go.
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Make sure to capture it from different angles, widening out to capture traffic signs, lights, skid marks, and other context. Get up-close pictures of the car damages and any visible injuries.
- Get contact information from witnesses who might be willing to testify on your behalf. (Send this information directly to your attorney.)
- Report your accident to your insurance company, but don’t give a recorded statement. (If they ask for one, talk to your attorney first.)
Even if your car accident was minor, the ramifications may not be. Calling an attorney immediately after your car accident ensures that your rights are protected and that you get all of the compensation you deserve, regardless of what sneaky tactics the insurance company may use. And most attorneys work on contingency fees, so you won’t have to pay them until your case is successfully resolved.
Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys stand ready to help—no matter the size or seriousness of your wreck.
Infographic
Even a minor car accident can have serious consequences. It’s essential to contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Check out this infographic to understand the risks of not hiring an attorney.
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