You may be out of a job if you are injured in a crash. Your medical bills, other expenses and pain and suffering will also increase. If someone else is to blame for your accident, the situation can be even worse.
You may be wondering how to get the compensation you deserve from the party responsible for the accident. It can be very beneficial to hire an attorney following a car crash, but this is not always necessary. This article will tell you when to hire a lawyer for a car accident.
Signs You Should Hire an Accident Attorney
Attorneys are not required in all car accidents. If you’ve been involved in a minor accident that did not cause injuries, hiring an attorney might not be necessary.
You can file a claim for your Personal Injury Protection policy in a state that is “no fault” like Florida after a minor crash. This applies regardless of the person responsible for the accident.
California is not considered to be “at fault”. You can file a claim on the insurance of the driver responsible for the accident in these places.
In other situations, however, it is in your best interests to hire a lawyer. Here are some major signs you should hire an attorney if you have been involved in a car accident.
You have sustained a serious injury
You will likely benefit from hiring an attorney if you have been seriously injured. These accidents can have a significant financial impact as well as mental, physical and emotional effects.
You can claim compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. The responsible party, or their insurer, will do everything they can to reduce their liability.
You run the risk that your claim will be settled for less than it is worth if you don’t have an experienced lawyer. This could result in millions of dollars being lost. While you are recovering from your injury, your attorney will fight for your rights.
The Insurance Company Limits or Rejects Your Claim
In some form, almost all auto accident cases involve insurance companies. They exist to make money. The more they pay out for your claim, they lose money. It doesn’t matter if it is your insurance company or that of the other driver.
Insurers use a variety of tactics to reduce or avoid liability. They might, for example, claim that you caused the accident. This could prevent you from receiving any compensation, depending on where you live. The insurance company may also claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
It’s time to hire a lawyer if an insurance company denies your claim or offers you a “lowball settlement”. An experienced car accident attorney can help you deal with these situations and get the compensation you deserve.
Your crash was caused by mechanical failure
Some car accidents don’t occur because of the negligence or carelessness of any one involved, but are caused by a defective machine or part. These cases can be complex, and filing an insurance claim is not always the best option.
You may have to file a lawsuit for product liability against the retailer, manufacturer, or distributor in order to receive adequate compensation for your injuries. In order to win these lawsuits, you will need to hire expert assistance such as an accident reconstructor.
Lawyers who specialize in car accidents have developed relationships with professionals that are familiar with the complex laws that product-liability claims may involve.
You’re Up Against a Governmental Entity
In certain car accident cases, you may be better off filing a claim with the government. This could be the case if you crash was caused by a poor road condition or maintenance. In these types of accidents, it may be difficult to find another party that can be held responsible.
It is not easy to file a lawsuit against a government. In general, these cases have shorter deadlines and different filing requirements. The legal proceedings can also progress differently than a personal injury suit against a driver at fault.
To sue the government, you’ll most likely need to hire an attorney who specializes in car accidents. Due to the special aspects of these cases you should hire an attorney who has experience in suing a government entity.
The other driver is underinsured or uninsured
You may find that after a car crash, the driver at fault either does not have enough insurance coverage to cover your damages, or has no insurance. You have several options in these situations:
* You can file a claim for compensation if you have UIM/UM insurance coverage .
You can file a lawsuit for personal injury against the other driver.
The second option may be the best one for you, depending on your insurance and the circumstances. This is only if the party at fault has the money to pay for your claim, if you are successful.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine the best course of action after your accident and ensure that you are compensated for all your losses.
Speak with a car accident lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your options
These are just a few scenarios where hiring an attorney following a car crash is a smart decision. It’s also important to know that the majority of car accident attorneys offer free consultations. To find out if you need legal help, it’s worth your time to contact an attorney.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. They only get paid if you receive compensation. If they accept your case, then you can rest assured that it is a valuable claim and they will win.