Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
To the average person this is a topic that never comes to mind until it is too late. In a perfect world everyone would know exactly what to do or who to call following a car accident however often that first phone call is to a loved one instead of 911. If you have personally been involved in a car accident you know how surprising and shocking the experience can be. With adrenaline pumping and your mind racing simple decisions can become complicated by emotions. With questions such as costs or the immediate need of medical attention coming to mind, you may not always make the most informed decisions about going to the hospital or hiring a car accident lawyer.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
There are many fields of practice that a lawyer may enter after getting their degree and passing the bar. Some lawyers choose to practice in many areas at the same time while others limit their practice to smaller and more focused areas. A lawyer who chooses to pursue a career representing people injured in a car or motor vehicle accident typically handles cases involving injuries caused by another driver. It is your lawyer's job to handle every aspect of your claim from resolving your property damage to finding you the medical attention you need from specialized doctors for your unique injuries. Your lawyer should also conduct a thorough background investigation and asset check to determine what insurance coverages or assets the person who hit you has in order to make a recovery on your behalf. Once a sufficient case has been built, your lawyer will then typically submit a demand to the insurance company in an amount he deems appropriate based on several factors including the severity of your injuries.
Can I Afford a Car Accident Lawyer?
The idea that lawyers are expensive is true. Most charge hourly rates for services rendered and the bills can often become unmanageable for the average person. Your typical car accident lawyer works on what’s called a contingency fee however and what that means is your lawyer will work for no cost up front and if they are unable to make a recovery for your pain and suffering you never owe them money.
This type of payment plan makes the question of whether to hire a car accident lawyer a simple one in my opinion. With the ability to hire a lawyer who has years of experience handling car accident cases like yours and the knowledge to maximize any settlements received means that often you would receive less money if you did not hire an attorney.
When Should I Call a Car Accident Lawyer?
The sooner you speak to a car accident lawyer following an accident the better. In these types of cases time is an important factor and the longer you wait to reach out to an attorney, the higher the chances of damaging any potential claims you may be entitled to. It is best to receive any medical attention required at the scene of the accident and then directly speak with your lawyer. Your attorney can make sure you preserve any evidence that may be helpful and provide you with any follow-up doctors that may be beneficial. The first few days of any claim are the most important in building a case.
Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?
The simple answer to this question is yes. The hiring of your lawyer does not cost you anything and they are experienced in handling the type of case you have, they should be able to recover more for you than you would be able to on your own. Generally, the insurance companies that are responsible for paying for your damages do everything in their power to limit what and when they pay. It is not uncommon for them to outright deny a claim following an accident until you hire a lawyer to represent you.
Attorney Logan Lawrence
03/23/2022