Across the United States, there are over 17,000 accidents every day. Many of these accidents are considered fender benders or minor incidents, so it’s not surprising that such cases do not require calls to the police or interactions with car accident attorneys. However, in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to tell whether you may need a lawyer. Sometimes, injuries and damages may be much more severe than they seem at first glance.
What Exactly Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
First, an attorney will investigate your case. If there are any witnesses, they will want to talk to them. This is why it is very important to hang onto any documentation that arises from the car accident process. For many attorneys, once they have completed their investigation, it will be time to move onto negotiations with the car insurance company. For victims of car accidents, this provides a crucial piece of the puzzle. After all, car accident insurers will often do whatever they can to avoid making big payouts. Because lawyers are aware of the tactics they use, they are much better equipped to handle these scenarios — and triumph — than the vast majority of car accident victims. If, however, the attorney is unable to secure a fair settlement for their client, then the next step is to take the case to court.
Did You Know That Many Lawyers Will Take Your Case without Upfront Costs?
Although you will have to part with a significant amount of your eventual settlement — usually around 33% — many attorneys do not require any kind of initial payment. For those who want representation but do not have immediate funds available, working an attorney like this can make all the difference. And although 33% may sound like a lot, research reveals that working with an attorney may increase your settlement offer exponentially — more than enough to justify the lawyer’s portion of your payout.
When Is It Especially Important to Get a Car Accident Attorney?
There are a few circumstances that make it especially crucial that you contact an attorney. If you have tried to negotiate with the insurance companies on your own and you have not received an appropriate settlement offer to cover your damages, then you will want to contact an attorney. If your accident was particularly serious and involved serious injuries such as broken bones, you will definitely want to speak to an attorney. If there was a pileup or many vehicles involved in the accident, it is imperative that you reach out to an attorney. Another scenario in which it’s especially important is if there is any doubt about who is at fault for the accident.
Hiring an Attorney in the Wake of an Accident: The Bottom Line
When you’re recovering from a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the status of your case. An attorney can take this pressure off your plate, allowing you to heal. Because consultations are almost always free, there is truly no reason not to make the initial step and call a lawyer about your accident.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
