When Do You Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident

It may be possible to resolve a car accident claim without an attorney, but most incidents involve disputed liability and complexities that quickly make them complicated. We are often consulted for cases involving injuries that seemed simple at first but have taken a turn for the worse, ascertaining one thing over time in this profession—no car accident case is straightforward.

For this reason alone, contacting an accident attorney immediately after the incident may be in your best interest. Experienced legal professionals can advise you of your rights, discuss your options for fair compensation, and guide you through the legal process.

Here are some specific situations in which it is beneficial to contact a personal injury attorney.

• You Have Sustained Injuries

Car accidents can cause severe injuries, from whiplash to bone fractures, spinal cord trauma to brain injuries, and more. Not every accident causes serious injuries like those mentioned, but seek medical attention as soon as possible.

You need to be diagnosed by a professional to understand the severity of your injuries. Even something like a soft tissue injury may cost you extensive rehabilitation.

You are entitled to compensation for injuries if you are not at fault for the accident. However, the other party’s insurance company will try to avoid, delay, and reduce the settlement amount. An attorney in such a situation can help gather evidence supporting your claim and ensure the deserved compensation is secured.

• Fault is Contested

Often, the at-fault party may claim that you are fully or partially responsible for the accident, which will lead to the insurance company offering you less than you deserve. They may even refuse to pay any settlement.

If liability is disputed, you will need a specialist to protect your right to compensation. They will investigate to determine who is at fault. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. If you are not at fault, you are entitled to full recovery.

• When You Get Lowball Offers

Lowball settlement offers are a typical occurrence and quite expected. Insurance companies are committed to paying the victim nothing or as little as possible.

When people get seriously injured, they may become desperate, and the idea of a settlement (any amount) that helps reduce the expenditure involved with medical bills and other accident-related expenses may sound well-deserved, but that’s where things can go wrong.

In many cases we have handled, the plaintiff miscalculated or overlooked future medical costs or compensation amounts for everything they are experiencing. Once a settlement is accepted, the deal is sealed, and you cannot pursue the case further, even if your injuries worsen. It is best to speak to a specialist car accident lawyer Orange County to ensure you’re fully compensated.

• The Liability Becomes Complex

Sometimes, an accident involves more than two vehicles, and in such cases, liability is questioned; it can rest with one or more parties. Here are a few examples:

– The collision involved employer negligence. For instance, a collision with a truck used for commercial purposes.

– The accident was caused because of faulty parts.

– Government-owned vehicles were involved in the accident.

– Poorly maintained roads caused the accident.

These cases typically involve parties other than the irresponsible driver. Each party will have its own insurance company and legal team, making the case too complex for you to handle.

• The Case Goes to Court

Generally, car accident claims do not go to court; they are settled outside the court. But when the insurers don’t agree to a fair settlement, the case may need to be resolved by filing a lawsuit in court.

Court proceedings involve specialized rules and procedures that an experienced accident attorney knows how to navigate. Even if you did not hire an attorney until now, this is when you must. You want to get into legal proceedings with legal counsel so all the advantages don’t go to the other party’s insurance company.

Conclusion

If you want to file a lawsuit, you have a limited time to do so. Each state sets a statute of limitations outlining the time you have to file. Compensation may not be available if you fail to file a lawsuit before the last date of the statute of limitations. Some states provide up to three years to file a lawsuit, while others give only one year. If the statute of limitations has exceptions, you could have even less time. So, getting in touch with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident is better for your case.

Also Read: Can I Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits If The Accident Was My Fault?