Reasons To Work With A Car Accident Attorney
It isn't always necessary to get an attorney after you've been in a car accident, but it's often a good idea to do so. Even if it turns out the lawyer doesn't think you have a case to pursue, you'll at least know you're doing the right thing by accepting the insurance company's settlement. Here are some times when it could be best to call an attorney soon after your accident.
When You Need Medical Treatments
If you're hurt in the accident and need emergency care, hospitalization, or ongoing treatments, it's a good idea to talk to an attorney before you agree to accept what the insurance company offers. An attorney can review your medical records and turn to experts who can estimate what your future care might entail, including the costs. You want compensation to cover your current bills as well as future medical treatments related to the accident.
If You Have To Miss Work
Depending on the type of work you do, an injury like a broken hip could keep you away from work for several weeks. If you don't have sick days to cover your lost wages, not being able to work could cause a financial disaster at a time when you have enough other things to worry about. When an attorney looks at your case, your lost wages come into play when determining a fair settlement for the accident.
When Fault Is In Question
In some cases, the person at fault for the accident isn't always clear. The accident could've been caused by negligence of the other driver, driving under the influence, or a malfunction of a car part. The accident could be your fault, the fault of the other driver, or the fault of a third party. An attorney may need to investigate the accident to understand what happened and to determine who is responsible for the damages. Plus, you may need help clearing yourself if you know the accident wasn't your fault.
When You Want Guidance
Getting an attorney after an accident doesn't always mean you'll face going to court or get tied up in a long settlement process. Sometimes all you need is guidance on what you should do. If you've never been in an accident before, you probably don't know what to expect and what's normal procedure. Getting help from an attorney can put your mind at rest that you're making the right decisions and not being taken advantage of by the insurance company. If you decide talking to an attorney is a good idea, try to do it as soon as you can after the accident and before you talk to the insurance company so you make the right moves from the start.
For more information, contact a local law firm that offers car accident attorney services.
Share