Three Situations When You Should Have A Vehicle Accident Attorney
You see commercials on television, on billboards, and on the internet for lawyers wanting your business after an auto accident, but do you need a lawyer with every accident? The truth is that you may not need a lawyer when it's a small fender bender, but there are times when you should always call for legal help. The following are a few instances when you need legal assistance from a vehicle accident attorney.
The other driver's insurance company is moving slowly
This is common with insurance companies and is a tactic they use so you will settle for less. They commonly have an offer on the table that is too low to pay for all the work you will need to fix your car. Most of the time, people in this situation will get tired of attempting to convince the insurance company that they need a lot more money than they are offering, and they will simply accept the lower offer. You will likely be better off if you have legal representation to negotiate for a higher amount.
You have been injured
This is a situation that should be an automatic consultation with an attorney. Depending upon the nature of the injuries you sustained, there will likely be an offer from the insurance company to pay your medical bills. This offer will certainly be much lower than you are entitled to under the law. Often, this amount will be only for medical expenses, and even then, it will likely be insufficient for future medical expenses, including rehabilitation. But there is likely additional compensation you may be entitled to that an attorney can explain, such as for missed work and your suffering.
You were a passenger in the car accident
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you shouldn't attempt to figure out which insurance company to file a claim with. The driver of the car you were in may claim it was the other car driver's fault. You should never get involved in assigning blame. Let your attorney do this. Not only does a lawyer have the experience to determine which driver was likely at fault, but in many states, there are laws that assign propositional fault, so having an attorney is imperative if you want to get the maximum amount from each insurance company.
If you've had a minor fender bender, you may be able to get by without a lawyer, but there are situations when you need to hire one. If you experience long delays in negotiations for a settlement, if you have been injured, or if you were a passenger who sustained injuries, you should always consult with an attorney. If you are unsure if you need a lawyer, this type of attorney usually offers a free, initial consultation.
Contact a vehicle accident attorney for more information.
