When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Car crashes can happen in the blink of an eye and leave victims overwhelmed with questions about what to do next. Dealing with the aftermath can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible, dealing with the insurance companies, and trying to get compensation for damages. If you’re wondering, When do you need a lawyer for a car accident?, it’s important to know how an attorney can help you protect your rights and get a fair resolution to your case.
When to Consider a Lawyer
While it’s always a good idea to consider talking to a lawyer about your case, small collisions like fender-benders with no injuries and clear fault might be able to be handled directly with the insurance company. However, there are many circumstances where hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended.
Severe Injuries or Fatalities
If you were seriously hurt or a loved one was killed in the accident, the stakes are much higher. These cases usually involve large hospital bills, long-term care needs, or wrongful death claims. Your legal counsel would be able to help you go after the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Unclear Fault
In many accidents, it’s not always clear who was responsible. Insurance companies have a habit of trying to shift the blame to the claimant to reduce their liability and minimize the amount they pay out. Your lawyer can gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions to prove who is at fault and build a strong case to support your side of the story.
Uncooperative Insurance Companies
It’s rare to encounter an insurance company that will cooperate without argument when it comes time to pay out on a claim. Ultimately, insurance is a for-profit industry, so they train their adjusters to use certain tactics to devalue or even outright deny claims whenever possible. If you’re dealing with an unresponsive or aggressive insurance representative, your attorney can act as your advocate. They know how to counter those tactics to make sure your rights are protected and will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Complicated Legal Issues
Certain cases might deal with unique or complicated legal issues, such as crashes involving commercial trucks, government entities, or faulty vehicle parts. A lawyer who has experience dealing with these types of cases can help you get through any additional legal hurdles you might run into.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. A lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders.
How an Attorney Can Help in a Car Accident Case
During the initial consultation, your lawyer will go over all the details of your claim to help you understand your legal options. They can figure out the strength of your case and give you advice on how to move forward. They’ll also conduct a thorough investigation and find the evidence needed to support your claim. Each case will vary, depending on the circumstances, but evidence often includes:
Police reports
Accident scene photos and videos
Witness statements
Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
Medical records.
Likewise, your attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, such as:
Medical costs (current and future)
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damages
Loss of consortium in wrongful death cases.
If negotiations fall apart when your lawyer talks to the insurance company, they’ll be ready to take your case to court. They’ll present the evidence to the judge or jury and make a strong argument on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to act quickly after a car accident because of the statute of limitations. In Kansas, car crash victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the timeline can vary in cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent, in which case the clock usually starts ticking on the date the injury was discovered.
If you have questions about your car accident claim, call our offices today for a free consultation and to take the first step toward resolving your case.
Common Missteps to Avoid After an Accident
When you’re stressed and dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, it’s easy to make some mistakes that could damage your accident claim. Here are a few to avoid:
Admitting Fault: Even if you feel partially responsible, never admit it to anyone at the scene or to insurance adjusters; let fault be determined based on the evidence.
Delaying Medical Help: Even if you feel fine, it’s best to get checked out at the hospital; not doing so endangers your health and can also weaken your case.
Taking a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies often send a lowball settlement offer to close cases quickly, and they rarely reflect the true cost of your damages.
Not Documenting the Scene: It’s easy to forget to gather evidence at the scene, but you’ll need it to be able to prove your case later.
Not Talking to a Lawyer: Even if you think you can handle your claim alone, it’s still best to talk to an attorney so you don’t hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
When you take the right steps immediately after an accident, it greatly improves your chances of getting a favorable outcome for your case.
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
At Palmer Law Group, we’ve been helping people with their legal troubles since our founding in January of 1980. Our team is dedicated to guiding clients through complicated personal injury claims and fighting to make sure they get the compensation they’re entitled to. We understand the challenges you face after a car crash. With decades of experience, we’re committed to helping you through the legal process to get the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’ve been in a car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call us today to discuss your case. Let us handle the legal stress so you can focus on your recovery.