When to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident

Have you been in a recent car accident, and are you unsure of when you should hire a car accident attorney? It's never too early to speak with a skilled lawyer who has experience with auto accidents. However, there are five critical stages at which you might want to hire a lawyer for a car accident.

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, you may be wondering when to hire an auto accident attorney. It's never too early to hire a car accident lawyer if you have been hurt or sustained vehicle damage. In fact, with the statute of limitations ticking from the date of your accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a case with an experienced car accident attorney.

However, there are five critical stages to consider:

• Immediately after seeking medical attention
• When negotiating with insurance companies
• When you have sustained property damage
• When seeking a fair settlement for your accident claim
• If you have suffered from emotional distress caused by an automobile accident

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today to learn more about your legal options if you are at any of these five stages.

Immediately After Seeking Medical Attention

One of the first things you should do after an automobile accident is seek medical attention. Even if you feel healthy and fine, many injuries do not arise immediately. A medical doctor can run the necessary tests to ensure that you have not suffered bodily harm from the motor vehicle accident.

After a serious car accident, a complete medical exam may seem frivolous or like a waste of time, but be assured that it is not. It is crucial to prove that your injuries resulted from the auto accident and were neither pre-existing nor incurred at a later date.

If you hire a quality auto accident lawyer as you seek medical attention, they will ensure that the doctors perform all the necessary tests and screenings that may become vital to your case. While the medical doctors are concerned with ensuring that you are healthy enough to return home, your car accident attorney is concerned with ensuring you are legally covered for any potential medical complications that may arise now or in the future.

Taking a few extra precautions now can save you money, time, and headaches further down the line.

When Negotiating With Insurance Companies

The next critical stage at which a car accident lawyer should be on your team is when you are negotiating with insurance companies. The insurance companies will do their best to find loopholes to avoid paying you altogether, or at least avoid to paying you in full. They are businesses. This is how they make a profit — not to excuse their behavior, but you should expect it.

After enduring a traumatic auto vehicle accident, you will not be in the best position to negotiate for yourself, even if you usually excel at negotiations. A skilled auto accident lawyer fighting for your rights can make the difference between a successful total payout and a disappointing partial payout, or no insurance payout at all.

Even if you have already attempted to negotiate with the insurance company, it is still worth speaking with an auto accident lawyer about your options. It may not be too late for them to take over the negotiations and attempt to win you a fairer insurance payout.

When You Have Sustained Property Damage

The third critical stage at which you’ll want a knowledgeable car accident attorney is when you have sustained property damage to your vehicle. It is common in most auto accidents to sustain property damage to your vehicle. 

If a car accident damaged your vehicle, a distinguished auto accident lawyer could help you recover your incurred losses. If it takes you $5,000 to fix your vehicle and you are forced to use a rental car costing an additional $500, a good attorney may be able to recover the entire $5,500 in damages. 

Of course, the total recoverable amount will depend on the specifics of your case, including which state the accident occurred in and whether the other driver was 100% at fault for the car accident. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to receive fair damages or settlement money to cover your losses. 

When Seeking a Fair Settlement for Your Accident Claim

If you have endured a car accident and are attempting to receive a fair settlement for your accident claim, it is imperative that you have a skillful car accident attorney on your side. A skillful attorney won't promise you more than what you are fairly owed to cover your auto damages. Your payout may vary, depending on the specifics of your case.

An honest auto accident attorney won't promise to make you rich from your car accident. However, they should be able to receive a fair settlement based on the facts of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction.

If You Have Suffered From Emotional Distress Caused by an Automobile Accident

An automobile accident can be a traumatic experience. If you have suffered emotional distress after a car accident, you may be entitled to additional damages. Some states award damages for emotional distress after a car accident. Depending on the state in which the accident occurred and the level of trauma you suffered, an experienced car accident lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for your distress. 

It is best to reach out to a top car accident lawyer immediately if you believe you are suffering from emotional distress due to your accident.

Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help Accident Victims at Every Turn

If you or a loved one has suffered from a devastating car accident, our highly skilled and empathetic personal injury attorneys can help you at every turn. Whether you are currently receiving post-accident medical check-ups or finding yourself suffering from emotional distress months later, our attorneys can help.

Contact us today to discuss your case with our quality team of car accident lawyers.