Whether you need to get a lawyer after an accident depends on the severity of the accident and
the injuries caused by it. If you were involved in a minor accident and no one was injured, then
you probably don’t need to hire a lawyer. Typically, the damage from minor auto accidents can
be resolved through the insurance companies of the drivers involved.
If you are involved in a major auto accident, then there’s a good chance you’ll need to seek
legal council. Here’s a list of scenarios in which you’d want to contact a lawyer.
The auto accident Caused Serious Injury or Death
If anyone was seriously injured or killed in the auto accident, contact an experienced accident
lawyer right away. Accidents involving serious bodily injury or death can result in complicated
and sometimes multiple lawsuits. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the
at-fault driver to recoup the cost of the medical treatment for your injuries.
You should never represent yourself in a lawsuit filed after a serious auto accident. These types
of civil legal cases involve complex issues that require expert advice. Most reputable lawyers
with experience handling personal injury or wrongful death cases will offer a confidential and
free legal consultation, so there is no risk in scheduling a case review with a lawyer.
You Can’t Work Because Of Your Injuries And Need Ongoing Care
If you were hurt so badly that you can’t return to work after an accident, a lawyer can make sure
that you maximize the compensation you receive. An experienced personal injury lawyer will
know how to calculate the amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.
Multiple Parties Were Involved in the Accident
If you were in an accident involving three or more vehicles, this can complicate the insurance
claim settlement and negotiation process and lead to multiple lawsuits. Some accidents involve
other parties such as pedestrians, property owners, or commercial entities.
For example, the driver of a commercial delivery truck may fail to stop at a red light and enter an
intersection illegally. A driver of a passenger vehicle may swerve to avoid the delivery truck in
the intersection and hit a motorcycle in the neighboring lane. This type of multi-vehicle accident
would likely result in a complicated lawsuit or even multiple lawsuits.
You Have Upcoming Settlement Talks
Most auto accident lawsuits settle before going to trial, which means that you’ll probably receive
a settlement offer from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Settling a lawsuit before trial can save money, but you should only settle if the amount offered is
fair based on your injuries and damages. An experienced accident lawyer can negotiate a
higher settlement than you can on your own.You’ll want someone who has experience
negotiating favorable settlement agreements for clients. Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney
about previous results.
Time Has Passed Since the Accident
After an accident, you are required to file a lawsuit during a certain period of time known as a
statute of limitations. If a lot of time has passed since your accident, you should talk to a lawyer
right away to make sure you haven’t missed this deadline.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, call the lawyers at Merrill, Merrill, Mathews,
and Allen today!