Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?
On average, Americans have less than 5 hours of free time a week. That doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room for handling complex personal injury claims. If you were recently in a car accident, you might be putting off calling a lawyer simply because you don’t have the time.
However, if you need a lawyer, and don’t hire one, you’ll wind up wasting more time and money in the long run. Instead of getting the compensation, you deserve, you’ll be left to handle things out of pocket.
When do you absolutely need to call a lawyer after a car accident? Read on to find out.
What To Do After an Accident
Let’s say another car rear-ends you. The impact is minor, and you’re not experiencing any pain. After getting out of your vehicle, you don’t see any damage on your car or the other drivers. Would this be a situation where you could just go about your way? Not quite.
Unfortunately, even minor car accidents warrant calling the police. It’s not that you’re trying to get anyone in trouble or waste emergency services time. Instead, calling the police allows you to file a report for the accident.
At Fault vs Not at Fault
Whether you get hit or hit someone else, you should get a police report. Don’t assume that because you hit the other vehicle it’s completely your fault. Perhaps they were breaking erratically or had a problem with their vehicle.
When Is It Too Late To Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
If you don’t have an accident report, and a problem pops up later on down the road, you could be in a world of trouble. For instance, perhaps your vehicle looks fine, but there’s some underlying damage. A police report stating what happened could help you when dealing with insurance companies.
Minor Car Accident Settlement Options
After filing a police report, should you instantly call a lawyer? Pretty much. A lot of personal injury lawyers are willing to offer free consultations. You could wind up having a short talk and finding out you don’t have any type of legal recourse.
On the other side of things, your consultation could uncover the damages you qualify for. You won’t know until you talk to an experienced professional. We suggest calling 2 to 3 different law offices.
Let them know what your situation is, and find out if they offer free consultations. You might be able to perform the consultation over the phone, saving you the time and hassle of making a trip.
Handling Minor Injuries
After a car accident, your body isn’t itself. The jarring experience can cause adrenaline to flood your bloodstream. You could be in pain and not even know it.
After an accident, your second priority is going car accident attorneys but we suggest going to a hospital. It’s especially vital to go to a hospital if there are children or elderly passengers.
Proving Liability With Medical Reports
Suppose you don’t go to the hospital immediately from the accident scene. In that case, you could wind up hurting your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies want you to prove that the accident is the cause of your injury. Going directly to the hospital, by way of ambulance, is your best bet.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident: Answered
The next time you start wondering, should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident? you’ll know the answer. You’re wise for taking the time to find out if you need a lawyer. However, don’t stop after reading this article. Take things one step further by reaching out for a free consultation.
Before you know it, you’ll be able to find an attorney that you can trust. Then, you can follow their professional advice as to whether or not you need to file a lawsuit.
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