Should You Contact A Lawyer After Being In A Car Accident?
In many cases, car accident cases are pretty cut and dry. But, in others, they can be very complex. Things become worse when you don’t understand the legislation in the area where it happened. In minor cases, legal help is not always needed. But there could be one or multiple injuries involved or even fatalities, and there are cases where it would indeed be a good idea to seek legal help. Let’s take a look at a few factors to consider before thinking of hiring a lawyer after a car accident.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Call A Lawyer After A Car Accident
Liability Issues
If you’re in a no-fault state like Michigan, filing an auto accident lawsuit is a bit more complex. Note that even if there’s a no-fault policy, it doesn’t mean that you can’t sue. If there was a fatality, for instance, then you can sue the other party. Who is at fault will need to be demonstrated. Someone can be anywhere from 100% to 0% at fault and how responsible the other party is deemed to be will have a direct influence on how much you get in compensation. This is when getting a good lawyer would be essential.
The Number Of Parties Involved
If you were involved in an accident and you believe that more than one party is responsible, you should sue. This is especially important when you’re in a fault state. Since there are multiple parties involved, there could be less settlement money to go around. Also, you might get someone claiming and being able to demonstrate that you were partly at fault.
You need to get a lawyer to make sure that you are protected and that the proper parties are held liable. You should also contact one if you think you were partially at fault, but want to get compensated fairly.
How Severe Are Your Injuries?
If neither of you suffered injuries and there was no or minimal property damage, it’s usually not necessary to speak with a lawyer. However, if you’ve suffered permanent injuries or require long-term care as a result, you should call a lawyer immediately.
You need someone who will be able to pursue all the different forms of compensation you’re entitled to for your losses and injuries. You also need an expert by your side when assessing how much the injuries are going to affect your ability to earn in the future.
Economic And Non-Economic Loss
Speaking of which, you should consider hiring a lawyer if you missed work, weren’t able to run your business, or missed school because of the accident. There are various economic and non-economic losses like trauma, pain, and suffering, or loss of companionship that can get very complex depending on which jurisdiction you’re in. Only a lawyer will be able to know what you’re eligible for and help you get as much as you possibly can.
If you were still wondering if it would be a good idea to hire a lawyer after your accident, this should answer your questions. Either way, we would suggest you speak with a legal expert so you can know your options and the proper course of action to take.