When Should You Contact an Attorney After an Auto Accident?
When you are in an auto accident, you may think you’re covered because you or the person responsible for the accident has car insurance. However, there are several situations in which the existence of a car insurance policy does not guarantee your fair and reasonable compensation. If you have been in an auto accident, you should consider contacting an attorney for a consultation, especially if any of these scenarios apply.
The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
If the other driver in an auto accident does not have car insurance, you need to contact an attorney. In order for the negligent party to be held accountable, you must have someone fighting on your side to get compensation. Typically, these situations end in a courtroom. If you don’t have a lawyer working for you, you may not get the compensation you deserve. While you can file small claims without an attorney, having an attorney is the best way to guarantee that you will receive the required compensation for your injuries.
Car Insurance Isn’t Paying
Car insurance companies are in the business of offering insurance, not paying out claims. Most of them will do everything they can to prevent paying on a claim. If your car insurance company or the company of the other driver is refusing to compensate you for your injuries and damages, you may need an attorney to negotiate with the insurance company for you.
The same is true if you do not feel that the compensation being offered by the car insurance company is fair and covers all of your costs. When you are injured in an auto accident, you have a right to compensation for your property damage, medical bills, and any ongoing treatments, as well as lost wages due to missed work from your injuries. Many car insurance companies will attempt to only pay a fraction of your total losses.
Before signing anything, you should contact an attorney for assistance. Once you sign documents accepting an insurance settlement or cash their check, you will be unable to get any further compensation for the incident. If you have any questions about whether or not the settlement you are getting from the insurance company is fair, it is best to discuss it with an attorney before signing.
Your Injuries are Disabling
If your injuries from an auto accident caused a disability that will affect the rest of your life, you need to contact an attorney to represent you. In these cases, compensation may be available for your loss of job and income, your ongoing medical treatment, and medical appliances such as canes or walkers. You may also be able to get additional compensation for pain and suffering, as well as loss of a caregiver if you are unable to care for an elderly or minor family member.
If you have been in an auto accident, the best option is to contact an attorney right away. Many of them will offer a free consultation.
