Do You Need an Attorney for a Car Accident?
If you were recently involved in an automobile accident, you might be wondering if you should start calling car accident lawyers to secure representation. Injured victims who have not been through this experience before may not know what to do or where to turn. Speaking with a car accident lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and provide guidance on whether or not you should pursue a legal claim to maximize your compensation.
Car accident lawyers can be a valuable resource and advocate after a car accident, but the first step is determining if your car accident claim is severe enough to warrant a call to an attorney. You may not need assistance from an attorney if:
- You only sustained minor injuries with little pain or discomfort.
- There was no need for you to see a medical specialist or have any imaging done.
- You recovered from your injuries in a short amount of time or with only a few chiropractic appointments.
- The damage to your vehicle is minimal and the insurance company is willing to cover it
Claims of the nature described above are usually paid in full, sometimes with a few extra thousand dollars for your pain and suffering. Car accident lawyers might negotiate a settlement slightly higher than this but probably not enough to make it worthwhile for either of you.
If your claim is more severe, it is highly advisable to speak to several car accident lawyers to find the one best suited for you and our needs. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not get paid unless you receive a settlement or court award. Because of this fee structure, if an attorney takes your case, there is a very strong chance that you will obtain compensation for your accident-related losses.
When Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney?
You should retain a car accident lawyer’s services as soon as you can after the automobile accident that left you injured. Insurance claims adjusters will attempt to contact you very soon after your claim is filed. Adjusters know that you are more likely to settle for a subpar settlement if they can get make the offer before you speak with an attorney. Additionally, they will aim to get a recorded statement from you without an attorney present, hoping you will unknowingly say something that could be used to devalue your claim. Once you hire counsel, any communication from the insurance company must go through your attorney.
All car accident claims are subject to their state’s statute of limitations. Under these statutes, injured individuals only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most states, the deadline is between one and three years after the date of the injury. By contacting an attorney shortly after an accident, you can ensure that you will not miss this crucial deadline.
If too much time elapses between your accident and securing a car accident lawyer’s services, evidence valuable to your claim may be lost, damaged, or even stolen. Your attorney needs evidence to help support your claim. Insufficient evidence can make it much harder to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Such evidence includes:
- Pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and your injuries
- Witness information and statements
- Medical records
- Police reports
Waiting for a Settlement? We Can Help!
Although car accident lawyers can help victims get a fair settlement, the process can take a while. In the meantime, you might find it challenging to pay your bills after being injured in a car accident. USClaims can help by providing pre-settlement funding in qualified cases. Instead of waiting for your settlement or court award, you can receive needed money now. In return, we purchase a portion of your expected compensation.
At USClaims, we only collect our purchase of your settlement if your case is won or reaches a settlement. If you do not receive a settlement or court award, you owe us nothing. Click here to find our FAQs. Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to receive more information!
