By Brett Sachs
If you’ve been in a car accident, it can be hard to know if you need to seek advice from an attorney. At the same time, you don’t want to waste your time or money on a lawyer if you don’t need one.
There are things that must be done immediately, and there are things that can wait. If you have been involved in a car accident, and the driver that caused it has left the scene of the accident without identifying themselves, then you may want to call the police immediately so they can get the information from you to begin their investigation and locate the other driver. But if you have a small bump on your elbow from where your seatbelt hit you during the crash, then it is more important to get to a doctor’s office for treatment than it is for you to call an accident attorney.
Here are some signs that you need to call an accident attorney:
You’re injured.
If someone hits your car or if another vehicle hits you, and someone was hurt as a result of this, then there is a high probability that they will try to seek compensation for their injuries through the court system. You should speak with an accident attorney from MVP Accident Attorneys as soon as possible after receiving medical attention in order to make sure that your rights are protected. If you have pain or other symptoms after the crash, that could mean that you have a valid personal injury claim. Pain can come and go, but it’s reasonable to assume the worst and assume that it could be a long-term problem
There was property damage.
Suppose property damage was caused by someone else’s negligent actions. You may not think it is necessary to call an accident attorney in this case because you know how much damage was done to your vehicle and can easily fill out the paperwork with your insurance company, but it’s critical to call an accident attorney in this kind of situation.
The other driver fled the scene.
If the other driver leaves the scene of an accident and doesn’t provide information, that’s not normal behavior. It could mean they’re trying to hide something, or they’re scared of facing their own liability for the crash. Either way, it’s worth talking to MVP Accident Attorneys before you talk with others about what happened.
Your insurance company is giving you trouble.
Insurance companies have their own reasons for denying claims, but they must provide evidence backing up their reasoning. Sometimes, they will try to pressure people into accepting an unfair settlement just so they can move on and focus on another claim. If this happens to you, it is important that you protect yourself from such tactics by getting in touch with an attorney who can help sort out the situation for you.
The authorities don’t seem helpful.
This can be a very disconcerting situation, but there are many reasons why this could happen. The police officer at the scene of the accident did not ask for your information or insurance information. This can be a very disconcerting situation, but there are many reasons why this could happen. He might need to get your information from another witness; he might have asked another person for it and simply forgot, or he may have thought that he already had all the information he needed from what you told him. Police officers often deal with car accidents on a daily basis and know how to approach each incident smoothly.
There’s No Clear Fault
You have been accused of causing the accident, or the fault is unclear. When the fault is not clear, it may be difficult to negotiate a settlement directly through your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. An accident lawyer may be able to work with both parties and come up with a settlement that includes money for both medical expenses and lost wages. You cannot afford the costs of medical care or property damage on your own. If you’re unable to pay bills on time, or if your injuries prevent you from returning to work, an attorney can help you get assisted.
How an Accident Attorney Can Help
An accident attorney is someone who represents people involved in various kinds of accidents. In most cases, an attorney will represent a person who has been injured due to the negligence of others and help that person get compensation for their injuries.
Here are some reasons why hiring an accident attorney is helpful:
- Know your rights- Accident lawyers have been exposed to the laws of your state. They know what you are entitled to and understand the legal process to help you get the best possible outcome.
- Negotiate on your behalf- An experienced attorney will be able to negotiate with insurance companies who are hoping that they can get out of paying all or part of your claim. The attorney helps ensure that you will receive all that is legally due to you in terms of medical treatment and compensation for any other losses sustained as a result of the accident.
- Help you get back on track- After an accident, it is normal to be preoccupied with recovering from serious injuries and taking care of medical bills. An accident lawyer can help you get back on track by helping you become financially stable again. The attorney will help to ensure that you get fair compensation based on the extent of your injuries, which will provide money for future medical care, ongoing therapy, and any other expenses related to the injury sustained in the crash.
Final Thoughts
Don’t take responsibility for the crash. You might not remember who was at fault in a minor fender bender, but if the other driver is claiming you were 100 percent responsible for causing it — or not taking responsibility for their role in the crash — that’s another sign of trouble ahead. You’ll want an attorney to help you get through this.
About the Author
Brett Sachs, partner & principal attorney at MVP Accident Attorneys, graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors and worked for an insurance defense firm before starting his practice. Brett has evaluated thousands of personal injury cases and has helped his clients receive the justice they deserve.
