Every time we drive on the roads, we are in danger of getting into an accident. No matter how cautious we drive or how hard we try to avoid dangerous situations, we are all at risk for injury and damage due to a minor or major car accidents.
Immediately following an accident, many people’s first reaction is fear and the inevitable questions arise: am I hurt? Is my car totaled? How much will this cost? But, once the initial shock wears off and all injuries and wounds are tended to, the next question that comes to mind is often whether or not you need an attorney.
If the car accident is minor, one party is admitting fault, and it can be solved with a simple payment or insurance claim, you may be able to get away without an attorney. Unfortunately, though, even the most minor accidents don’t end so easily. Often, the person at fault is hesitant to admit any wrongdoing and if this happens, you may end up being liable for all of your injuries and damages. That’s why, following a car accident, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible. Here are a few ways to know if you need an attorney on your side.
When No One is Claiming Fault
After a car accident, it’s very common for both parties to blame the other. Even if it is clear that the other party was at fault, it can be hard to prove unless the insurance company witnessed the crash happen. If you were in an accident that you know wasn’t your fault, having an attorney can help you prove it. They know the items needed to prove negligence and if you get them on your side early, they will be able to piece together evidence from the scene to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
When the Accident Was Serious
As mentioned, a minor fender bender with cooperating parties may not warrant an attorney. But if the accident caused injuries or damage to your car, it’s always a good idea to have a lawyer by your side. Even if the other party does admit fault, the insurance company will still try to give you the least amount of compensation. An attorney will ensure that you get what you deserve and take a lot of the hard work off your hands while you recover from injuries or get your car back to working order.
If the Insurance Companies Give You the Runaround
Insurance companies will do a lot of things to ensure they pay you the least amount of money. One of these things is calling you after the accident to get a recorded statement. If this happens, be sure to hang up and contact an attorney. If you give a statement, every minor detail you include can be turned against you and cause you to receive less or no compensation. An attorney will deal with the insurance company for you and know what to say, and what not to say, to get you the best end result.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the trusted attorneys at Stewart & Stewart today. Give us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information.