Auto Accident Attorney: Do You Need One?

Being in a car crash can be a traumatic incident, even if no one is injured. Damage to your vehicle and your shaken nerves will ensure that you don’t soon forget what happened. On the other hand, if you or someone else was hurt, you may need to consider hiring an auto accident attorney. This is someone who specializes in getting judgments and settlements for those who have incurred enormous expenses and/or injuries due to someone else’s fault. You may be unsure after a crash whether or not you need such a lawyer. Such hesitation is normal: after all, the opposing insurance company will certainly not be pressuring you to make such a move. Here are some things to consider that can help you make up your mind.

First of all, you’ll need to take stock of your injuries and medical bills. This will also include finding out how much work you’ll be missing and how that will impact you financially. If the insurance company is offering you a settlement that won’t come close to paying for your expenses, you’ll definitely need to think about getting an auto accident attorney. The last thing you want to do is attempt to make negotiations on your own. Anything the insurance company offers you will be an attempt to get away as cheaply as possible. It’s not until a lawyer backs them into a corner or puts them in front of a jury that they will come off the settlement you deserve. No matter how nicely they treat you or how concerned they seem, never forget that their primary objective is to save the bottom line.

Even if your injuries do not seem severe, it is usually worth it to at least set up a consultation with an auto accident attorney before you sign anything or accept any settlement. You could potentially be giving up on thousands of dollars, if not more. A good lawyer will be up front with you about your chances. They can’t afford not to be. Many of them work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you do. That means they aren’t going to be wasting their time on an unwinnable case. There is, in fact, probably no better way to figure out if you have a case or not than by setting up a free consultation or two.

Ultimately, the decision will be up to your best judgment. However, if you ever get the feeling like you are going to get screwed over by the opposing insurance company, you should not hesitate to look for a good auto accident attorney to talk things over. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are very likely entitled to money. Don’t overlook this, as medical bills and lost wages have sent more people than you may realize into dire financial straits.