Making a call to an auto accident attorney after experiencing a car crash is always a good idea. This is especially true if there were injuries involved.
If you have been involved in a vehicle crash,
you are often left wondering who to call and what to do. While most people know to call the police and their insurance company, many do not know what to do after that. Often, a call to an auto accident attorney sooner rather than later can help in the process. There are times when it makes sense to get legal help after a car crash.
When You Are the Injured Party
Injured parties are often the first ones to consider calling a lawyer, particularly if they are getting nowhere with the guilty party's insurance company. The sooner you call, the better your position will be. The memory of the accident will be fresh in your mind, and the defendants in the case will not be able to say that your injuries were caused by something other than the crash.
So how can you know that you need to meek the call? First, if you feel that the insurance is not giving you what you deserve or need for your expenses, then make the call. Often, insurance companies will give you the bare minimum, hoping that the "problem" will go away. Keep in mind that you are due more than just the medical costs. You may be due payment for lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering on top of your actual medical expenses. The cost of your gas to drive back and forth for medical treatments may also be covered.
If an uninsured driver injures you, make the call. There may be a way to get compensation for your injuries, even without insurance. Remember, driving without insurance is illegal, so the driver is held liable.
If You Are the Guilty Party
Sometimes, you will find that you are the one legally responsible for an accident. Even in this situation, you can benefit from an auto accident attorney. Make the call if you feel there is any hope of getting out of a portion of your liability for the crash.
Remember, even if you were the "at fault" driver, the laws may allow for you to prove that the other driver had some responsibility for the crash. This could greatly cut down on what your insurance provider has to pay, and therefore how much your rates will go up. If you are disputing a situation, your lawyer can help you do so legally and ethically.
Remember, cases that benefit the most from the help of an auto accident attorney are those involving injuries or significant damage to property. Whether you are the injured party or the at-fault driver, making a call to a lawyer is very important. Since most offer free consultations, you can find out if your case has any merit before you start paying legal fees. The peace of mind that comes from pursuing every option is well worth the time spent on the phone when dealing with the aftermath of a car crash.
