When to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident

Sometimes may not need to hire an attorney.  Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to ask.  Sometimes it is imperative.

Most clear-cut claims may not require an attorney’s assistance. These have:

1. clarity of liability and/or
2. injuries are minor with low medical bills and other expenses; and/or
3. there are no extenuating circumstances requiring investigation, such as previously existing injuries to the same body parts, complicated scenario in the accident, uncertainties about coverage, or questions about the statute of limitations.

It would be prudent to at least seek advice from an auto accident attorney when:

• Liability is not clear or is shared between or among the parties.
• The adjuster has made you an offer and you think your claim is worth a great deal more.
• The adjuster is offering a structured settlement rather than a lump sum payment.
• You are not confident in your ability to negotiate a settlement on your own behalf.
• You have no idea how to evaluate your claim.
• The adjuster has asked you to provide medical records from prior to the accident.
• You have a claim of lost wages that is difficult to prove—for example, you are a consultant, a business owner, a sales person, etc.

It is critical that you consult an auto accident attorney when:

• There are extenuating circumstances that make your claim more valuable and you don’t know how to prove your loss (for example, you’re a caregiver and can no longer take care of your husband or sick mother).
• The insurance company has denied your claim, you believe they are incorrect in their denial, and they will not reconsider.
• Liability is being disputed and you believe you are not responsible or are only partially responsible for the accident.
• It’s been almost a year since your accident, you’re not close to settling your claim, and you don’t know what the statute of limitations is in your state.
• The circumstances surrounding the accident are complex and may require expert investigation.
• The insurance company’s settlement offer is too low.
• You are seriously injured with significant medical bills with or without residual disability.
• You are moderately injured with residual disability and will incur future medical bills.
• The injured party is a minor with more than slight injuries.
• The other party to the accident has served you with a lawsuit.