Car Accident Attorneys And Why You Might Need One

A car accident can be a harrowing experience. Whether you're the victim of a careless driver or the person to blame for the accident, there can be a lot of bureaucratic red tape to cut through. One wrong move could cost you thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, insurance claim losses, and medical bills. That's why car accident attorneys are so important when you need to recover your losses or protect yourself following an accident.

Reasons To Hire A Car Accident Attorney

Many car accidents are easy to resolve. Both drivers swap insurance information, oftentimes a police report is filed, and then both parties carry on their way while the insurance company foots the bill. However, in the case of severe accidents or under certain special circumstances, an attorney may be required.

You may want to hire an attorney if you or a loved one were involved in any of the following circumstances: Physical injury, fatality, or other significant damage. Car accident attorneys are often well-versed in how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs. They also often understand how to seek damages from reckless drivers, drunk drivers, and other guilty parties.

What To Look For In The Car Accident Attorney You Hire

When you're attempting to hire a car accident attorney choosing the right personal injury lawyer is of the utmost importance.

When speaking to an attorney about your case ask them what type of coverage they provide. Are they experts in personal injury? Do they handle wrongful death cases if that's what you're seeking? What is their track record like for property destruction and liability determinations?

When looking for a car accident attorney you can search online for their experience, their fee structure, and even their skill level with reviews from previous clients. If your car accident attorney isn't well versed in state and national transportation laws and they typically don't fight cases involving car insurance and health insurance companies, they might not be a good fit for bringing you success in the courtroom.

If cash flow is a problem, you should also see if your attorney works on a contingency basis, accepting cash only if they win your case. It's very common to work on a contingency basis during personal injury cases, especially when it comes to car accident claims.

Questions To Ask A Car Accident Attorney Before Hiring Them

Don't be afraid to ask a potential attorney what percentage of their business involves your type of claim. Ask if they will be personally handling your case and what type of settlement range they typically see with similar cases. Ask your attorney about out-of-pocket expenses, and be sure to ask if they have ever dealt with similar injuries you have suffered, if applicable.

When Should I Hire A Car Accident Attorney?

This is a tough question to answer because of timelines that vary in each state. If you must file quickly in your state, hiring a personal injury attorney right away will be of key importance. If you have medical bills to pay, need to cover lost wages or simply want to move on from your accident, hiring an attorney right away is probably your best bet.

It's commonly suggested that a car accident victim shouldn't wait for more than one to two weeks to obtain legal counsel.

When my father-in-law needed a truck accident attorney after his pickup was sideswiped, he found someone who helped him recover a month of lost wages caused by a broken wrist. He chose a lawyer from a popular car accident law firm and his returns on that investment were 10 fold and thanks to a contingency plan he paid nothing out of pocket.