When to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
Being in an auto accident can be stressful enough without also having to deal with its aftermath. So the question that arises here is, when do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer?
First of all, you need to assess the situation. Is this a really simple, clear cut situation? In that case, you don’t need to hire an auto accident lawyer. Here are some examples of really simple, straightforward situations:
• There is clarity of liability – meaning it is clear who was at fault and the person accepts his or her fault.
• The accident led to minor injuries which would mean there would be low medical bills and other repair expenses.
Now, here are situations where you should at least consult an auto accident lawyer:
• Liability is unclear – is it one person’s fault or both?
• You don’t know how to evaluate your insurance claim
• You have been asked to provide medical records from before the accident by the insurance adjuster
• You have been made an offer by the insurance adjuster and you know that your claim is worth much more than that amount
• You are being offered a structured payment plan rather than a total lump sum
• If you cannot prove easily that you lost wages as a direct result of the accident.
Here are some situations where you must hire an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible:
• You cannot prove the value of your claim due to extenuating circumstances. For example, you have to take care of a sick parent and can no longer do so due to injuries received during this accident
• Your claim has been declined and an appeal has also been denied
• The settlement offer is too low
• You have high medical bills
• You may have become disabled due to this accident
• You don’t know the statute of limitations is for your claim.
• The accident is a complicated one which requires investigation
• You are being sued
If you feel unsure about any aspect of the accident, then the best thing you can do is at least consult an auto accident lawyer before you speak with your claims adjuster. This way you make sure you don’t do anything that could damage your chances for a fair claim later. You can get free advice at dmv.com.
