When Should You Hire an Attorney After an Auto Accident?

After an auto accident takes place, insurance companies and their adjusters will usually begin the claim process shortly thereafter, especially if there are a lot of injuries and damages to sort through. As such, it’s in your best interest to seek an attorney’s help sooner rather than later so that you give yourself the best chance of recovering full compensation. While we advocate for all claimants to retain an attorney regardless of the circumstances, there are some cases that require some additional help–let’s take a closer look at some of the scenarios where a lawyer may come in handy: 

Examples of When You May Need an Attorney’s Help

Here are some situations where the expertise and resources of a good attorney can help you: 

• The accident involves serious injuries and severe vehicle damages. Minor collisions and fender-benders that don’t cause any injuries usually don’t require a lawyer’s assistance, as there is no real money at stake. However, if you suffered severe injuries and vehicle damages, those costs are too high to shoulder on your own, so you should retain an attorney in order to file a claim and recover the compensation you need. 
• Given the circumstances, it is clear or even just possible that another person was at fault for the accident. Anytime another driver may be at fault for your injuries and damages, you will want to speak with an attorney right away. This is true for all accidents, including multi-car accidents and hit-and-run scenarios.  
• You’ve already received an unfavorable settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurer. It’s important to emphasize that once you accept a settlement offer, you will almost certainly not be able to receive anything else down the road. With that in mind, you should consult with an attorney any time you receive a settlement offer that is unfavorable to you, so that you have the best chance of recovering the full value of your claim. Oftentimes, attorneys can find ways to advocate for you that you may not have thought of. 
• The accident has left you with debilitating or disfiguring injuries. As mentioned above, any claimant with substantial injuries should retain an attorney, but this is especially true for those with permanent disabilities or conditions. A lawyer can help you plan for the future and put together a settlement demand that will account for your ongoing care as well as any wages and benefits you may have lost as a result of your injuries. 
• A governmental entity was responsible for your accident. There are times when government agencies can be liable for accidents, and the most common example of this is negligent road conditions. In such a case, you will certainly want to consult with an attorney because suing government agencies is very complicated and uses different processes than other claims. 
• The accident involved a death. Anytime an individual loses their life, the stakes get much higher, so it’s best to let a professional take the reins. Wrongful death claims usually have some of the highest settlements, so you best believe that insurers will fight them tooth and nail. 

Need Help With Your Claim? Contact Award-Winning Personal Injury Attorneys

For a free legal consultation, call (725) 900-9000

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you need the help of an attorney, or have questions about a potential claim, simply contact the elite team of personal injury attorneys from Van Law Firm at your earliest convenience. We’ve recovered over $150 million on behalf of accident victims and their families, and we’re always pursuing new claims. Call our office nearest you today to learn more about how VLF can help.