After a car accident, you must remember your rights and responsibilities. You should seek medical attention, contact your insurance company and the police to report the accident, and exercise your right to legal representation. Many people try to handle the situation themselves but later regret not engaging an attorney. If you have been involved in a car accident, here are some signs that you should call a lawyer immediately.
You were injured in the accident
If you were injured in the accident and received medical treatment, your insurance company will help you to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance company should provide financial compensation for any medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses you have incurred as a result of the accident.
However, sometimes the settlement offer from the other insurance company is not enough to cover your expenses. In these cases, you have the option to go to court or file a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of a lawyer. Once you have filed the lawsuit, you will be required to appear in court and provide evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence and the extend of your injuries.
You will need a lawyer to file a legal brief on your behalf. This brief will lay out the facts of the case and explain why the court should rule in your favor. The outcome will depend on the evidence presented by your lawyer during the trial. With the help of a reputable attorney, you can convince the judge to support your claim and receive more compensation from the insurance company.
You are charged with a crime
Criminal charges associated with a car accident can include felony offenses such as vehicular assault, driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run, reckless driving, and other serious violations. If found guilty, you could lose your license or even be sentenced to jail time. You should contact an attorney as soon as you learn that you are facing criminal charges.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in a criminal trial. If you are not a U.S. citizen, your immigration status could be affected if you are charged with a felony crime. Even if the charges are dropped later, having a lawyer on your side from the outset will ensure that your rights are fully protected.
You have suffered property damage
Your car may be damaged or your property stored in the car destroyed as a result of the accident. An attorney can help you seek damages for your losses, including the cost of repairing your vehicle or replacing it. They can also help you to seek compensation for any loss of income that resulted from not having access to your vehicle or property.
You may also be entitled to damages if your damaged property is not covered by insurance. For instance, if you had a laptop in your car that was totaled in the accident, your attorney may be able to obtain replacement funds from the insurance company and help you seek additional compensation from the manufacturer.
You think you were at fault
Even if you think that you were to blame for causing the accident, it is important not to admit fault or apologize at the scene. Instead, report the accident to the police and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Contact a lawyer immediately. Attempting to handle the situation without legal representation can have severe consequences.
Although you may have been speeding or distracted by your phone, there is still a chance that the other driver had a part to play in the collision. An experienced lawyer can help you to argue partial fault in the accident and reduce your level of responsibility. In certain states, even a small percentage of modified fault can allow you to secure significant insurance compensation.
The other driver was uninsured
If you are unlucky, you may have been involved in a collision with an uninsured driver. Some people have uninsured motorist coverage on their insurance that can help to cover their expenses in such situations. However, the coverage is rarely adequate. To be compensated fairly by the other driver, you will need to hire a lawyer to file a suit against them.
An experienced attorney can help you to determine whether filing a suit is a sensible course of action depending on the circumstances of the accident and the assets owned by the other driver. If the other driver has no income or assets to pay you with, your lawyer may recommend other avenues of securing compensation such as a third-party lawsuit against their employer.
You are not sure what to do
Car accidents are complicated enough. But many factors can make the situation even more difficult to deal with. Therefore, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer even if an accident does not seem very serious. An attorney can provide you with the advice that you need to protect your rights and interests. They can also represent you in court if necessary. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident.