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Car Accident
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There is no legal requirement to hire an attorney after a car crash. This does not mean that you must deal with the aftermath of a car crash on your own. You may want to hire an accident lawyer even if there is no legal requirement to do so.
As an accident victim, you have the right to obtain legal counsel at any time during the claim and settlement process. Some individuals choose to hire a lawyer to help negotiate or collect a settlement after injuries or property damage. The accident attorneys at Fielding Law have experience dealing with insurance companies and their attorneys to get clients the highest compensation possible.
While you do not have to hire an attorney, there may be other requirements after an auto accident. For example, individual states set specific requirements for when an accident report must be filed. It is your responsibility to understand what steps you must take after a car crash to avoid penalties. For example, Texas law states that any accident resulting in death, serious injury, or property damage greater than $1,000 must be reported within 10 days.
Certain accident situations can be handled on your own. However, others are usually best left for professionals to work out. Consider these situations where an accident lawyer can help you.
If you were involved in a multi-car accident where another driver was at fault, you might be entitled to compensation from him or his insurance company. However, working with insurance adjusters and claims agents is notoriously difficult, especially when you are not the policyholder. Denied claims, legal contests about fault, and insufficient settlement offers are just a few of the things you must watch out for.
Things like alcohol or drug use and distracted driving can contribute to an accident and should be investigated. If you suspect these were involved in causing your accident, it is essential to have your suspicions checked. Knowing if another driver was guilty of negligence helps insurance companies determine fault.
For these reasons, it is usually a good idea to consult a lawyer after being involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault. Fielding Law attorneys will conduct a no-obligation case review and provide you with an outline of your options.
Regardless of fault, if you must file a claim with an insurance company, it is usually advisable to have an attorney review your case. Unfortunately, insurance companies often make unrealistically low initial settlement offers to accident victims. As a result, you may not receive enough compensation to cover damages and the cost of long-term treatment of injuries.
One of the leading roles that a lawyer plays is to help investigate the facts of an accident. If anything in your accident paperwork seems incorrect, you should ask an attorney to investigate the situation. This includes things like the omission of facts or inaccuracies in reporting.
Another reason to hire an accident lawyer is when an accident causes injuries. High medical costs mean that getting the treatment you need can be expensive. Additionally, some injuries do not appear immediately after an accident, making it difficult to link the two.
However, you should never skip treatment for fear of being unable to pay. It could make your injuries worse or potentially lead to long-term problems. Injuries that result in permanent disability are usually an excellent reason to contact an attorney.
In some cases, such as when an at-fault driver does not have sufficient coverage or you are offered an inadequate insurance settlement, you may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation. You do not need to hire an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, hiring an accident lawyer makes the process easier and allows you to heal properly after your car accident. Take time to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you plan to file a lawsuit due to an accident.
While there are many cases where hiring a lawyer is advisable, it isn’t always necessary. The following situations are all examples of those that can often be handled independently.
Modern vehicles are equipped with an array of safety features. As a result, many accidents result in no injuries at all. If you were involved in an accident where no one was hurt, you could probably handle the claims process without legal assistance.
Many single-vehicle accidents can be handled independently, even with minor injuries. Be sure to file any required reports and provide copies to your insurance company as soon as possible. Keep in mind that there are some situations where this isn’t the case, such as when the vehicle malfunctions or someone else’s actions cause the accident.
Fender benders and similar low-speed crashes may cause only minor damage. In these situations, you may be able to settle the cost of damages directly with the insurance company or other driver.
Although insurance companies often present low initial settlement offers, that isn’t always the case. If you feel the insurance company offers you a fair amount, you may want to accept it. However, consulting an attorney for a professional opinion may still be beneficial.
Even if you don’t think you need an accident attorney, it’s still a good idea to talk with one about your accident and possible case. When you contact Fielding Law, you will connect with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will review your case and offer advice.
Hiring an attorney does not guarantee that you will win your case. However, it does give you advantages over trying to file claims or lawsuits on your own. Here are a few of the most significant benefits hiring an attorney brings to the table.
Accident lawyers have experience working with insurance companies. They track conversations and keep detailed records of all interactions. This helps you avoid confusion or being steamrolled by aggressive insurance company tactics.
Personal injury lawyers are trained to negotiate the best possible settlements for their clients. Since insurance providers will try to pay the least amount possible, this is a huge advantage.
If you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation. However, putting a dollar figure on injuries can be difficult, especially when you are personally involved. Injury attorneys understand how calculations are made and what factors affect them most. They can help you estimate a realistic amount to expect from the insurance company.
The attorneys at Fielding Law specialize in auto accidents and personal injury cases. We know the intricacies of filing claims and negotiating settlements with insurance companies. If you were involved in an auto accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation case review. We never charge a fee unless we win your case. Plus, if you decide against hiring an attorney, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that all options were explored.