If you were recently involved in a serious car accident, you might hear one recurring piece of advice: “Hire an attorney.” Working with an experienced car accident lawyer is often a good idea, especially if your case is complex. But not every car accident claim requires an attorney’s assistance.
If you’re asking, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?” this guide can help you know when an attorney might be helpful for your case. If you’re still unsure, request a consultation with a car accident attorney in Mobile, AL, to discuss your claim and learn how they can assist you.
Signs You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident
Hiring legal representation after a car accident may help you manage a complex legal process with greater clarity. If any of the following are true, you might benefit from hiring an attorney to assist with your personal injury claim.
The Accident Involved Severe Injuries or Fatalities
Serious car accidents, such as ones involving impaired driving, often lead to life-altering injuries and even fatalities. If your accident left you or a loved one with severe injuries, you’re likely facing a large, complicated claim. You might find it difficult to manage a legal claim while recovering from serious injuries.
An attorney can provide necessary support, guidance, and representation while you focus on recovering from your injuries. They can counter any aggressive tactics from the insurance company and help you navigate a complex injury claim.
The Insurance Company Is Not Cooperating
Insurance companies may want to balance paying out your claim with protecting their own financial interests. This means they might not offer to pay out what you believe your claim to be worth. Alternatively, they might reject your claim altogether if you do not have enough evidence in their eyes.
If the insurance company is being uncooperative, an attorney can help you strengthen your claim and resist their tactics.
You Are Facing Steep Medical Bills and Expenses
Serious car accidents often lead to steep medical bills and other expenses. While your health insurance might cover some of these medical expenses, you will likely be subject to copays and deductibles. You may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver for expenses resulting from the accident.
However, the insurance company might provide you with a payout offer that does not fully cover your expenses. An experienced attorney can help you present evidence showcasing the value of your claim and negotiate a higher offer. If the insurer still fails to provide a sufficient payout, your attorney can discuss litigation with you and detail your other options.
There Are Disputes Over Liability
The insurance company usually makes a fault determination based on the evidence it receives from all parties involved in the accident. This determination details who was responsible for the accident and, thus, who is liable for financial damages.
Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, stating that if a plaintiff is found to be even 1% responsible for their own injuries, they may be ineligible for a compensation claim. As such, the insurer’s fault determination plays a critical role in your opportunity to secure compensation after the accident through this insurance claims process before a lawsuit is filed.
Your attorney may help you provide evidence to clarify your role in the accident and challenge any incorrect fault assessments.
Times When You Might Not Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim
Do you need a lawyer after a car accident? There are a few instances in which an attorney may not be necessary:
- Your accident did not involve injuries: If no one was injured in your accident, your insurance claim may be relatively straightforward, and you may not need an attorney to help you navigate the process.
- The insurance company is cooperating: If the insurance company has offered you sufficient funds to account for your monetary losses after the accident, you might not need an attorney. However, a car accident lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation may be available to you and avoid accepting an insufficient offer.
- The damage was minor: If the damage to your vehicle was relatively minor, you might not need an attorney to assist with settlement negotiations or provide other legal guidance.
If you are ever unsure whether you need an attorney, consider scheduling a free consultation with one. They can explain more about their services and guide you in the right direction.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Assist You?
If you are wondering whether you need a lawyer after a car accident, understanding the types of assistance an attorney can provide might aid your decision. These are a few of the ways a car accident attorney can assist:
- Gather evidence to support your claim: Your attorney can explore several avenues for collecting evidence to help you strengthen your accident claim.
- Speak with other parties on your behalf: They can speak with the insurance company, the negligent party, and other parties to help you avoid making a mistake during communications that could negatively affect your case.
- Explain complex liability laws: Attorneys understand Alabama’s liability laws, contributory negligence doctrine, and all other relevant statutes and may help you apply these laws to your case.
- Avoid mistakes that could compromise your case: With an attorney providing legal advice and guidance, you can avoid mistakes that might negatively impact your car accident case.
- Represent you in court: In the event that your car accident lawsuit proceeds to trial, your attorney will represent you in court.
Schedule a Consultation With Jackson & Foster Law
Jackson & Foster Law provides legal guidance and support to accident victims across Mobile, AL. If you are wondering whether you need a lawyer after a car accident, our attorneys can provide an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case and explore how we can assist you. We also may be able to advise you on whether hiring an attorney might not be necessary.
Contact us today at 251-433-6699 to schedule your free consultation, then learn more about car accident settlements and how they work for accident cases.
