Few accidents require — or could even benefit from — legal intervention, but where do we draw the line? Does your car accident qualify? Read on to measure just how serious your fender-bender really was.
Reasons You May Not Need An Attorney
If you were involved in a minor car accident and nobody was injured, you typically will not need a lawyer. In these instances, the damage caused to the vehicles by the accident can typically be resolved through insurance companies. At worst, you’ll be liable for a traffic ticket, which also typically does not require the use of an attorney.
Reasons You May Need to Consult a Lawyer
In some instances, a “simple fender-bender” may not be that simple. While your insurance company is certainly able to settle a claim for you, they may not have your best interests in mind. If you are uncertain about the fairness of a settlement claim, you may need to consult an attorney. Other reasons you may wish to consult an attorney include negotiations with your insurance company, confusion over your insurance policy, or needing someone to review insurance company or forms.
Instances When You Should Definitely Contact a Lawyer
If your fender-bender has resulted in a serious injury of any type, you should definitely contact an attorney. If your fender-bender involved multiple cars or pedestrians, you should also contact an attorney. Additionally, there may be some dispute over who was at fault for the accident, and an attorney can help you in proving your innocence. As a general rule of thumb, if your insurance company or the other party in the accident starts involving lawyers, you should consult one as well.
If You’ve Been Severely Injured
In cases where you have been severely injured in a car accident, whether as a driver, pedestrian, or passenger, you should consult an attorney. Regardless of whether the insurance company is willing to pay for your extensive medical bills, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your emotional trauma as well as any time off of work.
You are likely to be involved in a fender-bender at least once in your life. If you are lucky, it will be a small one, and you won’t need the help of an attorney at all. But many car accidents can cause long term effects, both physically and financially. In these cases, you should contact an attorney immediately.