The answer is "Maybe." The truth is that not every case will require an attorney, but an attorney should be consulted on every case to evaluate your specific situation.
When you have been injured in a car accident there is so much to keep track of. You have to notify the insurance company, gather paperwork and documentation, get an estimate for your car damages, schedule repairs, schedule a rental car ... the list goes on and on. And, this does not even include getting the medical treatment you need for the most important part of being involved in a car accident - making sure that you recover from your injuries.
No one can dispute that being involved in a car accident is at a minimum a hassle, but at its worse, it can cause your life to come to a complete halt. This is intentional.
The red tape you have to wade through simply to get a claim filed with the insurance company, let alone get the compensation you are entitled to for your damages and injuries is specifically designed to be complex, confusing, and complicated by the same insurance companies that owe you.
Insurance companies have one thing in mind - profits. And the processes they have created for reporting, managing, and resolving claims are designed to do one thing - increase their profits.
You see, the more complex, confusing, and complicated the process is, the more likely you, the victim, are to settle your case early, and likely for less than you are entitled to.
Now, this is not to say that every case needs an attorney. In fact, it may not make sense in your specific situation to hire an attorney, especially if the injuries or damages are minimal, and fault is clear. However, there are times when an attorney can be essential to protect your rights to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Below is a list of some situations in which you absolutely should consult an attorney regarding your case.
WHEN TO CONSULT WITH AN INJURY LAWYER ABOUT YOUR CASE
1. Dispute over who is at fault, or liable, for the accident;
2. The accident involved a hit-and-run driver;
3. You are transported to the emergency room from the scene of the accident;
4. You do not have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage;
5. Your PIP coverage denies payment for medical treatment;
6. Either insurance company denies coverage for the accident;
7. Your insurance company requests an insurance medical exam (IME);
8. Multiple people were injured in the accident;
9. Your vehicle sustained minimal property damage and you were injured;
10. You have been involved in multiple accidents with overlapping injuries and/or medical treatment;
11. You have prior injuries or medical conditions with symptoms similar to those you sustained in the accident; or,
12. The insurance company is pressuring you to sign a release or settle before you have been released from medical treatment.
Disclaimer: Every collision is different and the specific facts of your case may require an attorney even if none of the above apply to you. Seeking the opinion of a competent and trusted injury lawyer is always recommended to discuss your case.
At Lloyd Injury Law, our motto is "People First." I have seen first-hand the tricks insurance companies employ to try to get you to settle your case for little or nothing. My goal is to ensure that every client receives the compensation to which they are legally entitled and to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
When in doubt, seek the advice of a competent and trusted personal injury lawyer. Lloyd Injury Law provides Free Consultations. Contact us today.