15 Mar
When you find yourself involved in a car accident, the first thing you probably don’t think about is finding a lawyer. You are likely dealing with the traumatic aftereffects, the damage to your car, and the emotional healing that often goes along with a car accident. However, when you have time to let the accident sink in, you might be wondering if you should hire an attorney. So, should you hire an attorney? The answer is it depends.
Why You May Need an Attorney
Not every car accident necessitates hiring an attorney. After all, if it’s an incident with no physical injuries and little property damage, you may not want to hire an attorney and simply handle the repair costs through your insurance company. However, there are times when hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you with the aftermath of your car accident may be a good thing to do. Here are some reasons you may need a lawyer after a car accident:
Disputed Liability
There may be disputed liability in car accidents. One party says they weren’t at fault while the other party claims the same thing. This can lead to a lengthy resolution. In this case, you should consider having a lawyer on your side to present the facts and help prove that you weren’t at fault via the evidence. This disputed liability can also cause issues with the insurance companies and make it less likely that your claims are paid since there is a disputed liability.
Serious Injuries or Long-Term Injuries
It’s not just the initial car accident injuries or discomfort that may occur from this incident. There may be serious injuries involved or long-term medical issues that a court must decide on in order to provide the proper compensation. A car accident attorney knows the proper way to present claims and be involved throughout every aspect of the litigation process. With this type of complex issue, you want someone on your side who knows the right ways to pursue getting you compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other payments.
Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
If the car accident involved a commercial/company vehicle, this type of situation adds an additional component to the incident. It’s no longer a car accident involving two private individuals; it’s a car accident where a business and their insurance company are now involved. This brings in additional parties and a more complex situation. You’ll want to have the proper legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and the facts are presented as they should be.
Low Settlement Offers
Maybe you’ve received a settlement offer from the other party or insurance companies and that offer is much lower than expected or needed to compensate you for your property damage, injuries, medical bills, and other expenses. In this case, you may want to consult with a car accident lawyer to see what your rights are along with your potential options for compensation.
Punitive Damage Cases
In car accidents where the other party showed egregious conduct, punitive damages may come into play. These additional damages may be awarded in lawsuits. If your individual case includes this type of conduct, you’ll want to have an attorney on your side representing you and providing the facts on your behalf.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
If needed, a car accident attorney should be hired promptly. Each state has a statute of limitations where you must bring a lawsuit within a certain amount of time. If any of the issues listed above exist, it may be worth consulting with a car accident attorney to see what your options are and learn about your rights pertaining to your recent car accident. Hiring an attorney doesn’t always mean you’ll have to take a car accident case to court. When you have legal representation, the car accident lawyer can speak with attorneys hired by the other individual, contact insurance companies, and represent you in many other ways.
Parks Law Firm Provides Car Accident Legal Advice
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, the Parks Law Firm can provide you with the legal advice you seek. We provide representation in the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston areas. Our law firm will meet with you, review your issue, and let you know what your options may be. Get the peace of mind you deserve by speaking with a car accident attorney.
Contact the Parks Law Firm today to learn more about the services we offer!
