An auto accident can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Some are more serious than others, but all come with the added anxiety of worrying about your car and what this will do to your insurance rates.
Hiring an attorney after a crash is not a requirement, but there are some scenarios where you may want to consider retaining legal counsel. If you or any of your passengers are seriously injured, you may want to hire a lawyer to help you receive a fair settlement and keep the lines of communication open with all the parties that will be involved.
If the other driver caused the accident and you have serious injuries, you might consider contacting an attorney. Oftentimes, the at-fault person’s insurance company may immediately contact you to settle the claim. A lawyer can help wade through the complex language of the insurance policies involved and deal with any pressure from the other adjuster while you focus on getting better.
The American Bar Association suggests you hire an attorney any time you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
If the circumstances surrounding the accident make it difficult to prove the other driver is at fault, you may want to have a seasoned counselor on your side.
No matter what you decide, there are a few factors you need to consider when hiring a lawyer. First, settling your case will likely take much longer with an attorney at your side. Second, in California, you have only two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in court. And third, be prepared for the attorney to take a portion of your settlement money in return for his or her work on your behalf.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
