Road accidents remain a significant problem. According to a recent global report, approximately 1.19 million people die in road accidents each year, and it remains the leading cause of death among young people. This indicates that accidents are common and sometimes have serious consequences. At such times, you may be wondering whether hiring a lawyer is necessary after every car accident or if it is only necessary for certain cases.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
This article will clarify these two points: which situations warrant hiring a car accident lawyer and which situations don’t.
The Injury Is Serious or Permanent
Your or another passenger’s injury is serious or poses a risk of permanent damage. In such a situation, calculating future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and the impact on life’s utility can be complex. A lawyer will help you accurately assess the damages suffered and seek compensation. It is also emotionally reassuring to have a professional fighting for you.
The Opponent or Insurance Company Denies Liability
Your experience may indicate that insurance companies often hastily offer a lower settlement or deny liability altogether. In such situations, legal advice can clarify the validity and appropriate amount of your claims. A lawyer can ease the pressure in negotiations and present your position strongly by sending the necessary legal notices.
Fault in the Accident Is Disputed
If the cause of the accident is unclear or if the opposing driver is blaming you for the damage, a lawyer is essential. Proving fault requires the right combination of witnesses, CCTV footage, police reports, and the accident report. A lawyer can organize the evidence and build a compelling case.
Serious Claims from a Third Party
Sometimes, major legal action by a third party is possible in an accident case – such as significant property damage, serious criminal charges, or interference by an organization. In such situations, a lawyer will determine your defense and defense strategy.
You want to claim future job income or impact on your daily life
A lawyer helps in cases where your earnings or ability to work have been affected long-term. A lawyer can better assess the continuing evidence and future losses for such claims. For example, if you had a stable income and are unable to work after the accident, a lawyer may be essential to obtaining fair compensation.
The opposing party has retained a lawyer
If the opposing party has retained a lawyer and is trying to dismiss your claim, it is wise to have legal representation on your side as well. If this is not the case, you may succumb to pressure and settle for a lower settlement.
When a lawyer is not needed
So, when should you not hire a car accident lawyer?
Minor scratches, minor injuries, and a fair settlement
If the accident resulted in only minor scratches, no physical injuries, or only minor medical expenses, and the driver is accepting responsibility and immediately paying high compensation, hiring a lawyer is often unnecessary. In simple and straightforward cases, you can negotiate and resolve them quickly. For example, if the other party is willing to cover the damage to the vehicle immediately under their policy and your medical bills are small, the lawyer’s fees may be higher.
You want to reach a settlement with your loved ones, and the risk is low
Sometimes, you may prefer to negotiate privately and reach a low-risk settlement – if the injuries are minor, witnesses are present, and both parties can agree on a mutually agreed-upon amount. In such cases, involving a lawyer can make matters lengthy and expensive. Emotionally, people are also reluctant to take small disputes to court.
The insurance company is making a fair and prompt payment
When your insurance company or the opponent’s company is offering a fair, unconditional, prompt payment, a lawyer is not necessary. Make sure you thoroughly understand the offer first and consult with someone if necessary, but you are not obligated to hire a lawyer every time.
You don’t want to spend time, energy, and lawyer fees for small compensation
In small claims, lawyer fees, legal expenses, and a lengthy litigation process can often outweigh the benefits. Therefore, you should weigh the emotional and financial balance. For example, in some cases, the lawyer’s percentage fee can constitute a significant portion of the claim amount, resulting in a lower net amount.
You have already reached a clear, written, and satisfactory settlement
If both parties have reached a written agreement and you are confident that the settlement covers all expenses and damages, there’s no need for additional legal action.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of the injuries, the dispute over fault, and economic and emotional factors. Assess the situation calmly first. If you’re unsure, it is okay to seek some legal advice. However, hiring an expensive lawyer isn’t necessary for every minor accident. The most important thing for you is to consider both safety and justice and to consider your chosen priorities, risk tolerance, and long-term implications when making decisions.
