Being injured in a car accident can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions. You may find yourself wondering how you will pay your medical bills, or how you will get by if you are temporarily unable to work. This can be particularly frustrating if your injuries were the result of another driver’s negligence and could have easily been avoided.
One question that you may find yourself asking is whether you should consider consulting a car accident attorney. While you may be tempted to go through the process of filing a personal injury claim on your own, working with an attorney can help to ensure that this process goes as smoothly as possible, giving you time to recover from your injuries. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car accident, here is a look at just a few of the signs indicating that you should consult an attorney.
The Other Driver Was Uninsured
If the other driver involved in the car accident did not have insurance, it is critical that you consult an attorney as soon as possible. State law requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of car insurance to pay for damages resulting from accidents they caused. If the other driver does not have insurance, you will need to meet with an experienced attorney who can help you evaluate your options for seeking compensation. If your car insurance does provide uninsured motorist coverage, you may need to file a civil lawsuit against the uninsured party to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.
You Need Help Proving Fault
Unfortunately, just because you believe that the other driver is at fault and should be responsible for your injuries, this does not mean that they will admit it. In fact, the other driver and their insurance company or legal representation may work to try to prove your fault in order to reduce their liability. In this situation, the burden will be on you to prove the other driver’s fault. If fault is in dispute, it is critical that you consult an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney will have experience defending cases similar to yours, and they can help you to compile evidence and create a case to prove the other driver’s liability.
You Are Unable To Work
It is particularly important that you consult an attorney right away if your ability to work has been affected by your injuries. If you suffered severe, permanent injuries as a result of your accident, there is a possibility that you may not be able to work to the same degree for the rest of your life, which could severely limit your income potential. In these cases, you will want to partner with an attorney who can work to make sure that you are compensated properly for your injuries so that you and your family’s financial security is protected.
You Have Been Asked to Settle
Of course, it is always important that you consult an attorney when being asked to settle by the insurance companies. The fact is that the insurance companies likely do not have your best interests in mind, as they will want to close your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. They may then try to undervalue your claim under the assumption that you don’t know what your injuries are worth. This is where it can be invaluable to speak with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will have experience assessing cases similar to yours, and they will be able to help you negotiate a settlement that is appropriate for your injuries.
Contact us to learn more about the importance of working with an experienced personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident.