Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?
June 7, 2022 | J.L. King
Imagine this: you’re driving home after a long day of work, enjoying the sunshine and your music when suddenly, a car collides with you.
Luckily, neither of you were traveling at high speeds, and after examining yourselves and your vehicles, you realize that you’re both fine and the cars have only minor damage. You agree to simply exchange information (name, contact info, and insurance details) and not call the police. Then, you leave. But should you then hire a lawyer? Read this blog post to learn more.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident Like This?
A lawyer might help. Suppose that you leave the accident scene, and later, the other driver files a lawsuit for injuries and vehicle damage you didn’t even realize they sustained.
Now you have to defend yourself, but you don’t have a police report, records of any medical treatment after the crash, or even evidence like photos or witness statements.
If you had filed a police report, you’d have an official record of the crash. If you’d called the police after the wreck and then retained the services of a Tifton car accident attorney, then you’d have an official law enforcement account of the crash and an advocate in court.
Hidden Injuries and Accident Claims
Many times, car accident injuries don’t show up right away. You might feel sore and lightheaded but simply think that it’s from the stress of the accident.
However, neck and back injuries, plus other soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains, don’t appear immediately after a wreck. A day or so later, you may realize that you can’t move your neck without pain or that you have a swollen joint. You can get medical attention, but it will be difficult to prove that your injury happened during the crash.
Concussions are also common after a crash, and those symptoms don’t show up right away, either. Without a prompt diagnosis of a concussion, you may be at a higher risk for severe brain damage if you injure yourself again.
Calling 911 and getting medical attention can help avoid these situations. Your injuries after the crash will be documented, and you can start treatment right away, reducing your recovery time.
The Other Driver’s Claim
Suppose that it’s time to file your insurance claim against the other driver. Perhaps you need to repair a broken side mirror repaired or fix your bumper. But you discover that their insurance company is denying your claim and stating that you caused the accident.
If the other driver hires a lawyer and claims the accident was your fault, you’ll have a hard time recovering damages from their insurance company.
You can hire your own lawyer to contest the claim, but waiting to respond will cost you more than filing a police report and a claim through your attorney right after the accident.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Minor Car Crash In Georgia
You may think that the cost of a lawyer after a minor car accident is more than your vehicle damage or medical bills are worth. However, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means that they are paid from the settlement they win for you.
Furthermore, a lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation after the accident and may be able to get a larger insurance settlement from the other party than you could get on your own.
Lawyers are skilled negotiators and will speak to the insurance company on your behalf. After all, you shouldn’t have to pay for damage someone else caused.
Finally, suppose that you were involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle or with someone driving in the course of business, like a salesperson making sales calls. In that case, you may end up facing not just the other driver but also their employer. Your lawyer protects you against the “big guys.”
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact The King Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.