You’ve had a car accident, and you’re wondering when to seek car crash legal help — or whether you even need to. Minor accidents may not reqcar accidentuire a lawyer to resolve, but if your crash caused property damage or serious injuries, seeking legal counsel after car wrecks is one of the smartest things you can do.
Below, learn when to call a lawyer after a car accident from a car accident lawyer in Charlotte.
The Accident Involved Multiple Parties
If your accident involved just two parties — you and the other driver — you may be able to resolve matters without an attorney. But if the accident involved several drivers, you could benefit from legal advice.
Which driver’s insurance company do you make a claim with? Who is at fault for the crash? With an accident involving multiple vehicles, it can be hard to answer questions like these. Drunk driving accidents have severe consequences. Explore the legal options available for victims in our informative piece.
Hiring a lawyer in this situation is especially important in light of North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule. North Carolina is one of a few states that follow this doctrine, which bars accident victims from recovery if they’re even 1% at fault.
You Can’t Work Because of Your Injuries
If your car accident injuries are so bad that you can’t work, it’s wise to retain an attorney. Your lawyer can tally up damages such as lost wages, loss of earning potential, and all accident-related medical bills.
Without a lawyer, it’s difficult to know the true value of your damages, which means you could end up leaving money on the table.
The Insurance Company Offers a Lowball Settlement
You may wonder whether hiring a lawyer for accident claims is worthwhile if you intend to deal with the insurance company yourself. The insurance company may offer you a settlement with or without a lawyer, but that settlement might be far less than you hoped.
It’s very common for insurance companies to toss out a lowball number at first. They bank on the fact that you probably don’t know the true value of your claim and hope you’ll accept the first number so they don’t have to offer more.
An attorney can review your settlement offer and tell you whether it’s fair. If it’s too low, they can send a negotiation letter for more. They can also tell you what not to say to the insurance adjuster so you don’t accidentally hurt your case.
You Plan To File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
If you plan to sue the at-fault driver and wonder when to call a lawyer after a car accident, the answer is as soon as possible. In North Carolina, you have three years to make a claim. Miss that deadline, and the state bars you from recovery, leaving you on the hook for medical bills and other costs.
It can take time to put together a solid case, so it’s smart to seek post-accident legal advice as soon as you think you might want to sue the other driver.
It’s also wise to hire a lawyer in this case because the other side likely has one of their own. If you take the other driver to court without your own legal representation, your odds of winning are not good. Having an attorney to back you up can significantly increase your chances of a settlement or award.
You’re Unsure Whether You Need a Lawyer
If you have any doubt about whether you need a lawyer, it doesn’t hurt to call one and ask. Many law firms, Yale Haymond Law PLLC included, offer free consultations. When you call, a lawyer will review your case and tell you whether you’d benefit from hiring an attorney.
If cost is a concern, you may be relieved to know that many personal injury firms work on contingency. That means you don’t pay anything unless your lawyer wins your case.
Trusted Legal Assistance for Auto Collisions
Still wondering when to call a lawyer after a car accident? When you call Yale Haymond Law PLLC for a consultation, it costs you nothing, and you’ll learn whether it’s worth hiring an attorney to take your case. If your accident left you with severe injuries that make it impossible for you to work, the answer is likely yes.
Our attorneys will fight hard to achieve fair compensation for your car accident damages. For your free accident attorney consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer, call us at (704) 800-HELP.
