When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

In 2022, there were over 10,000 speeding-related car accidents in San Antonio alone. If you have been involved in such an incident, you know that it can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Even a relatively minor collision can leave you with injuries, vehicle damage, missed work, and medical bills. After an accident, you may wonder if you need to hire a lawyer to help protect your rights and pursue compensation. Here are some of the most common situations when it is advisable to hire a car accident attorney.

Clear Liability But Refusal to Pay 

After a collision, liability refers to determining who was at fault and to what extent. If liability seems reasonably clear and the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, hiring a lawyer may be your best recourse. For example, if you are struck from behind at a stop sign, the other driver is likely wholly at fault. But their insurer may still try to contest fault or make lowball offers hoping you do not understand the claim process and legal system. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company and aggressively seek full compensation.

Serious Injuries

The more serious your accident injuries, the more beneficial having an experienced car accident lawyer can be. Severe injuries like broken bones, head and back injuries, burns, and other trauma can be complex medical and legal issues. Not only will the at-fault driver’s insurance company likely dispute the extent of your injuries and how they impact you, but also determining fair compensation levels is tricky with serious, lasting injuries. An attorney from George Salinas Injury Lawyers who is familiar with severe injury claims can build the strongest case for full financial recovery.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

Unfortunately, around 13% percent of drivers lack car insurance despite it being mandatory in almost every state. If an uninsured or underinsured driver with very low coverage limits hits your vehicle, you cannot rely on their insurance to take care of the claim. But you can turn to your own insurer through the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage portion of your policy. Even then, the insurer may try to deny or dispute the validity or value of an uninsured motorist claim. Having a lawyer in your corner levels the playing field and presents the strongest claim possible to your insurance provider.  

Ongoing Medical Issues

Some accident injuries like whiplash may seem minor initially but develop into longer-term medical problems over time. The week after an accident you may just have minor aches and stiffness. But if pain persists for months and even requires surgery eventually, you have an increased chance of securing greater compensation with legal representation. A lawyer can help document medical expenses and care you require going forward. They can then make the case to insurers or in court that accident injuries continue hampering your life and require ongoing care. 

Seeking Maximum Compensation

Hiring a qualified car accident lawyer is advisable any time you want to seek maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages from work and other accident-related losses. While you may be able to handle a simple, low-value claim yourself, having an attorney increases your chance of securing full and fair compensation, especially for serious or complex accident cases. They understand how to gather evidence, identify all liable parties, demonstrate long-term effects on your life and health, negotiate assertively with insurance companies, and take legal action if necessary.

Being in a car collision can derail your life with injuries, vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost income, and other substantial consequences. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer helps level the playing field when seeking compensation from insurance companies.