When should I hire an attorney for an auto accident?
It is common to have many doubts or not to know what to do in case of a car accident. In this article, we will answer your main questions when you are involved in an accident. We explain the procedures you should follow to apply for lawyers in Utah, who can help you assert your rights.
But before you visit Utah law firms, you should know when you can hire a lawyer after having a car accident. Read on to learn all the details.
When to hire a lawyer after a car accident?
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they think it will be too expensive, the reality is that it costs nothing to hire one. The only cost is if the lawyer wins the accident claim. Do not underestimate the help of a professional who knows the application of the laws in these specific cases and especially the relationship with the insurance companies.
The ideal time to call a collision lawyers is when the medical diagnosis of the injuries is obtained. In other words, after the accident has occurred and the doctor determines what injuries were caused. These are some of the types of automobile accidents that require the support of an attorney:
Types of car accidents that lawyers can help with:
– Side-swipe collisions
– Rear-end collisions
– Failure to yield
– Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Speeding
– Reckless driving
– Texting while driving
– Unlicensed drivers
– Uninsured or underinsured drivers
– T-bones.
If you come out of an accident unharmed, with no injuries beyond a few bumps and scrapes, you will not have to take legal action or use an attorney. But, if you suffer more serious injuries then you will need to contact a lawyer in Utah to receive compensation for your damages.
These are the most common injuries where you will need support from an attorney:
– Soft tissue injuries, muscle tears, strains, and sprains.
– Neck and back injuries
– Dislocations
– Fractures
– Facial injuries
– Fractures and traumatic brain injuries
– Contusions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
– Spinal cord injuries
– Internal organ damage
– Internal bleeding
Their main motive is to get you better, and doing so requires medical attention, tests, and medications. If you have any of the injuries described above, it is best to turn to a car accident injury lawyer for compensation to help with overhead and medical expenses.
Why hire a collision lawyer after a car accident?
You may be wondering how collision lawyers can help you when you are involved in a car accident. We will explain 2 important reasons why you should use a lawyer.
Obtaining fair compensation
A car accident can have many financial consequences besides medical expenses, such as lost wages or property damage. With the help of a collision attorney, you can get fair compensation to cover the expenses that are related to the accident.
An attorney will assist you in obtaining damages for:
– Suffering
– Emotional distress and damages
– Lost wages
– Company loss
– Past, current, and future medical bills
– Rehabilitation costs
You should always keep in mind that the priority will always be your physical well-being; therefore the attorney is committed to seeking the necessary help for you to have a full recovery seeking financial recovery.
Negotiating with insurance companies
If you do not want to go through all the legal processes involved in a car accident claim, a settlement can be reached with the insurance company, regardless of the severity of the injuries.
The insurance company of the person who caused the accident will often contact the victim for a quick settlement. These settlements are not always the best option.
When the insurance company proposes, it is usually a low-cost, apparently, a substantial amount of money that will help you live out of work for a while, but don’t be fooled. The insurance company is offering you an amount much lower than your medical expenses for recovery. In the end, it is a deceptive proposal.
If you negotiate directly and sign the low-cost proposal you may be putting your recovery and your future life at risk. Therefore, it is best to use an experienced collision attorney who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and knows how to calculate your recovery costs.
If you go to a law firm for help, they will be able to offer you an analysis of medical expenses, lost salary, and rehabilitation cost; giving you a fair amount to accept from the insurance company. The company knowing that you are working with an attorney will offer you a reasonable amount.
How does the car accident claim process work?
Knowledge is power, so we want to give you an idea of how a car accident claim proceeds.
- Investigation: police reports, witnesses, and any evidence (video or photo) of the accident are required to prepare your claim for the injuries.
- Claim Preparation: upon completion of your injuries, a full medical report and your claim are completed.
- Negotiation: The claim is sent to the insurer and an attempt is made to settle. If a settlement is not reached, you proceed with the lawsuit.
- Litigation (if necessary): preparations must be made to appear before the judge and jury.
IMPORTANT: Know the no-fault compensation rule.
In the state of Utah, there is a no-fault compensation rule, meaning that after a car accident you must file a claim under your injury coverage to obtain compensation to pay for medical bills and other financial expenses. No matter who caused the accident.
If this is the case, you should consult with your attorney and find out if you meet certain specific requirements that may cause the no-fault compensation rule to not apply and you can file a direct claim against the at-fault party, but with professional legal advice that will allow you to obtain fair compensation.