When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident? If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is imperative to reach out to a car accident attorney immediately to discuss your case. Talking to a personal injury lawyer is free, so there is no risk in asking us for a case review.

The exact moment your car accident occurs, a clock starts ticking. It’s essentially a countdown to the financial hits coming your way as a result of your injuries. For most people, the first hits are a medical bill and a missed paycheck. If the hits keep coming, you could find yourself in a cavernous financial hole that you don’t know how to climb out of.

If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s recklessness and negligence, see how much your claim could be worth by using personal injury calculator.

When Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Not everyone who has been involved in a car accident needs to contact us for legal representation. There are cases where an attorney isn’t necessary. (See below.) However, if any of the following apply to your situation, call a personal injury lawyer right away:

• Any accident that causes significant injury to you or someone else


• Any accident where fault is not clearly established


• Any crash involving another car or:
  
  
  • Pedestrian
  
  
  • Truck
  
  
  • Motorcycle
  
  
  • Bus
  
  
  • Bicycle 


• Any collision in a school zone


• Any crash in a construction zone or work zone


• Any accident involving an underinsured or uninsured driver


• You disagree with a police report


• An insurance company sends mixed or threatening messages

 

Time is of the essence when it comes to filing after a car accident, as there are statutes of limitations on personal injury claims in every state. In Missouri, under Missouri Revised Statute §516.120, you have five years to file. In Illinois, according to 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes section 5/13-202 you have two years to file. There are other deadlines in each state, and the Burger Law car accident attorneys will make sure no deadlines are missed. But by quickly hiring our car accident team you put us on the fastrack, giving us the biggest opportunity to get you the best compensation possible.

What Does a Car Accident Attorney Provide?

An auto accident law firm will:

• Gather evidence, such as:
  
  
  • Witness statements
  
  
  • Police reports
  
  
  • Medical records
  
  
  • Surveillance footage
  
   


• Utilize their network of medical and economical experts to value your claim


• Fight back against the insurance company when they aren't being fair


• Handle all communication, documentation, and litigation


• Consistently keep you informed on the status of your case


• Negotiate a fair settlement for all your damages, including:
   
  • Property damage
  
  
  • Medical expenses, past and future
  
  
  • Pain and suffering
  
  
  • Lost wages and lost earning potentia 


• Take your case to trial when they do not secure a fair settlement offer

When Do I NOT Need a Car Accident Attorney?

An ethical car accident team will give you its experienced, honest opinion on whether it makes sense to hire an attorney. In some instances, such as the following, it just does not make sense to hire a lawyer:

• No injuries happen.


• When an insurance company is offering you an amount you feel is fair.


• If your case might foreseeably proceed to small claims court

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Injuries can easily derail your life and result in lasting or permanent disabilities. You need an experienced law firm on your side.