Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. You may be facing severe injuries, facing steep costs for medical treatments and car repairs, and struggling to pay these costs because your injury prevents you from working. With all these costs in mind, the question often arises: do I need to hire a car accident lawyer?
Understanding the circumstances that warrant legal representation and help you make an informed decision after a car accident is essential.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
The decision to hire a car accident lawyer depends on various factors, including the nature of the accident, the extent of injuries, and the complexity of the legal process.
Whether you need a car accident lawyer will depend on the circumstances of the accident. While minor fender-benders may not require legal assistance, serious accidents involving significant injuries or disputes over liability may necessitate professional legal representation.
You will also likely need a car accident lawyer if an insurance company is involved. Insurance companies often seek to avoid paying claims, so having a lawyer can help you secure compensation for your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer can also counsel you to avoid making statements that insurance companies can use to undermine your claim.
It is also helpful to have a car accident lawyer if you have severe injuries. Severe injuries may require higher compensation, which may increase the evidentiary burdens and procedural complications associated with filing a claim.
To Identify the Cause of the Collison
Identifying the root causes of auto accidents is essential in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Here are some common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and other reckless driving behaviors
- Failure to yield/right-of-way issues
- Poor weather
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle malfunctions
Whether it’s distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior, hiring an attorney can help you understand the underlying cause of the crash.
If you Sustain Injuries in a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending upon the circumstances of the accident.
Here are some of the most common injuries that accident victims sustain:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries, such as concussions
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue damage
- Organ damage
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to catastrophic injuries
Knowing the possible injuries that can result from a car accident can help ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses.
Are Car Accident Attorneys Worth It?
The value of hiring a car accident attorney can be most directly seen in the difference in compensation. You deserve full compensation for your injuries, but you stand to lose that compensation without a car accident lawyer.
Here are some of the ways in which you can lose out on your rightful compensation without a lawyer:
- Calculating your damages and failing to include all of the damages to which you are entitled
- Making recorded statements to an insurance company that allow them to pay you less than the value of your claim
- Gathering less than the evidence needed to meet the burden of proof on your negligence or intentional tort claim
- Accepting the low initial settlement offer made by the insurance company or struggling to negotiate for the compensation you deserve
- Having inadequate knowledge of procedural requirements for filing your claim or lawsuit, causing your claim to be dismissed
Having a car accident lawyer can generate value, not only in your compensation but also in making your experience smooth. A car accident lawyer will guide you through every step of bringing your claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
How Much Is My Car Accident Settlement Worth?
Assessing the value of your car accident settlement involves evaluating various factors.
Some of these factors are:
- The severity of your injuries
- Cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during the recovery period
- Long-term loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of property damaged
- Disruption to daily activities
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide a realistic assessment of your case’s worth and work to maximize your settlement.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Damages
Car accident victims may generally pursue two main types of damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the measurable costs, including medical bills and property repair costs. They also cover wages lost while you are recovering from your injury and any loss of earning capacity due to the injury. Non-economic damages cover the intangible, often emotional impacts, including pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium.
A car accident lawyer can make a case for both economic and non-economic damages so that you can receive full compensation for your losses.
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?
The duration of a car accident lawsuit can vary depending on various factors, including the case’s complexity, the parties’ willingness to negotiate, and court scheduling. While some cases may resolve quickly through settlements, others may require litigation and take longer to reach a resolution. Cases resolved by settlement can take a few months, while cases that go to trial can take years.
How Much Does a Car Crash Lawyer Cost?
Car accident lawyers, like other personal injury lawyers, often operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not owe any legal fees upfront. If you win your case, your legal fees will be paid from your recovery. This fee structure allows you to bring a claim for compensation without legal fees adding a financial barrier.
How Long Do I Have to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
While there’s no strict deadline for hiring a lawyer, hiring a lawyer earlier can improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The important deadline to remember is Ohio’s statute of limitations. A statute of limitations specifies deadlines for filing certain types of lawsuits. Ohio’s statute of limitations provides that you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident.
If you plan to file a lawsuit, e.g., after settlement negotiations do not yield a fair settlement, you should hire a lawyer well before that deadline. Your lawyer will need time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, build your claim, and file your lawsuit before the deadline.
Call Our Columbus Car Accident Attorneys After a Collision
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Columbus car accident attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC. With 71 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your car accident claim. Contact us at (877) 374-2007 to schedule your free consultation today.
