If you’ve been in an accident—big or small—you might find yourself swamped with options and unsure of what to do about them. On the other hand, you might be well aware of the damages to your person or your property and know they will cause a problem for you but aren’t sure if your situation is severe enough to consider reaching out to a legal professional.
While no one can tell you precisely what you need to do as every accident resulting in injury is different, the following will outline some basic thought processes you might want to go through. The goal is to help you determine whether or not you should consult a lawyer regarding the incident.
If You Need Compensation
Compensation outcome is a big part of how you choose your course of action. Yes, insurance companies are designed to pay out when you need it for medical bills, damage to property, loss of income, or other expenses related to an accident or injury. Still, they are also structured in such a way to give as little as possible (and make it pretty tough on you to go through the whole process and end up with what you need). If you’re in need of compensation or think you might be in need of compensation, it’s an excellent idea to speak to an attorney before you file your claim.
Many lawyers offer free or extremely reduced price consultations to help go over all your options with you and their recommendations; https://www.earlandearl.com/
emphasize that because every incident is so drastically different, the routes to compensation might also be different. A lawyer will be able to point out the steps you must take to get adequate compensation, including recommending information to collect about the accident. They might also suggest forgoing one type or claim for another depending on your situation.
If you’re seeking financial compensation, it might be that you’re strapped for cash and can’t imagine paying a lawyer. If that’s the case, there are often many attorney options that do not charge unless and until they win your case, which means they take a percentage of what they’ve won for you. It is completely possible to interact with a lawyer without spending money you don’t have.
If Things Are Complicated
If someone involved in the accident isn’t cooperating with the basic needs you have (like sharing insurance information, being dishonest, or making statements that imply you were at fault or slandering you), a lawyer might be needed. The less straightforward things are, the more a professional will be able to guide you through the nuances of the law and ensure that you are protected and being cared for adequately. It’s worth noting that the more potential money involved, the faster things can get complicated.
This also applies if any of the damages from the incident are not tangible, visible things. If you’re experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome, financially pressured to keep quiet, threats, or feeling crippling anxiety, fear for your health or safety, or other mental and emotional burdens, a lawyer consultation is well worth taking. Not all damages are easy to see, and therefore they’re tougher to prove in a claims situation. A lawyer can help you make your case clearly and effectively, giving you a better chance of a positive outcome.
If Someone Else Involved Has A Lawyer
Suppose another person involved in the incident (like, for example, another driver, the building owner/manager, or the company involved) has a lawyer working with them. In that case, it’s time for you to get one too. Facing off against a lawyer without an attorney guiding you and defending you might be something that works out well in the movies, but in real life, this seldom happens. If the people you’re dealing with have hired a lawyer, this means the situation requires you to have one too.
If Other People Are At Risk
If what has happened to you might conceivably happen to other people, you need to seriously consider meeting with a lawyer and pursuing legal action. Not only will this help you sort out your particular situation, but it can help protect other innocent people in the future.
If You’re Unsure
If any part of the process of dealing with your accident, injury, or damages is confusing or suspicious to you, reach out to a lawyer. Often insurance companies and people at fault take advantage of others understanding of a situation to get away with paying as little as possible or not providing adequate support, care, or correction. A lawyer can help make things clear.
The above information should help you determine whether or not seeking a lawyer is the right course of action given your situation. But, again, every accident is different. If your circumstances don’t fit neatly into the above situations, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a lawyer’s advice.