Minor car accidents that only involve property damage usually do not have enough value to make hiring an attorney worthwhile. However, there are times when it makes sense to hire an attorney to handle your auto injury case.
Table of Contents
1. You Have Been Seriously Injured
Injury claims are significantly more complex than claims that only involve property damage. If the other party is at-fault for the accident, you may be entitled to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. An Oakland car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and pursue legal action if necessary.
2. You Can Not Afford Your Medical Bills
A serious injury can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills and you may also miss time from work. If you do not have medical insurance or personal injury coverage on your auto policy, you may be expected to pay your bills out of pocket. An attorney can work with the other party’s insurance company to attempt to get them to reimburse your medical bills promptly. They may also be able to work with your medical provider to make a payment arrangement for when you receive your insurance settlement. This can be particularly important if you have an injury that may require long-term care.
3. You Have Lost Income Because Of The Accident
If you can get your medical provider to provide documentation that you can not return to work, it will be easier to prove your lost wages, but the insurance company may still try to dispute your claim. If you have a more unusual situation, such as being a freelance or contract worker, instead of an employee, or being in the process of looking for work, you may need an attorney to help you determine and prove your damages. If you are forced to pay for services you normally provide in the home, such as housework or childcare, you may also be entitled to compensation.
4. There Is A Dispute Over Fault
Some accidents are very straightforward and both parties can agree with who is at fault. However, sometimes both parties insist the other is at fault. If you are convinced the other driver is at-fault and their insurance company is refusing to pay your claim, you may need an attorney to prove your case.
5. Your Claim Has Been Denied
Whether it is your own insurance company or the other party’s, if you feel your claim has been wrongfully denied, you may need to hire a lawyer. Insurance companies all have legal teams working for them. If you have to sue the other party, you have a better chance of winning your case if you also have a lawyer on your side.
Some auto accident claims can be settled without the help of an attorney. However, the more complex your claim is, the more likely you are to need some assistance. If any of the five conditions above apply to your claim, you may want to consider hiring an experienced attorney to represent your interests.
