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Do I need to get a lawyer after a car accident? [video]

One of the best things you can do for yourself after a car accident is talking to a good personal injury lawyer. A good personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you if you should hire a lawyer or just settle with the insurance company on your own. 

In most car accidents, you most likely won’t need an attorney if you’re injury-free. Just don’t be in a rush to say that you’re injury-free. Keep in mind that something small can turn out to be something much bigger later on – especially after you’ve been able to calm down after the accident.  

You should only say that you’re injury-free if you meet two conditions:

1) you don’t have any pain or discomfort and

2) a doctor clears you of any possible future complications. 

And if you’re not injured, then you most likely will not need an attorney. 

But you most likely will need an attorney, if one of the following applies:

  1. you were injured in the accident
  2. you have medical bills to pay
  3. you need to a miss a few days from work or school because of your injuries
  4. you’re scared to drive on the road
  5. it’s not clear whose fault the accident was
  6. it’s not clear if there is insurance coverage or not
  7. the insurance company is being difficult
  8. the police report is inaccurate

what you should do after a car accident inforgraphicIf you think you might need an attorney, don’t worry about how much it’ll cost to talk to a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers provide absolutely free consultations without any obligation.

This is what should happen: You’ll go into their office and meet with an attorney. They’ll sit down with you, listen to your questions and concerns, walk you through what needs to happen, and give you free legal advice. Then it will be up to you if you want to hire the attorney and move forward with your case. 

You shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. If your case settles, most attorneys charge 1/3rd of the recovery. 

That might sound like a lot of money, but it should be well worth it. If an attorney takes your case, they should be able to increase how much you receive in the end, even after attorney’s fees and costs.

Whatever you do, don’t even call the insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters handle claims all day long and their job is to settle your claim by paying you nothing or as little as possible.

If you remember one thing from this video it’s this: You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by talking to an attorney. Consultations should be free and without any obligation. I assure you, it’ll be time well spent – especially if you want to make them pay.

 

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