Three Times When You Should Definitely Call An Attorney Right After A Car Accident
Posted on: 24 January 2020
Not every car accident is an occasion to call a lawyer. Sometimes you get in a crash, call your insurance company, and everything gets covered. But sometimes, things are not nearly that simple. It's best to know right away whether you've been in a simple car accident that will be resolved quickly, or whether the situation is about to become more complicated and require the input of an attorney. Here are three times when you really should call an attorney after an accident.
1. It was a hit-and-run.
If the other driver who collided with your vehicle drove off after the crash, you've been involved in what's called a "hit and run." What the driver did was not only rude, it was illegal. In many states, leaving the scene of a collision is a felony and can mean jail time for the perpetrator. You'll also be faced with the challenge of tracking down the driver. As you can imagine, this can get pretty difficult. There will be a criminal case in addition to the civil case related to your car accident damages. Call an attorney as soon as possible; they'll collaborate with the police and your insurance company to track down the driver and ensure your damages get covered.
2. The other driver is telling a different story than you.
Say the other driver claims that you ran the stop sign, but really they were the ones that ran the stop sign. This is definitely a situation in which you need a lawyer. It will mostly be your word against the word of the other driver, and a lawyer can help dig up evidence — such as video recordings or eye witness statements — to show the insurance company and try to prove you are not at-fault. Proving the other driver's fault is important because that means their insurance company, not yours, will pay.
3. You're badly injured.
Regardless of how the accident occurred, you need to call an attorney promptly if you've been badly injured. The medical costs related to serious injuries can accumulate quickly, and if they exceed the limit of the other driver's insurance policy, you may need to sue the other driver or their insurance company to get the bills covered. It's best to be in touch with an attorney from the get-go. This way, they can follow your case all the way through rather than having to catch up partway through the process.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, a collision resulting in serious injuries, or a crash where the other driver refuses to admit they are responsible, don't take your chances. Call an attorney.
For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC.
Share