In car accidents, especially those resulting in catastrophic injuries or damages, hiring a lawyer who can calculate the total damages and seek fair compensation is crucial. Usually, they negotiate with the insurance company and determine if the offer is good enough to cover the incurred losses. But how about minor car accidents?
In minor auto crash cases, legal representation is sometimes disregarded since most believe that the matter is simple enough to manage on its own without the need for legal advice. However, the importance of having legal representation in such cases cannot be overstated. Simple accidents can escalate to intricate legal matters, and having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly impact how things turn out.
What Happens After a Car Accident?
Victims of car accidents resulting in injuries and damages may seek compensation for the damages incurred. In most cases, the at-fault party can be held responsible for covering such expenses by filing a personal injury claim.
However, injured victims can only file a car accident claim to receive a settlement if the following are true to their case:
- Another individual caused the collision.
- The collision resulted in injuries or other damages.
- You have sufficient evidence to prove their liability for the crash.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
You are legally allowed to not hire a car accident lawyer for a collision resulting in minor damages. However, while it is assumed that victims can easily collect compensation for the damages of a minor accident, this is not always the case.
In minor accidents, insurance companies may try to minimize the severity of injuries or property damage, providing inadequate settlements that fall short of the victim’s expenses. An experienced lawyer can work with the insurance provider to reach a just settlement or, if needed, take legal action to obtain the right amount of money through trial.
While handling minor car crashes alone may be tempting, seeking legal assistance is critical for preserving one’s rights, obtaining fair compensation, and navigating the legal system.
Determining the Total Damages
In a minor accident resulting in property damage, it is straightforward to determine the value of losses through receipts and other documentation. However, it becomes complicated if there are other factors to consider, such as the severity of the damages.
For instance, a speeding driver hits you. Since you feel fine after the crash, you only declared you have vehicle damages. After a few weeks, you began to experience symptoms of internal bleeding. Your doctor discovered that your internal damage results from a severe impact, possibly from the crash.
In this case, since you weren’t able to quickly identify your injuries and their cause, the at-fault’s insurance company may insist that your injury didn’t result from the crash. You will likely receive a reduced settlement if you don’t have evidence to prove your injuries.
This is why seeking medical assistance promptly after a crash is essential, even if you don’t feel any discomfort. You should also contact a lawyer for a minor car accident who can gather the evidence to justify your claim and calculate the total damages to maximize your payout.
Proving Liability
One of the first things you must do when filing a claim is to demonstrate that the other party caused the collision, resulting in your injuries. Depending on the state, you may have your case dismissed or receive a reduced settlement if you are partially liable for the crash.
Gathering as much evidence as possible at the accident scene is essential, as this can significantly strengthen your car accident claim. Examples of proof for car accident claims are the following:
- Photographs of the accident, capturing the vehicle damages, weather conditions, and road conditions at the time of the collision, along with any other relevant details.
- Videos of the crash, which may include footage from dash cameras or surveillance systems.
- Contact information for witnesses and their testimonies regarding the incident.
- Copies of police reports detailing the circumstances of the accident.
While it is possible to collect evidence at the scene, what happens if you sustain catastrophic injuries, that hinder you from doing so? A car accident lawyer can assess your situation and collect evidence to prove your claim.
Similarly, suppose you sustain late-appearing injuries from the crash. In that case, your auto accident attorney will examine your accident and advise on the appropriate medical treatments to collect documentation of your injuries and justify their cause.
Moreover, in a hit-and-run accident with limited evidence, a legal expert can use their expertise and resources to collect proof and locate the driver involved. Your attorney will determine the best legal options for your needs and situation if they can’t be found.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently aim to minimize payouts, even in minor accidents. They will usually settle as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
For example, your car accident involving a speeding driver initially resulted in property damage only. As soon as the insurance company knew about the initial damages, they offered a settlement to cover the expenses. Unfortunately, you accepted the offer without having a checkup after the crash. Days after the settlement, you discovered your internal damage. You can’t ask for compensation for the injury since you already accepted the initial offer.
You must contact a competent car accident attorney who can determine the total damage and negotiate with the insurance company. A lawyer understands how to communicate with them properly, ensuring you are fairly compensated. They can also handle any issues that may arise throughout the claims process.
Complying with Legal Procedures
Even if the accident is not too severe, the legal process might still be challenging, especially if you have limited knowledge about personal injury. For instance, an injured victim may think they can pursue a case anytime they want if another party caused the crash, but this is not true.
Most states allow limited time for victims to file a personal injury claim. In California, you have two years to initiate a case. If you fail to follow this, your claim will be dismissed.
A lawyer can help you navigate the procedure and ensure you know your rights and responsibilities. If things go out of control, they will handle the paperwork, the discussions with insurance companies, and any court cases.
Preparing for Litigation
Unexpected complications can sometimes arise from an accident that initially appears minor. For instance, the other party may contest liability, or their insurance coverage may be inadequate. Such factors can make things complex and require litigation to resolve the case.
An attorney is qualified to manage these intricacies and safeguard your rights by bringing your case to a trial if needed.
Protecting Your Rights in a Minor Car Accident
Although it is possible to file a claim without hiring an attorney, a minor car accident lawyer guarantees you professional advice, legal defense, and the highest likelihood of getting just compensation for your losses. It’s an investment in ensuring your rights are adequately represented and protected during the court proceedings.
It can also be challenging and stressful to deal with the aftermath of a car accident, particularly if you’re still recovering from injuries. Having an attorney by your side can provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while they take care of the specifics of your case.
