Vehicle Accidents: Should I Get A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

1. When There Are Injuries Involved

If you sustained severe injuries that require medical attention, then you need to call a personal injury lawyer. Alongside the documents given by your doctor, the lawyer can help prepare all your necessary paperwork for you to file for your claims. You shouldn’t have to pay for the medical expenses because the accident wasn’t your fault. Typically, the erring party is the one to shoulder these expenses.

In this case, having a lawyer is beneficial for the following reasons:

• There may be some defendants (the party at fault) that will try to evade their responsibility, or not accept that they’re at fault. These defendants are hard to deal with and on top of the injuries that you’ve sustained, this is the last thing that you’d want to deal with without a lawyer.

• The severe injuries that you sustained may disable you from moving around. You may even have to stay in the hospital for a specified period. The downside to this is that you just can’t let the days fly by without processing your claims, as these often come with a prescriptive period. When this period has already lapsed, you’re forever barred from your claims. Hence, the need for you to have a lawyer helping you out as soon as possible.

2. When There's A Fatality

This fatality can be anyone from within your side of the vehicle. If a fatality occurs, it means that the accident was, unfortunately, a severe one.

In cases of a fatal accident, it’s more than likely that the driver of the other vehicle will try to oppose whatever responsibility they may have. A lawyer by your side can help you grieve and move on in peace, while also receiving the justice you and your family deserves from the erring party.

3. When The Police Records Aren't Accurate

The police are not immune to errors. It can happen in accidents where the police records don’t precisely enumerate the proper sequence of events that led to the accident. Some entries may be inaccurate, or there may also be witnesses interviewed that have, instead, affected the viability of the police records. In the worst case, you may be put at fault, when in fact, you know you shouldn’t be. Here, a lawyer is definitely needed.

There may also be cases where the fault isn’t clear. Generally, in accidents, it can also be a “he said, she said” kind of story. A personal injury lawyer is one of the best individuals that can help smoothen out whatever inconsistencies there may be as to the accident records. Thanks to their skill, expertise, and knowledge on the law and evidential matters, they’ll know how to balance it out to prove in truth, that indeed, it wasn’t your fault.

4. When You're Struggling To Come Into Agreement With The Insurance Company

For you to be able to receive your claims, in most instances, you’re going to be dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies are easy to deal with. There may be those that will try to immediately offer a settlement, just so that you wouldn’t pursue your claim further. Don’t fall prey to this. You have to receive what you’re due. This amount can be determined with the help of your lawyer.

Additionally, it’s an undeniable fact that you’re never going to be in equal footing with insurance companies. They’re better versed with insurance law and matters relating to claims than you are. This fact can only make it harder for you to come into agreement with insurance companies, especially when you’re all on your own. All the more, too, when you’ve got no knowledge whatsoever in insurance law.

There are instances, like the following when the insurance company is acting in bad faith:

• They deny you the insurance coverage that you’re worth or due
• They don’t present you with an explanation as to why your claim was denied
• They refuse to pay you the claim, even without effort on their part to investigate the matter
• They don’t pay you the claim promptly

In these instances, a lawyer can take over and help smoothen out all the negotiations on your behalf.

5. When There Are Additional Parties Involved

Even if you know for sure that the accident isn’t your fault, you have to call a lawyer when there are additional parties involved. This can refer to bystanders, pedestrians, and even other vehicle drivers. In this scenario, the new parties may also blame you, without looking at the greater picture, which is the most proximate cause of the accident. With a lawyer to help you out, the additional parties’ claims are also addressed, without making the mistake of blaming you.

Conclusion

When you’re met with an accident, don’t panic. You may be in complete shock, but try to keep yourself as calm as possible. That way, it’s easier for you to come into senses as to what it is you’ve got to do. By this, it means making sure everyone is safe, calling for the authorities and getting on the phone to call your lawyer. This is so, even when the accident isn’t your fault.