Over 5 million car accidents happen every year on American roads. Of these, over 30,000 result in fatalities. In 2021 alone, 42,915 people died on American roads, the highest it has ever been since 2005 and the highest year-to-year jump since the NTSA started collecting road fatality data.
After an accident where you suffer substantial injuries and intend to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, you could wonder whether hiring a lawyer is worth it. In most cases, hiring attorney Rich Godshall of Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers is a good idea.
Get an Evaluation First
Even when you think you do not need one, it will help to talk with one to get an evaluation of your case. Most car accident attorneys offer a free first consultation, so you may not have to pay anything.
After an evaluation, a lawyer can advise you appropriately. If they deem the damages minor, they will be honest with you. If they think you have a case, they will also be honest, so the best place to start would be to get an evaluation.
If you do not feel like you want to talk to a lawyer first, there are a few indicators you could look at to establish if you should get one. Some of these indicators include the following:
If You Suffer Significant Injuries
After an accident, seeing a doctor is critical to help establish the extent of injuries. You do not need a lawyer if your doctor rules out any significant injuries. However, you may want to get a lawyer if you are diagnosed with severe injuries that could result in substantial treatment costs.
The complexity of a case increases with the severity of injuries because injuries play a critical role in determining a claim’s value. High-value claims can attract pushback from the opposing team, and your chances of getting what you deserve can be minimal.
Also, you may not be aware of all recoverable damages, which could result in undervaluing your claim. Even considering legal fees, having a lawyer is worth every dollar you spend on them. However, you will also need to ensure that you work with an experienced lawyer.
If Fault Is In Dispute
If the fault in an accident where you suffer injuries is in dispute, approaching the case without a lawyer can work to your disadvantage. Even when you are 100 percent sure that the other party was to blame for the accident, if your recollection of the accident doesn’t match with the police records or the other party’s statement, the other side can use it to invalidate your claim.
A car accident attorney may be able to help your case if you get them involved early in the process.
You May Be Clueless About Personal Injury Claims
Most damage to a personal injury case is done by the victim’s mistakes in the initial stages of a claim. Common mistakes include talking to the at-fault’s lawyer, posting details about their case on social media, and missing doctor appointments.
While all these may look innocent in a layperson’s eyes, they wield much power in a personal injury case. Unfortunately, many people make such costly mistakes because they don’t know what damage some harmless things can do to a case. Involving a lawyer early in your case can help ensure you get counsel that can help you steer clear of the mistakes.
Conclusion
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can make a significant difference in your case, especially if you have severe injuries, disputed fault, or are unfamiliar with personal injury claims. A legal expert can protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation. Since many attorneys offer free consultations, getting an evaluation is a risk-free way to determine your best course of action. If your injuries and damages are substantial, having a skilled lawyer on your side is invaluable.