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When To Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
Car parked beside judge's gavel, symbolizing traffic violation concept.

When To Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

You should always seek legal advice if you find yourself the victim of a car accident. There is no substitute for professional legal advocacy after a traffic crash. An attorney can help you understand the legal process and protect your rights after getting injured in an accident.

If you have suffered an injury or a loved one was killed in a car accident, speak to an attorney immediately. Do not hesitate or delay. Help of a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can make all the difference when pursuing financial recovery after a crash.

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Car Accidents are Common

Car accidents have remained a serious problem across the country over the past several years. Some of the most important findings from the NHTSA include the following:

  • The number of fatal crashes increased by 6.8 percent in recent years
  • Nearly 40,000 people involved in a car accident across the country lost their lives
  • 45 percent of deadly car accidents involved a driver who was either not wearing a seat belt, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Whenever you have a legal issue, you should seek the advice of counsel. Do not hesitate. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you will know your legal rights and options.

Even if you are unsure whether you need legal representation, it never hurts to have a free consultation. A car accident attorney will be honest about whether you need their services.

Regardless, you should always immediately contact a car accident lawyer if you find yourself in any of the following situations.

Liability Is in Question

You need an attorney if the other driver tries to avoid taking responsibility for causing the accident. When liability is in question, drivers and insurance companies will look for any way to escape taking accountability. An attorney working on your behalf can complete a thorough investigation and ensure that you are not being taken advantage of by large insurance companies looking to avoid writing a settlement check.

You Have Serious Injuries

Serious injuries typically mean a significant lifestyle change. Both temporary and permanent disabilities can impede your life and keep you from enjoying the recreational and professional activities you did before the accident.  An attorney will help identify your damages so that your final settlement or judgment includes compensation for your serious injuries.

You Have Large Medical Bills or Lost Income

Patient signing medical insurance form after clinical consultation, with medicine prescription document on hospital office table, close-up.

You deserve compensation for all your losses, including lost income and medical expenses. Some injuries are so severe that they require a lengthy recovery process and time away from work to heal. In those cases, the longer it takes to fully recover, the more bills start to pile up. Your expenses should be covered by the responsible driver and their insurance company. An attorney can fight to collect compensation for all of your losses.

There Are Multiple Parties Involved in the Accident

Some accidents involve more than the two people in either driver’s seat. You might have been in an accident that involved you, the other driver, and a pedestrian. In some instances, the other driver is liable for the crash, but they share liability with the city because of a poorly maintained road.

When multiple people or entities potentially share responsibility for the accident, having a lawyer is the best way to sort out liability and for you to get the financial recovery you deserve.

A Death Occurred

A wrongful death happens when a driver or passenger loses their life in a car accident due to another’s negligence. Wrongful death law is complex. For example, the loved ones who are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit varies by state law. Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to understand your right to recover after a wrongful death.

How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Car Accident

An attorney is a useful resource for an accident victim. Your legal team will come alongside you for the entire process of financial recovery after an accident. Some of the practical ways that an attorney can help you include:

Speaking to Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To

Insurance adjusters have one goal- to protect the company’s profit margin. Insurance companies put profit over offering victims a fair settlement. If you attempt to negotiate on your own behalf, you might leave a lot of money on the table. Hiring an attorney to speak to insurance companies so you don’t have to means that you will avoid common tactics that insurance companies use to minimize the amounts they pay victims.

Collect Evidence to Help Build a Strong Case

An attorney will collect evidence that will build your case. Some types of evidence are difficult or tedious to obtain. For example, getting copies of police reports, medical records, or traffic camera footage might be more accessible to a law firm than an individual.

Give Legal Advice

Lawyer advising client in office setting, discussing legal matters.

Likely, you do not have much experience in the legal system. For many accident victims, suing an insurance company to recover losses after a crash is their first and only time working toward a legal settlement. You will probably have a ton of questions after an accident. An attorney will use their experience and knowledge to answer your questions. No more guessing about your case.

Represent You in Court

Many accident cases are settled during negotiations with insurance companies. However, if you and your attorney cannot reach a satisfactory settlement, the case will continue to trial. Going into a courtroom alone and asking for what you deserve can be very scary. Having an attorney with you provides the peace of mind that you will not leave the courtroom with less than the best outcome possible.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

Hiring a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney maximizes your chances of getting the compensation you need to fully recover after an accident. If you have lost income, have large medical bills, or have become disabled after a crash, you must discuss your claim with an experienced car accident lawyer. Contact an attorney today and start building your legal team.

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Come And Visit Our Offices

Marcus & Mack

Marcus & Mack
N/a
57 S 6th Street,
The Mitchell House

Indiana PA   15701
1216 11th Ave
Suite 219

Altoona PA   16601
108 West Beaver Avenue,
Suite 203

State College PA  16801
334 Budfield St,
#132

Johnstown PA  15904
12 West Long Ave.
Suite 203

DuBois PA  15801