If you were involved in a car accident, you might be wondering whether you even need a car accident lawyer or whether you can handle the claim yourself. There’s no law that says you have to hire a lawyer after a car accident. You might even be able to resolve your claim on your own if you weren’t injured and only suffered minimal property damage.
However, there are certain times when it is more practical to hire a Carlsbad car accident lawyer, such as when:
You or a Loved One Was Seriously Injured
Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries. If you or your loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, you could be facing significant setbacks, including:
- Expensive medical bills for emergency treatment and follow-up care
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Future medical needs
- The need to modify a home or vehicle for disabilities
- Significant time away from work or permanent disability that prevents the victim from returning to work
- Chronic pain that significantly impacts your quality of life
In these situations, you may need your car accident claim to help compensate for years of financial losses. An experienced Carlsbad personal injury attorney can gather documentation and work with expert witnesses to support your damage claim. They can advise you whether a settlement is fair considering your future needs.
Liability Is in Dispute
Insurance companies are highly profitable businesses that make billions of dollars by denying and minimizing as many claims as possible. If the insurance company is denying liability or you disagree with the fault determination in the police report, you should hire a car accident lawyer to safeguard your rights. An attorney can gather additional evidence, such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, or reports by accident reconstruction experts to help prove fault.
Multiple Vehicles or Parties Were Involved
Car accidents can become exponentially more complicated when multiple parties or vehicles are involved. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault. If the at-fault driver was working, their employer may be responsible for the accident. If multiple parties were injured, there may not be sufficient insurance to go around to cover everyone’s injuries if the at-fault party was underinsured. An experienced Carlsbad motorcycle accident lawyer can help sort out what happened and fight for your fair recovery.
You Need Help with the Insurance Claims Process
The insurance claim process can be confusing. You may be asked to submit multiple forms and provide a lot of information. The insurance company may be asking for a recorded statement. It could have offered a settlement that you think is too low. An experienced car accident lawyer will have first-hand experience working with insurance companies. They can manage communications, monitor case deadlines, and provide necessary information to expedite your claim.
The Statute of Limitations Is Approaching
California’s statute of limitations gives you only two years following a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary. If this deadline is fast approaching, contacting a lawyer is in your best interest.
Call Miller & Steele Today for a Free Case Review
The law firm of Miller & Steele offers a free, no-obligation consultation. You can discuss your situation with an experienced car accident lawyer and have your questions answered at no cost or obligation to go any further. If you decide to hire us, we can protect your legal interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (760) 840-5221 or contact us online to get started.