Cover Your Damages: 7 Telltale Signs You Need Auto Accident Attorney
It’s hard to imagine, but approximately 3 million people sustain injuries due to auto accidents every year. No matter how cautious you are, the risk of a crash is always there.
A car accident can come out of nowhere and turn your life upside down in an instant. Fortunately, you have certain rights, one of which is to seek compensation for damages. To do so, you’ll need legal representation.
If you’ve recently been in an accident and aren’t sure whether you need a lawyer, keep reading. We’re going over seven signs it’s time to hire an auto accident attorney.
1. You’ve Sustained Serious Injuries
Auto accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Many of these can cause permanent disability.
Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
If you’ve sustained any type of injury that requires medical attention, your bills could put a huge strain on you and your family. You need a car accident attorney to protect your rights.
A lawyer can evaluate your medical records along with evidence from the accident to determine an amount to fight for. These damages may even include ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
It’s important to save all your medical bills and records. This includes prescription medication and physical therapy. This information will prove useful when building your case.
2. Your Injuries Have Left You Unable to Work
Lost wages are another form of damage that personal injury attorneys can help victims recoup. If your injuries have prevented you from working, it’s important to hire a lawyer to defend your rights.
There’s a formula used for calculating lost wages after an accident. However, your work situation affects this formula. Instead of trying to come to an amount yourself, you need an experienced attorney to ensure you fight for the right compensation.
Some auto accident injuries leave victims unable to work for long periods or for the rest of their lives. If this is the case, a lawyer will take your future potential earnings into account when building a case.
3. The Other Party Was Negligent
New Mexico is a “fault-based” state when it comes to auto insurance. This means each driver on the road is responsible for their actions.
When an accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for damages. This is an important factor when filing a personal injury claim after an accident.
If you suspect that negligence on the part of the other driver was to blame for the accident, you need to hire an attorney right away. Negligence could mean distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failure to observe traffic laws.
An attorney will investigate the accident to prove negligence and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
4. Multiple Drivers Were Involved
When an accident involves multiple drivers, things can get messy. Proving liability is difficult and the insurance process becomes complicated. This is especially true if more than one person sustains injuries.
Let’s say the crash wasn’t your fault, and you and another person sustained injuries. This could result in a situation where the insurance company reduces the settlement for both injured parties.
An insurance company may even claim that you’re partially at-fault and deny your claim entirely. An experienced attorney can protect your rights so you receive the full amount you deserve. Lawyers can also protect you from counterclaims by other parties.
5. The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
A worst-case scenario for drivers is getting into an accident with a person who doesn’t have insurance. If this happens, you’ll need to contact an auto accident attorney right away.
Insurance companies are the ones paying out claims for damages. Even though there are laws in place requiring every driver to carry auto insurance, some people still don’t.
An attorney can file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover compensation for damages. While it’s sometimes difficult to recover the money, it may be your only option.
If you have uninsured motorist protection on your insurance policy, you’ll need to file a claim. Unfortunately, insurance providers sometimes try to pay out less than the claimant deserves. If this happens, an attorney can step in.
6. Your Vehicle Sustained Serious Damage
Injuries and lost wages aren’t the only damages an attorney can help you recoup. They can also ensure you get the right amount for damage to your vehicle.
It’s important to note that many property damage claims go smoothly. The negligent driver’s insurance company compensates the other driver and everyone walks away.
The last thing you want is to drive a car that’s not as reliable or have to pay for part of the damage yourself. However, sometimes insurance adjusters lie or payouts are far less than the cost of repairs.
If you suspect this is happening, a lawyer can help you get a fair amount. They’ll examine the details of the accident and negotiate on your behalf so you’re not taken advantage of.
7. You’re Having Problems with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies exist to help protect people from all manner of losses. However, their bottom line is to make money. This means they’ll try to pay as little as possible.
Many times insurance companies try to get injured victims to accept a settlement that’s far too small. Their hope is that an injured victim will feel anything’s better than nothing and take the settlement.
Insurance companies will even resort to intimidation. They may tell a victim that if they don’t accept the offer right away, they’ll get nothing.
Hiring legal representation is the best way to protect yourself from these tactics. Once the insurance company knows you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll back off.
Find a Qualified Auto Accident Attorney to Protect Your Rights
If you were involved in a car accident, trying to represent yourself could end in disaster. You need experienced legal representation in your corner.
Look for the signs discussed above and hire an auto accident attorney to protect your rights.
We provide high-quality personal injury representation in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
