When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. Having the right tools at your disposal to protect yourself legally is vital. So it is worth considering hiring a lawyer for car accident claims regardless of whose fault it was. But when do you need a lawyer for a car accident? Today, we will address this question. This article will explore the six scenarios to consider when hiring a lawyer following a car accident.
Fatal Car Accidents in Greater Akron
Before digging into the nitty-gritty of this topic, let's first look at some statistics. The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) released its crash report last March 2022. According to the released data, daily vehicle miles traveled dropped by 13 percent from 2018 to 2020. This accounts for a decrease in traffic by 2,624, possibly due to the COVID-19 lockdown at the time.
As a result of the most significant decrease in road traffic, crashes and crash-related injuries also diminished. The number of crashes in the region dropped by 20 percent, from 18,739 in 2018 to 14,965 in 2020. On the other hand, crash-related injuries also plummeted by 18 percent, from 4,262 in 2018 to 3,503 in 2020.
David Pulay, AMATS Transportation Improvement Program Coordinator, states that one reason behind this is the safety improvement projects in Ohio. However, despite this positive information, accidents are still apparent in Greater Akron and across Ohio. In 2018, there were 35 crash fatalities, 44 in 2019 and 69 in 2020. Even with the drop in traffic in those three years, the fatalities in 2020 are nearly double that of 2018."Some drivers mistakenly believed– and many may still believe– that they can drive faster or more recklessly with no consequences." — David Pulay
In other words, the threat of car accidents still looms over Ohio. Even vigilant drivers may still encounter accidents due to others' negligence. It's essential to know how to protect oneself from accidents. The right time to hire a lawyer for car accidents is also necessary.So, when should you hire a lawyer? Let's answer that below:
6 Reasons You Should Hire a Lawyer after a Car Accident
The truth is that you may choose not to hire a lawyer for minor or small auto accidents. Small accidents involve slight vehicular damages that do not impede a vehicle's operations or cause injury to any party. A few examples include the following:
Slight fender benders
Broken headlights
Damaged taillights
Small car dents
Busted tires
For minor accidents, hiring a lawyer is helpful but optional. In most cases, the liability is relatively easy to determine. Moreover, insurance companies often cover minor damages without much haggling and hassle.Here are the six reasons why you should hire a lawyer for car accidents:
There Are Wounds and/or Significant Damage to Your Car
Minor accidents are one thing, but it is a different story if your car gets totaled or suffers significant damage. More importantly, if you suffer injuries during a collision, seeking the help of a car accident lawyer is essential. This is the best way to protect your legal rights to collect just compensation for the damages and medical expenses.
Someone Else’s Actions Caused the Accident
It's possible that other motorists played a role leading up to the accident. For instance, another driver may have exhibited poor driving habits or acted recklessly, causing your unexpected loss of car control. If that's the case, it's best to seek and speak to a lawyer regarding the car accident.
The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Made You a Meager Settlement Offer
Remember this: insurance companies are never on your side. They will do everything possible to downplay the accident and lowball their compensation. As such, they are speaking to an attorney before agreeing to settle will shield you from meager settlements.Following an accident, having a clear and thorough understanding of the costs surrounding accident injuries is difficult. An experienced attorney can analyze damages. This will help you overcome low offers that do not cover your entire expenses. Accepting settlements disqualifies you from asking for more money after.
Your Wounds Are Severe and Permanent
Some injuries are serious but treatable. But some injuries inflict a lifetime of expenses and rehabilitation, not to mention surgeries and hospitalization. These injuries affect your earning capacity and may even cost you your profession. Hiring a lawyer for car accidents can help you obtain the settlement to cover these expenses.
A Government-Owned Vehicle Caused Your Accident
Seeking compensation from a private entity differs from recovering settlement from a local or state government entity. In most cases, you will need the skill and know-how to deal with the latter. Even seasoned attorneys without experience with the government will pale coping with the bureaucracy.In this case, you need to find experienced attorneys who understand the complications of legal action against government entities. Kevin Sandel from Sandel Law Firm is one of those experienced lawyers.
Due to the Accident’s Injuries, a Loved One Just Died
Losing a loved one from another driver's negligence and recklessness is an unfortunate fact every motorist's faces. However, when you're at the receiving end of this event, you can obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim. A lawyer for car accidents can help you navigate the details surrounding this process. From gathering more information to understanding your eligibility, lawyers have you covered. They may also assist you in recovering the rightful compensation for your loss.As a rule of thumb, having a lawyer by your side is always ideal after an accident. This prevents you from committing irrevocable errors should you pursue the claim alone.Sandel Law Firm is always here to defend your right to a just settlement if you need legal assistance. Book a free consultation with us to learn more.