Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, one of the first questions most people ask is “Do I need a lawyer?” The answer to this question is, most often, it depends. Whether you need a lawyer largely depends on the factors involved in the accident, such as the severity, cause, and any other elements that may have contributed to it. These are some of the factors that we will address in this article to help you know when it is time to call a lawyer after a car accident.

Atlanta Car Accident Severity

Minor accidents, or “fender-benders,” that do not cause injuries often can be resolved with a basic insurance claim and simple repairs. In most such cases, a lawyer is not required to successfully resolve the case.

More complex accidents, accidents involving serious injuries or death, and those involving parties who are uninsured are much more complicated. These types of car accident situations often can benefit from legal guidance to ensure that your legal rights are upheld.

Atlanta Car Accident Causes

Another factor that may determine if you need a lawyer is the cause of the accident. If you were found at-fault for an accident that only involved yourself, you probably do not need an attorney. There are situations, however, where legal guidance can be extremely helpful, such as:

• If someone else was driving recklessly and you were injured as a result
• Your vehicle malfunctioned and caused you to crash
• There were hazards in the roadway that you could not avoid, such as construction equipment
• You were in an accident with another driver who did not have insurance
• You were in an accident involving a bus, tractor-trailer, or other commercial vehicle
• You were in an accident involving a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcycle
• You were forced to miss work as a result of the accident, injuries, or damaged property

There are many factors that cause car accidents. Some accidents are caused by unavoidable “acts of god”, such as natural disasters, animals, or roadway hazards. Many other accidents, however, are caused by reckless or negligent driving. Such causes may include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving – using mobile devices, texting, eating, reading, etc.
• Speeding
• Failure to obey traffic laws and signals
• Driving without proper/legal insurance

When any of these causes are factors in a car accident, it is always advisable to contact a lawyer immediately.

Why You Should Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Contacting a lawyer after an Atlanta car accident can help save you time, frustration, and money. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you with the following:

• Filing a claim and communicating with insurance companies
• Addressing the cause of the accident and identifying at-fault parties
• Filing a personal injury claim against parties deemed negligent, which could compensate you for your injuries and financial losses
• Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies to cover expenses
• Taking your case to trial if a settlement is not a favorable outcome

To learn more about your rights after a car accident, contact our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation of your case.