You've probably seen the advertisements on television urging accident victims to call an attorney right away. You may be wondering, however, how you know for sure whether or not it's really necessary to hire an attorney for something that seems so simple. After all, if you and the other driver are insured, you may be wondering what the point of getting an attorney would be. You may be able to go it alone, but if you make the wrong decision you could end up harming your claim and missing out on a lot of money damages. To help you figure out the best course of action to take after an accident, read on.
You would be smart to seek professional legal help if:
1. You are not sure who is at fault in the accident and there is a possibility that you and the other driver could share some of the fault. For example, you were hit by the other driver, but only because the other driver was hit by another car and was pushed into your car.
2. You are too injured to take care of the somewhat complicated process of filing an insurance claim yourself.
3. The insurance adjuster from the other side is requesting your medical records, and the request includes a time period prior to the accident. They may be attempting to show that your present medical condition was pre-existing and not a result of the accident.
4. You have been offered a settlement that you are certain is far too low to cover the damages incurred.
5. You have been offered a structured settlement instead of a lump sum settlement. http://injury.findlaw.com/accident-injury-law/structured-settlements-pro-s-and-cons.html
6. You are requesting reimbursement for lost wages, but your work is irregular and it is more difficult to prove your lost income. For example if you are a business owner the amount of lost wages may be more than just an hourly amount.
You must seek professional legal help if:
1. Your initial claim for damages has been denied by the other guy's insurance carrier. If they repeatedly deny or refuse to reconsider or if the reason for the denial is in error, you may need more help to get the claim pushed through.
2. Your injuries go far beyond minor, prompting long hospitalizations, surgery, physical therapy and extensive treatment. Your medical bills are already astronomical and threaten to rise even more in the near future.
3. You suspect you have permanent injuries that will impact your ability to work for the remainder of your life.
4. The accident was complicated, involving several vehicles and numerous parties and the lawsuits and court cases are becoming overwhelming.
5. You are the subject of suit from the other driver.
Don't wait too long to speak to an attorney if any of the above sound like you.
You can also visit websites like http://carterfultonlaw.com/.
