When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Nobody plans for a car accident, so it’s unlikely you have a lawyer on retainer for one. However, car accidents could be a simple fender bender or involve more severe injuries. In either case, it can be overwhelming. In-between tending to your injuries, filing an insurance claim, or a personal injury lawsuit, it can be quite a lot.

While it may be tempting to handle it all yourself, this might be the best time to ask, “Do I need to hire a lawyer?” Understanding when you need legal representation saves you money and stress. 

Hiring an accident lawyer NJ can be a big help in navigating the process after an accident. In this article, you will learn what to do after an accident and when you should do it.

What Do You Do After a Car Accident?

Before going into when to hire an accident or a personal injury lawyer NJ after a car accident, let’s cover what you can do after a car accident. These actions can have a huge impact on your case when you decide to file one.

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may want to focus on physical recovery first. While this is great, it can sometimes complicate either your claims case or personal injury lawsuit. Immediately after your accident, you should do the following:

• Report the accident

Some accidents, like a whiplash, may not present immediate symptoms of injury. It may take several days to show. If you do not make a report of the accident on the day it happens, it can be difficult to determine if your injuries are from that accident. 

Report your accident to the police and get a copy of the report for your insurance claims.

• Exchange Information with the involved parties

After your car accident, collect the names and contact details of the other party if you can. Other details like insurance information and license plate numbers will help in tracking down all parties involved in the accident should you need to make claims or file a lawsuit.

• Document the scene of the accident

You are well within your rights to document the scene of your car accident. Take photos of any injury and car damage. It will help in your police report, insurance claims, or some other legal case.

It is especially important that you act fast with filings after your car accident. In New Jersey, there is a 2-year general statute of limitations, after which you can no longer file a case for your car accident. 

Moreover, if a government agency or employee is involved in the accident, this statute of limitations is reduced to 90 days according to the state’s Tort Claims Act. This is another reason why a lawyer will be helpful in a car accident case, as they understand what deadlines apply to certain cases.

When to Involve a Lawyer in Your Car Accident Case

While not every car accident requires a lawyer, there are several situations where legal assistance can be helpful. They include:

1. Injuries or Fatalities

If you or anyone involved in the accident suffers serious injuries or if there’s a fatality, legal representation is essential. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into bigger issues later. 

A lawyer can help ensure you get the medical attention you need and fight for fair compensation for any pain and suffering.

2. Filing an Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Your insurance company will require details of your car accident to assess and process your claims. While trying to recover from any injury you may have sustained, it can be quite a lot to oversee the insurance claims process.

Additionally, your insurance company may go for a quick settlement that does not sufficiently cover your losses. You will need a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf so you receive fair compensation. 

However, you can not only make claims from your own insurance company. If the other party’s fault in the accident is certain, your claims will be from their insurance company. 

You will need the representation of a lawyer to navigate this successfully. Also, if your claim gets denied or delayed, engaging a lawyer is your best way to speed things up.

3. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Car accident cases vary in their severity. In cases of fatality or serious injuries, you may want the case to go to trial. A litigator will help you file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you before a judge or jury, as the case may be. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit if an insurance company is not willing to make a fair settlement offer.

4. Disputed Liability

Accident cases are not always clear as black and white. Fault in the accident could be from both parties or the other driver’s insurance company could dispute their liability. However, if you’re convinced the accident was due to the other driver’s negligence, a lawyer can help review your case and gather evidence to advocate for your rights.

5. Multiple Parties Involved

Accidents involving multiple vehicles or pedestrians can complicate claims. A lawyer can manage the various claims and coordinate with multiple insurance companies to ensure a fair outcome.

6. Uninsured or Underinsured Parties Involved

Sometimes, the other party involved in the accident may not have insurance or the one they have cannot cover your loss. You will need a lawyer to help you seek compensation from the uninsured motorist clause of your insurance policy.

Conclusion

Even when your accident seems minor, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can help offer you the necessary counsel and decide on the best course of action to take. 

Some lawyers even offer free consultations that you can take advantage of and avoid potential pitfalls in navigating the aftermath of your car accident case. By understanding when legal representation is necessary, you can significantly impact the outcome of your case and ensure your rights are protected.

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