When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

A standard “fender bender” includes possible airbag deployment, crunching metal and the overall safety of all persons involved. Seems simple.

Of course, you would hire a personal injury lawyer after a major accident, but for something like the above, there’s no reason, right?

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The human body, though resilient, is also quite delicate. The day after that fender bender you may be sore and think nothing of it. The soreness may be nothing or it could be something serious.

We’re going to discuss when to hire an accident attorney and cover some of the benefits of doing so. Keep reading for more!

Filing a Claim is Possible Without an Attorney

While the above statement is true, it isn’t necessarily recommended. This means that as soon as you believe there is bodily injury, an attorney should be hired.

Attorneys know their way around the insurance and legal systems allowing them to file claims quickly and efficiently. If you have the time to file for yourself, sure, you’ll save money–but the money you do receive may not be enough to cover your needs.

This is where the attorney comes in. He or she will be able to fight for all costs to be covered, including medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and even time away from work.

Medical Bills Get Expensive

Just as you think you’re in the clear and need no medical attention, you notice something. This something could be anything: persistent headaches, tingling in the fingers, or other physical issues that weren’t present before.

To see a doctor, your insurance will have to cover it, you’ll probably pay a co-pay, and then cover any prescriptions. These costs are just to be seen and do not include testing or any rehabilitation therapy thereafter.

In the event that your condition requires repeat doctor’s visits, chiropractic care or surgery, there is a chance you and your health insurance will have to cover it.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer who files claims on your behalf can prevent a lot of expenditure from your pocket. Typically attorneys have funds in place to cover medical costs until the lawsuit is settled or taken to trial.

Having an attorney allows you to focus on healing and your daily activities without worrying about whether to pay doctor’s bills.

Insurance Companies And Refusal To Pay

Insurance companies have been known to deny claims of individuals that aren’t “injured enough.” Guess what? Some injuries aren’t visible to the naked eye. The accident you were in may have only caused minor injuries or damage to vehicles, making the insurance company think they get off free and clear.

If you receive a diagnosis from a doctor for your injuries caused by the wreck, the insurance company can still refuse to pay for the doctor’s visit and your treatment. Personal injury attorneys can communicate with insurance companies to persuade them to pay what’s due.

Medical Bills are Covered, What About Wages?

Maybe you’ve lucked out and the insurance company you’re dealing with has paid your medical bills. Good–they should have.

A common problem people face is falling behind on their bills due to time away from work. People could be taking time away form work due to the number of appointments and therapy needed, or not being able to move properly after being injured. While your employer may be understanding, there is only so much paid time off available.

Unfortunately, this leaves you falling behind on bills and facing financial difficulties. A car accident lawyer knows exactly how to file for lost wages and get the money you’re due.

A “Simple” Injury Doesn’t Mean Simple Recovery

When someone is involved in an auto accident, something as simple as a sore neck or whiplash can become quite serious if not handled appropriately.

As mentioned earlier, the human body is resilient yet delicate. While it’s possible for the body to recover from many types of injuries or even heal completely, other times an injury that seems healed gets worse over time.

The worst part is, you won’t know this until months or years down the road. Having a personal injury attorney can ensure that you don’t settle before all treatment options have been explored.

When To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer

Most people feel it is overreacting to hire an accident attorney for a small accident, but it’s better safe than sorry. There’s no harm in checking with an attorney if you think you may have sustained an injury.

Oftentimes personal injury attorneys won’t receive any payment from you until your case is closed, meaning you won’t pay a dime if they lose your case.

Final Thoughts

Opting to hire a personal injury lawyer is, of course, your choice. However, in an auto accident with any type of injury, it is advisable to at least consider this option.

Aside from the above benefits, you should also take into consideration your mental health when dealing with physical problems and memories of your accident. Having peace of mind can lead to better mental health. Better mental health can lead to quicker healing and an easier time adjusting to any major changes that occurred because of the accident.

If you’ve been in an auto accident, have questions, or think you should hire an attorney, please don’t hesitate to contact us.