The aftermath of a car accident is a scary and confusing time for injured survivors. If you suffered an injury in a car accident, you face an uncertain future. During this time, you may discover that you are unable to work and provide for your family. This can add even more financial stress and pressure. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of this pressure by offering you a low settlement. These offers are rarely enough to cover all expenses from an accident. If this occurs, you may wonder whether you should get an attorney after a car accident. Our Modesto car accident lawyers answer this question below.
Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Not everyone who gets into a car accident will need an attorney. However, there are situations when hiring a lawyer is necessary. If any of the following situations apply to your accident, we recommend that you call a car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
- You or a passenger suffered an injury. If you suffered an injury, you will need more compensation than you realize. Insurance companies often want to reach a quick settlement with injured accident survivors. Yet, you should not sign any settlement agreement without speaking to an attorney first. You may not realize the full extent of damages or how your injuries may affect your future. The more severe your injuries, the harder the insurance company may fight against your claim.
- Insurance companies not playing fair. Insurance companies may offer a lowball settlement after a car accident. They may give you the runaround or not return your calls. They may even request specific medical testing or refuse your claim outright. When this occurs, you need someone on your side who can fight against these unfair tactics.
- Accident liability is unclear. In some cases, it is difficult to prove fault. Multiple parties may begin pointing fingers and denying responsibility. This is especially common when an accident involves more than two vehicles. When car liability is unclear, you need a lawyer who can investigate your accident. Your attorney can help establish a clear chain of liability and hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions.
- You want to file a lawsuit. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer to settle, you may have to file a lawsuit. Lawsuits are complex and difficult to navigate. You need an experienced lawyer to help you tackle complex laws and ensure you meet the required deadlines. With an experienced Modesto car accident lawyer on your side, you can rest easier knowing you have protection during this time.
This is not an exhaustive list of situations where you should hire an attorney after a car accident. If you have been in a car accident in Stanislaus County, reach out to our Modesto car accident attorneys to discuss your situation. We can help you determine whether you need a lawyer and whether we can help you.
Contact Our Modesto Car Accident Lawyers
If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Modesto, you need someone you can trust to fight for you. At Swingle, Van Egmond & Heitlinger, we can help. We know the tactics insurance companies use to reduce their payouts. We use this knowledge to help our clients obtain maximum compensation. We can help you understand your legal options, so you can choose the best path for you and your family. Call us at (209) 522-2211 or fill out our confidential contact form to get started.
