Any road-related accident is sure to leave you feeling shaken and overwhelmed. This is further compounded if the crash has caused you harm, either in terms of physical injury or financial losses. Generally, the decision of whether to contact a lawyer after a car accident will depend on several factors, including the state you’re in, and the accompanying laws. For example, in “no-fault’ insurance states such as Florida, individuals are legally bound to file a claim with their insurance company first. A car accident attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo in West Palm Beach, FL can help guide you through the legalities, and how to proceed if your insurance company fails to comply.
On the other hand, if you’re in a strict contributory negligence state, then it’s possible to pursue legal action against the party at fault. In either case, a legal professional can help by giving you a better understanding of the law and your rights, which can help secure compensation for damages. Below are a few more situations when you might want to turn to legal help:
Serious Injuries
If the accident resulted in serious physical injury, it’s highly recommended to consult a lawyer. This is also the case if the other party was at fault and their negligence has caused you significant financial expenses. Generally, lawyers understand the different kinds of damages you may be eligible for, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other losses you may have incurred. They would help you get your money back if you had to pay the damages.
Multiple Parties Involved
Third-party claims and multiple-party lawsuits can be tricky to handle. You not only have to consider the financial repercussions of the accident, but also the contribution to the fault of each party. Here, it’s best to err on the side of caution and reach out to a lawyer. Since they will be more familiar with the law and have the resources to handle any legal proceedings. A competent lawyer has a better understanding of how these types of situations are handled. Plus it can make the process go by a lot faster when people know there’s a legal professional involved.
Contributory Negligence Rule State
Unlike the straightforward “No-fault insurance” concept, the contributory negligence rule forbids recovery of damages if you were found to be partly at fault. In such scenarios, you want to be sure that you don’t end up paying for damages or losses that were not your responsibility. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure they are protected. They will reach out to the right people to understand what’s going on. This kind of situation can be stressful but having a good lawyer can make you feel at ease.
You’re a Defendant
Sometimes, you might not be the victim of an accident, but the defendant. If it wasn’t a “No-fault” insurance state, and the accident was severe, you might have to fight a civil lawsuit. Here, a lawyer’s help is invaluable in deciphering the applicable laws and helping you to provide evidence that could exonerate you. Where necessary, they can even negotiate a settlement so that you don’t end up paying more damages or penalties than you should.
Conclusion
As a rule, having legal guidance after a car accident is advisable, as it can help you mitigate any financial losses, secure the necessary compensation, and protect your rights. Moreover, it can also help ensure that the other party is held legally accountable for their role in the accident. By reaching out to a legal professional, you can be sure that your interests are preserved as you pursue a fair outcome.
