People who are involved in an accident in which they are hit by another car might assume that all they need to do is let the insurance company take care of things. While there is no legal requirement in place that says it is necessary to visit an attorney following this type of accident, there might be some advantages to doing so.
1- Injuries May Not Be Apparent
Someone who has walked away from a car accident with just a few scrapes and aches might consider themselves fortunate, but it is important to not assume that this means there are no injuries. It could be days for certain types of injuries, such as whiplash, to begin causing symptoms, and for others, such as traumatic brain injury, it might be even longer. A lawyer can advise regarding how to proceed if these types of injuries might be present.
2- Gathering Information
In some cases, it may be necessary to pull together evidence. This could include witness statements and a thorough accounting of injuries and damage. Attorneys can do this on an individual’s behalf, often more thoroughly and more quickly than the individual could because they have a background in dealing with car accidents and know what to look for.
3- Addressing Paperwork and Legal Issues
Being hit by another car is not one of those incidents that people prepare for in their day-to-day life. In the aftermath of a car accident, there can be a confusing array of forms to fill out and procedures to follow, and getting compensation or certain legal remedies could depend on doing these things in a correct and timely fashion. Unlike the accident victim, for an attorney in this field, fulfilling these requirements is routine. They may be able to take care of any paperwork and procedures more quickly and accurately.
4- In Case of Litigation
Ideally, cases in which a person is hit by another car proceed smoothly, but this is not always the situation. There could be a dispute about what happened at the scene of the accident and who was at fault, or a person could struggle to get compensation for injuries or vehicle damage. Seeing a lawyer soon after the accident means that any necessary documentation can be done early on. If problems arise, the lawyer will know how to proceed.
5- Experience With Negotiation
After a car accident, it may be necessary to negotiate with insurance companies or even in a courtroom. Negotiating skills are part of a lawyer’s job description, and even for people who also have these skills, doing so on their own behalf in a stressful situation is usually not ideal. There are attorneys who have done this many times before and who can take over these negotiations on a person’s behalf.
Getting hit by a car can be an upsetting, disorienting experience. It can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. Visiting an attorney after the accident can help individuals better understand their position and what steps they need to take to protect themselves and get any needed compensation.
