Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

All car accidents are different, and each one will have specific circumstances that make to more difficult to get compensation. Some minor car accidents may only require a victim to file an insurance claim, while others may turn into battles with insurers and at-fault drivers.

With this in mind, there are a few ways to help victims determine when they should speak to an attorney after a crash.

How to Determine if You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident

Some victims may be able to handle their cases without legal representation if they're willing to do the legwork and negotiation to settle the claim. However, cases that involve high medical costs and extensive knowledge of the law should definitely be handled by an attorney.

If your case is somewhere in between, you can decide whether you can handle your case based on:

• The extent of your injuries. If your injuries have already healed completely and you won't suffer long-term effects, your case will be much simpler than if you experienced permanent injury. The more extensive your injuries are, the more you could potentially recover in damages—and the more resistance you may face in settling the claim.
• Whether fault is contested. There are many ways to establish fault for a car accident, and victims are often assigned a portion of blame by their insurers. If you cannot prove the other driver was at fault—or at least, that you were not at fault—you may need an attorney’s help to gather evidence and get fair compensation.
• How much you have paid for your losses. Some accident cases settle for a few thousand dollars, while damages for other cases may climb into the millions. If your total expenses for property damage, injuries, lost income, and permanent losses are more than you can afford to lose, you should seek an attorney’s advice.
• Whether your case will go to court. There's a big difference between negotiating with a claims adjuster over the phone and taking your case to court. If you cannot agree to a settlement with your insurance provider, you'll need a lawyer to represent you in court to protect your rights.

At Johnson & Gilbert, P.A., we believe all accident victims deserve to know their rights, even if they don't need a lawyer. That's why our firm provides free consultations to individuals injured by the negligence of another.

Simply fill out the quick contact form on this page today to schedule your free case evaluation with our Florida injury attorneys.