After a long day at work, you are driving home when a car rear-ends you at a red light.
Luckily, your car only sustained minor damage. Your automobile still runs and is not entirely totalled.
And right now, you’re feeling good.
You begin to have neck aches soon after the accident. But it doesn’t appear particularly serious.
Undoubtedly, the other driver was at fault in this collision. They even tell law enforcement about it.
Do you need to speak with a car accident lawyer, given the facts of this event?
Yes, you should even in accidents like these.
Whenever you find yourself in a position where you must submit a claim or seek compensation, it never hurts to investigate your legal options.
If you overestimated your injuries, speaking with a car accident lawyer in Atlanta will also be helpful.
A typical car accident, such as whiplash, can result in chronic pain, migraines, and other problems hours or days after the collision, incurring high medical costs and lost pay.
Meeting with a lawyer is beneficial, especially since most accident lawyers provide a no-cost consultation.
You can discuss your auto accident and legal options during your free appointment. They will then inform you if your case requires legal representation.
Know More: What Are the Fees for a Car Accident Lawyer?
Contents
What To Do After a Minor Car Accident
It would help if you took precise actions in a car accident, regardless of who caused it or how small it was.
We’ll review some of the procedures below so you’ll be ready if you have a mishap.
Step #1 Do You Need Medical Attention?
Make sure no one inside your automobile needs emergency medical assistance after moving out of the danger of oncoming traffic.
We hope you and your passengers are all OK since this was a minor collision.
Make sure no one requires medical assistance in the other car as well.
If somebody is seriously hurt, call 911 as soon as possible.
Step #2 Make a Police Report
After the accident, you must contact the police to file an official report.
Never, under any circumstances, blame yourself for the automobile accident when dealing with a police officer.
When you attempt to get compensated, this could be used against you.
Step #3 Exchange Information
You should still share information with the other driver after filing a police report.
Get their name, phone number, and details on their auto insurance, including their policy number.
Take pictures of the damage to both cars if you can.
Step #4 Speak to a Lawyer
Insurance companies will work to protect themselves as soon as the accident is reported, so they have to pay as little as possible if anything at all.
Additionally, remember that there is a statute of limitations for injuries sustained in car accidents.
Each state will have a different statute of limitations. However, the statute of limitations is two years in most states.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
A lawyer’s assistance isn’t always necessary in a case.
Sometimes it may not seem like you need a lawyer, but you do.
Speaking with a lawyer is beneficial, especially if they provide free consultations.
It is best to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.
You should hire a lawyer if any of the following apply:
Insurance Company Wants To Settle for Less Than You Need
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible if the insurance provider for the driver who was at fault has made a settlement offer that does not fully compensate you for your losses.
Insurance companies will believe that if you are negotiating on your behalf, you do not know how much compensation you are legally entitled to.
You might observe that the offered settlement increases once counsel is involved.
There Is a Dispute about Liability
The party at fault, in some instances, will be clear.
In some cases, it might not be as simple. You should hire legal counsel if this occurs.
Never solely depend on a police report or witness accounts.
Insurance companies will try to place part of the blame on you to reduce the compensation they must pay.
Your attorney will oppose this strategy.
The Injuries Became Serious
You might feel OK at the moment of the incident, but you might feel a little weird the following day.
You get terrible migraines, mood swings, and persistent discomfort after a few more days.
Your doctor determines that you have nerve damage.
You’ve just gone from a small event to one that forces you to miss work, necessitates surgery, and results in unpaid debts.
Your attorney will pursue reimbursement for these expenses, so you may concentrate on getting better rather than dealing with an insurance company.
