When Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Buffalo?
After a car accident, you may have questions, such as whether you should see a doctor or hire a lawyer. Contrary to what you might see in TV ads, not every car crash requires legal assistance. Many accidents involve fender benders, which result in minimal damage and injuries. In these cases, you should be able to handle the process through your auto insurance company.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide peace of mind and increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. Most law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless they successfully recover money on your behalf. While attorneys often focus on cases with significant damages, even smaller claims can benefit from a legal review to protect your rights and ensure insurance companies don’t shortchange you. Here are some situations where reaching out to a car accident attorney can make a big difference:
Significant Injuries
The more serious your injuries, the more compensation you will need from the at-fault party to pay for these damages. Disabilities, brain injuries, and mobility issues are long-term issues that can require hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. You’ll want to make sure you get the compensation you need.
Fatalities
People often die in car accidents. If a loved one was killed in a crash, determining proper compensation becomes complicated. There are many elements involved in a wrongful death case. There may have been medical bills before they died. If the person worked or was married, the survivors are now dealing with financial support and consortium loss, among other losses. Discuss this situation with a lawyer so that all your damages are paid for.
Non-Economic Losses
Economic losses, such as property damage and medical bills, are easy to calculate. Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma? Not so much. If a car accident has left you in constant, severe pain or you are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a lawyer can help you prove these losses.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. They are not your friends. They may give you a lowball offer after an accident, hoping you will settle quickly. If you are dealing with significant damages, you want to think about present and future damages. Will the offer cover all these expenses? If not, then do not settle. Contact a lawyer and see if you can work toward a better offer.
When to Reach Out for Legal Help After a Car Accident
While not every car accident requires legal representation, having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference, especially if your injuries are severe, liability is unclear, or insurance companies aren’t cooperating. At Steve Foley Law Firm, our Buffalo car accident lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (716) 575-3236 or online to schedule your consultation.