Four Signs That You Need A Lawyer After Your Accident
Posted on: 1 July 2019
Even the most minor of accidents can be stressful, but serious accidents or accidents in which you suffer injuries can be life-changing. It can be especially devastating when you believe that the accident was caused by the negligence of the other party. In these situations, it can be difficult to know whether the insurance company is actually providing sufficient compensation to make you whole. If you've recently been in an accident, then watch out for these four signs that it is definitely time to hire a lawyer to represent you.
Your Medical Bills Exceed No-Fault Insurance Limits
If you live in a state with no-fault insurance, then you should treat this as a flashing red sign that you need legal representation. No-fault insurance is designed to make dealing with relatively minor accidents easier for both parties, but it can quickly become a nightmare for serious accidents involving long-term injuries. If you believe that your medical bills are likely to exceed your state's no-fault limits, then you should contact an attorney immediately for a consultation.
Your Injuries Will Likely Prevent You from Working
Even if you only expect to be out of work for a few days or a few weeks, recovering lost wages from insurance companies can be difficult. Injuries can oftentimes persist for longer than the initial diagnosis, as well. It is not uncommon to believe that you will only be out of work for five or six days, only to discover that your recovery is progressing more slowly than you originally anticipated. For this reason, it's a good idea to get in touch with an attorney in any situation where your injuries will definitely require you to remain home.
You Will Need an Extended Hospital Stay
Anyone who's ever spent any time in a hospital knows that hospital stays are incredibly expensive. Even if you have your own health insurance, an extended stay in the hospital can result in a bill that skyrockets right up to your deductible. It is the at-fault party's automobile insurance that is responsible for this, but recovering the full amount is not always straightforward. An attorney can fight for you from day one, ensuring that you can spend your time focusing entirely on your recovery.
You've Been Injured at All
Ultimately, having an attorney on your side is a good idea any time you suffer an injury in an accident. While the above situations all warrant contacting a lawyer immediately, you are never wrong to contact a lawyer if you've suffered harm serious enough to require a doctor's visit. Consultations are usually free, and your attorney will help you to determine whether you have a case worth pursuing. Remember that most injury cases are settled out of court, so often the primary advantage of having an attorney is simply to force the insurance company to pay you fair compensation for your injuries.
For more information, contact an auto accident attorney.
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