Many people who are involved in car accidents wonder under what circumstances they should contact a lawyer. Sometimes the accident is minor and contacting a lawyer may seem unnecessary. But is it really unnecessary? What about those unforeseen and undisclosed factors that could complicate even the simplest insurance claim? Let’s take a look at some of the factors that make it completely reasonable – if not necessary – to contact a lawyer after a minor car accident.

When You Should Contact a Lawyer After Any Car Accident

Before we dive into when you should contact a lawyer after a minor car accident, let’s take a look at what factors in any car accident case make it completely necessary to contact a lawyer. These factors are relevant no matter how “minor” or “serious” the accident may seem. Such factors include:

• Any party involved is seriously injured or requires hospitalization
• Any party involved dies as a result of the accident (this can happen in seemingly minor accidents also)
• Who was at fault for the accident is disputed or unclear
• The accident occurred in a construction zone
• The police report is incorrect or inconsistent with how you recall the accident
• Your liability limits on your insurance policy are low
• You have no insurance at the time, or failed to make your premium payment
• Your insurance company involves their legal team before your claim has barely hit their desk

Many people fail to realize that terms like “minor” or “serious” can be relative. Car accidents causing little property damage can still injure or kill those involved. A lot of what determines injuries and severity are those factors not always immediately apparent.

When You Should Contact a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident

In terms of minor accidents – meaning accidents where no one is seriously injured and property damage is not catastrophic – there are still some factors that can complicate your situation or necessitate contacting a lawyer. These factors include:

• When fault of the accident is disputed
• When you are not sure what your insurance can and should cover
• When the other party involved does not have adequate insurance coverage
• When an injury occurs and your insurance, or that of the other person, will not cover your medical expenses
• When your insurance company denies your claim

Two of the factors listed here are more common than you might think. First, many people are unsure of what their insurance coverage really offers. They are even less certain of the insurance coverage of other drivers. If someone else was at fault and did not have adequate (or any) insurance, then you definitely need to contact a lawyer right away.

Another issue that commonly arises after a car accident is the fact that injuries may not always be immediately recognizable. Some injuries do not cause symptoms for several days after the accident, and even minor injuries are vulnerable to complications. You should never underestimate the dangers of a car accident and the injuries that may occur as a result of even a small amount of trauma.

What a Lawyer Can Do After a Car Accident

There are more benefits to contacting a lawyer after a car accident than most people realize. No matter how minor or serious your accident may seem, there are many ways that a lawyer can help ensure that your legal rights are protected. Consider the following ways that a lawyer can help you after a car accident:

• First and foremost, a lawyer can help you protect your legal rights. Car accidents are complicated matters, and you should know your rights.
• A lawyer can help with filing insurance claims, ensuring they are accurate, or appealing a denial.
• If the other party did not have insurance, your attorney can help find options to get you the compensation you need for medical expenses and property damage.
• If who was at fault is disputed, a lawyer can help resolve the matter without the situation becoming ugly.
• If you were injured in any way, a lawyer can help you document this properly in the event that a lawsuit arises from your situation.
• There is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, and a lawyer can help ensure that you do not pass that date without having the option to file a lawsuit if applicable.

Within each of the factors listed above, there are numerous variables. Every car accident situation is different, and each party involved has unique factors that will impact the case.

A Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you have been involved in a car accident in Metro Atlanta, the Douglasville car accident lawyer at The Embry Law Firm can help you resolve your case. We represent clients in all sorts of car accident cases, and we have the skills and resources you need. No matter how minor or serious, our lawyer will fight to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.