Do I Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident Injury?

Most people have been in at least one car accident, and many others have been injured in these common accidents. In the majority of incidents, those involved in the accidents expect to be paid for damages through the insurance companies involved. While this may work for repairing damage to the vehicle, it is not always the best solution if you were injured in the accident. If you are wondering whether or not you need a lawyer for your car accident injury, you may want to consider these factors.

How Serious Is Your Injury?

A mild injury from an auto accident that heals quickly and does not require further medical care most likely does not require any legal action. However, there are vehicle accident injuries that may seem mild in the beginning, but actually may cause long-term pain or disability. Whiplash injuries can seem mild with tolerable pain in the beginning, but if there is nerve or other damage, these injuries can cause chronic pain and functional issues.

It is important to receive professional medical care for your injuries immediately after the accident. This can identify any possible damage that may cause issues down the road. Never accept payment from an insurance company for injuries without speaking to a lawyer. This could negate your eligibility to seek further compensation in the future if you have long-term injury issues.

Be Suspicious of Settlement Offers

If an insurance company offers you a check to close the accident claim, this is a red flag. This is a tactic insurance companies use to avoid larger payouts. They may offer you several hundred or even a few thousand dollars to satisfy your claim. This can seem attractive to many people, and many accept the offer, only to find out later that their injuries will cost them much more than the lump sum to which they agreed.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. The insurance adjusters want to pay as little for each claim as possible. If they are offering you a lump sum settlement, it is for their benefit, not yours. Always contact a personal injury lawyer to review your claim before even accepting an offer from an insurance company.

Do you need a lawyer for your car accident injury? If you need medical care for your injury, it is worthwhile to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim. If you are injured in a vehicle accident in Georgia, contact Keith Leshine or one of our team at our office in Duluth, GA. We offer free, no-obligation legal consultations – we can even come to you if needed.