If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you probably have a lot on your mind. You might be dealing with a painful injury, such as whiplash or a herniated disc, worrying about medical bills, or struggling to find an alternative means of transportation if your car was added to the crash. With dozens of things to worry about, Finding an attorney to handle your car accident case may be the last thing on your mind. However, your legal options are something to consider as soon as possible; here are 5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident.
You May Have A Limited Time To Act
North Carolina is home to a ” 14-day rule ” that says accident victims must seek treatment for injuries within fourteen days of their car accident. If they don’t seek treatment, it can affect their ability to receive personal injury protection coverage or PIP. Not only can this lead to financial problems if someone is struggling to cope with medical bills or lost wages after an accident, but not adhering to the 14-day rule can also jeopardize a victim’s chance of a successful lawsuit. This is because, if your injuries are not addressed within fourteen days, insurance copies or opposing attorneys might consider that as proof that you were never actually injured in the first place.
While the 14-day rule applies primarily to PIP and medical treatment, it is still an important example of why you should speak to an attorney after a car accident. An experienced attorney will know all about PIP, the 14-day rule, and the similar nuances of North Carolina law and will be able to make sure you don’t miss out on any risks to justice and redress.
Your Insurance Company May Not Have Your Best Interests At Heart
After an accident, some people might put off seeking the help of an attorney because they believe that their insurance company will help them find the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some insurance companies focus on handling the claim as soon as possible and may not be able to offer you the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries. Although it may be tempting to accept an initial offer from your insurance company, a personal injury attorney can help you find the compensation you really deserve.
You Need To Understand All Your Possible Damages
If you have been involved in a car accident, certain damages, like your injuries or damage to your car, It may seem obvious. But there are many other things to consider, including:
- Lost wages
- lost time from work
- Loss of ability to do before enjoyed hobbies and activities
- Loss of companionship or affection if a spouse or partner died in the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Expenses related to an injury or disability, such as adapting your home to accommodate a wheelchair
An attorney can help you identify all possible damages after your car accident and will help ensure that you do not miss out on recovering the necessary compensation.
An Attorney Can Help You See Through A Complex Case
All car accident cases have the potential for many complexities. For example, what appears to be a minor accident in a supermarket parking lot can quickly turn complicated if the driver of one of the vehicles involved was working for the grocery store and was performing his duties when the accident occurred. There are many factors that can play a role in a car accident that have an impact on liability and compensation, and an attorney can help you sort through it all to figure out the best way to proceed after your car accident.
You Will Have Someone On Your Side
Most importantly, hiring a personal injury attorney after a car accident means that you are going to have someone who is there to fight for you. An attorney can help you through every step of the way, from obtaining evidence to negotiating a settlement, and will work hard to find the best possible outcome for your case. During the stressful period after a car accident, it can be incredibly important to have someone there to help you.
These top five reasons to hire an attorney after a car accident why you should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney today. The time after a car accident can be very complex, stressful, and scary, especially when it comes to injuries or other damages, but a dedicated attorney can help you see through every step of the way.