Auto Accident Lawyer - How to Find One
Had a car accident? You may need an accident attorney
Car accidents happen. In most cases, auto insurance takes care of everything and it's over. But sometimes there are complications which call for professional legal help in the form of a lawyer that specializes in automobile accidents.
When do you need a auto accident lawyer?
Auto or truck accident attorneys might be required in any situation in which the fault of the accident is in doubt or is being contested, one party has filed, or might file, legal complaints, criminal violations are involved, issues exist against an insurance company, or in cases where you simply need to understand your legal rights or need advice.
In most cases, a lawyer can help you reach a settlement with the other party without ever having to go to court. Often, a simple letter from a lawyer can get things settled smoothly and quickly.
Let's look at some specific examples that might determine when you need a car accident lawyer.
If you are at fault
- If you are being sued, whether you were at fault or not, you need a lawyer to defend you
- If you are being accused by the other party for being at fault when you feel you were not
- If you feel the police report is inaccurate and incorrectly places you at fault
- If your insurance company has delayed or mishandled your case
- If your insurance company gets it's own attorney to talk to you
- If someone is seriously injured, disabled, or killed
- If other people not in your family were in the car with you and there were injuries
- If you don't have insurance or have insufficient liability insurance
- If you are not licensed to drive
- If a DUI charge is involved and you want to contest it
- If you are charged with criminal violations, such as hit-and-run charges
- If you don't understand your rights
If the other party is at fault
- If the other party has no insurance or insufficient insurance and you have no "uninsured motorist" coverage
- If you or your passengers are seriously injured, disabled, or killed
- If the other party has hired a lawyer
- If the other party is contesting their fault or the accuracy of a police report
- If you feel the other party's insurance company is not acting in good faith
- If you feel your own insurance company is not representing you properly
- If you don't understand your rights
How to find an auto accident attorney
Look in your local telephone yellow pages or use one of the many online attorney search tools to locate a lawyer in your area.
When you contact one, briefly describe your situation and ask about fees. Since every situation is different, fees can vary widely. A simple letter might only cost a couple hundred dollars. But a complicated court case could cost thousands, which might be paid by the settlement in some cases.
Summary
Auto insurance companies are not always as helpful and forthcoming when thousands of dollars are at stake in an accident settlement, whether it's your own insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company. Rather than try to fight them on your own, you should seek the help of a lawyer that specializes in the field.
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