Even a fender bender can be stressful, but unlike a serious crash, it leaves you with the question: “Do I need an attorney for a minor car accident?” While a minor accident might not appear to require legal intervention, there are situations where having an accident lawyer can be beneficial. While you’re not legally required to obtain representation for minor crashes, it’s important to consider protecting your legal rights, avoiding unexpected financial burdens, and ensuring fair treatment by insurance companies.
Brooks Law Group assists those affected by accidents of all levels of severity. Let’s explore why you should consider hiring an attorney for a minor car accident.
Hiring an attorney for a minor car accident protects your rights.
Choosing to hire an attorney for a minor crash protects you if:
You experience hidden injuries or delayed symptoms.
One of the biggest reasons you may need an attorney for a minor car accident is the possibility of hidden injuries. Many people walk away from a crash feeling fine, only to experience pain hours, days, or even weeks later. These delayed symptoms can be devastating. Some of the most common injuries we see are:
- Whiplash – A sudden jolt, such as that experienced in a car accident, can strain the neck and spine. This frequently leads to pain, headaches, and even mobility issues.
- Concussions – Any impact to the head can cause a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a low-speed collision could lead to a head injury. The worst part? Unlike severe TBIs, a minor concussion might not show symptoms immediately, and delayed treatment could be catastrophic.
- Soft Tissue injuries – Sprains, strains, or even minor internal injuries can worsen over time. The required medical treatments can add up quickly, and if you have no legal assistance, you’ll be paying for it yourself. Attorneys make sure the liable parties are held accountable.
Insurance companies attempt to undervalue your claim.
Insurance companies often try to settle minor accident claims quickly, usually “lowballing” compensation and taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. While the offer might seem reasonable to the inexperienced eye, accident attorneys know and understand the amount of money needed for long-term recovery and care. We help you secure compensation for:
- medical bills (current and future)
Don’t let insurance adjusters shortchange your settlement!
- lost wages due to missed work
- vehicle repairs beyond initial estimates
- pain and suffering
- mental and emotional trauma
- additional expenses (childcare, in-home assistance, etc.) related to your injuries
Insurance adjusters, even those with your insurance company, have one goal: to protect their company’s bottom line. They frequently downplay the severity of your injuries and damages, and can attempt to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. A lawyer negotiates on your behalf and ensures that none of the involved insurance companies take advantage of you.
Liability disputes and legal complexities become problematic.
Hiring an attorney for a minor car accident can assist in determining fault. This process is often complicated, especially if the other driver denies responsibility or you are faced with conflicting statements. Additional complications include:
- no witness statements
- unclear or inaccurate police report
- a driver claiming that you are partially at fault
- the accident occurred in a comparative negligence state (meaning partial fault can reduce your compensation)
Experienced accident attorneys know how to gather evidence, analyze all reports and details, and begin building a case.
The at-fault driver sues YOU.
Occasionally, the other driver might file a lawsuit against you. In this circumstance, having secured legal representation ahead of time is crucial to your best outcome. Attorneys protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes on your behalf.
When should I call an attorney after a minor car accident?
While a minor fender-bender while parallel parking or a backup crash in a parking lot usually doesn’t require legal help, hiring an attorney for a minor car accident is smart and proactive. This is especially true if you experienced any injuries or have liability concerns. Are you on the fence about calling for legal assistance? Ask yourself:
- Have I suffered any pain, however minor, since my accident?
- Is the insurance company offering me less than I expected?
- Is there any dispute about who was at fault?
- Am I feeling pressured by insurance companies to settle quickly?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (or all of them!), speaking with an experienced car accident attorney ASAP is a wise and necessary move. Brooks Law Group offers free consultations so you can discuss your situation without financial risk or obligation. A minor accident might not seem like a big deal, but protecting yourself legally could save you significant time, money, and stress.
Brooks Law Group provides help after your minor car accident.
Has the above information convinced you that hiring an attorney for a minor car accident is necessary? Make your next step a phone call to Brooks Law Group. We fight for those injured in car accidents throughout the Winter Haven area, securing the compensation and justice they deserve. We provide free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay for our help unless we win your case. Our number one priority is protecting you after your car accident.
Don’t put your rights, your finances, or your well-being at risk after a car accident. Look to Brooks!
