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by Mike
- August 8, 2025
- 0 Comments
Let’s say you were involved in a minor car accident. It can still leave you scarred, unsure of your rights, and bombarded with expenses. You may wonder if you need to hire a lawyer for what you think is a small incident.
While it might be unnecessary, let’s outline the perks and snags of hiring a car accident attorney and when you should hire one.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Usually Do?
Sometimes, you may ask yourself, “Should I get an attorney for a car accident?” The answer could be yes or no, depending on the situation.
But if you are curious about what a car accident lawyer actually does, here’s a short overview:
- Evaluate and investigate: Car accident attorneys study the case to determine whether legal action is necessary. They start by collecting the police report, medical records, CCTV footage, and witness statements from the accident scene.
- Prove liability: They show how the accident happened, specifically how the at-fault driver caused it.
- Calculate and negotiate: Lawyers calculate the amount of money you should get from damages and coordinate with the insurance company to pay you a deserving amount, by hook or crook.
- File a lawsuit: If all negotiations crumble, your lawyer will take your case to court.
Why Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident
Even minor injuries you may tend to overlook can cost you more as time goes by. Here’s why you should hire a lawyer for a minor accident:
1. Hidden Injuries and Delayed Symptoms
Some injuries may not show for days after the crash. It could be soft tissue injuries or whiplash. A lawyer can advise you to seek medical attention right away and document every step. These hidden injuries can become serious and put you under long-term treatment.
2. Protect Your Rights
The insurance company can make you admit fault or accept a low settlement. The car accident attorney will tell you not to say or sign anything that can damage your personal injury claim and reduce the compensation you should get. Legal assistance is always an option, so the driver’s insurance company can not exploit you.
3. Maximize Your Claim’s Value
Let your car accident lawyer calculate medical expenses, emotional distress, total property damage, and pain and suffering for you to get a fair settlement. They’ll support your case with the help of medical providers and accident reconstruction experts.
4. Guide You on the Statute of Limitations
Delaying the filing of the car accident claim can make you lose the right to sue due to the statute of limitations in your state. Get a lawyer to help you file all the paperwork while following the legal time limits.
5. No Upfront Cost
In most cases, auto accident lawyers only get paid when they win your case. You don not need to shell out anything as the transaction goes on.
Downsides of Working with a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident
1. Legal Fees Cutting Into Small Settlements
You may receive a small settlement fee in some simple cases, such as zero injuries and minimal vehicle damage. The cost is heavier than the benefit when you hire a lawyer to help you out, even if they work on a contingency basis.
2. Settlement Delays
Lawyers usually negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for fair settlements, which can take a long time and delay the payout. This could be a problem if you need money for medical bills or car repairs.
3. You Might Not Need One
If none of you suffered injuries, both agree on the events, and the at-fault driver takes accountability, you may not file a claim or take it to court. However, you can still get a free case evaluation to make sure.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Even a minor car accident can shake things up in your life. Hire a lawyer in these instances:
- You suffered injuries or needed comprehensive medical treatment.
- You still have lingering pain in your body after a long time since the day of the accident.
- The other driver denies their mistake or provides false contact information.
- The other driver’s insurance company wants you to settle early.
- You want to claim lost wages due to missing work.
- You are unsure about calculating the exact amount of damages.
- There’s a long dispute over who’s really responsible for the accident.
An attorney can help you if you find yourself in any of these situations.
Final Thoughts
While not every minor car accident needs a lawyer, the decision can be reversed due to your injuries, insurance complexities, and the medical costs. The personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue the real value of your claim throughout your legal saga.
Get a lawyer if pain persists in your body days or weeks after the accident or when you are not getting the right compensation you deserve. You may not need one if you and the other driver have patched things up before it worsens.
