When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?

There's no denying that every car accident victim carries a heavy burden after the crash. You already had stress from work, family, or school, but now you have to deal with pain, bills, and insurance providers. And it can be overwhelming to know that how you handle your case could affect your compensation.

This is why attorneys step in to help people after a car accident. But how do you know the answer to “when should I hire an attorney for a car accident”? Ask any car accident lawyer in Kingston, PA, and the answer will be surprisingly simple: as soon as possible.

Below are some facts you should consider if you've been involved in an accident and need to know when to hire an attorney.

The Insurance Company Isn't on Your Side

After you've been in a car accident, the at-fault party's insurance will contact you. They will be very kind, perhaps even charming. They might even give you an offer of compensation on the spot, seeming generous.

But what they don't want you to know is that they are offering pennies compared to what you could get with a professional handling your case. And they want to make the case disappear quickly and cheaply.

Insurance is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, and providers would like to keep it as profitable as possible. That means paying out as little as they can to those injured by their insured customers. But, unfortunately, the at-fault's insurance is working against you. To have a professional working for you, you'll need a professional car accident lawyer.

Timing Is Everything After a Car Accident

Getting hurt in a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. But just as you begin to understand your injuries, what you should do, and how you should approach your case, you realize the insurance company is way ahead of you.

States such as Pennsylvania maintain a two-year statute of limitations. So if you don't file a lawsuit within two years after the accident, you won't be able to recover any compensation. So an insurance company may just be looking to wind down the clock until you settle for far less than you deserve.

For all these reasons, timing in your case is essential to recovering what you deserve. 

An attorney by your side can speak to the insurance company on your behalf. They will also guide you through the process. This means you spend less time asking what you should do and more time focused on recovering from your injuries.

Getting an Attorney Has No Risk to You

A car accident lawyer will typically work only for contingency fees. This means that you don't need to pay out of pocket to them. They will only be paid if you win. Once you win, they will earn a percentage of your settlement.

This incentivizes a car accident attorney to work harder for you. It also means that you don't need to pay for any of the legal services you received if you don't win. So, there's no monetary risk to you when you decide to hire an attorney for a car accident. 

Mistakes Could Cost You — An Attorney Can Get You More

As we mentioned, there are many reasons why the answer to “when should I hire an attorney for a car accident?” is “the sooner, the better.” That's especially easy to see when it comes to looking at compensation. 

When you hire an attorney for a car accident, you will likely win more than you would without an attorney. Hiring an attorney shows the insurance company you are serious. An attorney will spot things you miss, give you the best advice for strengthening your case, and understand how to negotiate with the insurance company. 

The flip side is that not hiring an attorney for a car accident could actually cost you. Whether it's missing a deadline, sharing the wrong information with the insurance company, or mishandling a limited tort vs. full tort case, one slip up could cost you your compensation. 

This is why we always recommend hiring a professional and experienced attorney who has had these types of cases before and will know what to do immediately. 

Selingo Guagliardo Can be Your Car Accident Lawyer

If you want to know, “When should I hire an attorney for a car accident?” we hope you understand that the faster you hire a lawyer, the more successful your case will be. An attorney will protect you from insurance companies that drag their feet and get the best compensation for you.

Most car accident attorneys offer free case consultation, so don't hesitate to reach out as soon as you can. Selingo Guagliardo is here to help you recover and go forward, so give us a call today.