Obtaining Compensation If You Are Injured in an Auto Accident
After a car accident, you may wonder whether you need to retain an attorney. While there is no law that requires you to hire a lawyer after an auto accident, it may be in your best interest. A lawyer can make sure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve if you or a loved one is injured.
At Bishop & Hayes, P.C., the only type of law we practice is auto accident recovery. By committing our time, resources, and attention to auto injury law, we ensure that our clients receive the superior legal representation they deserve. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, contact our office at (417) 304-3228 to book a free consultation.
If any of these apply to your case, you should consult a lawyer immediately:
1. You Were Injured
Without question, if you were injured in a car crash, you should consult with an attorney. Injuries from a sudden collision can be debilitating, requiring you to take time off of work. Medical bills can create a financial hardship that you should not have to tackle alone.
By hiring an attorney, you can decide whether you should pursue a claim against a liable party. At Bishop & Hayes, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. We believe that injured parties deserve an honest assessment of their case so that they can decide how to move forward.
2. A Child Was in the Car
If you had a child in the car with you at the time of the accident and they were injured, you need to consult with a lawyer. Accident-related injuries, particularly head and neck trauma, can affect a child’s development requiring lifelong treatment.
A lawyer can help ensure that you receive compensation to cover all of your child’s current and future medical bills, including money for rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive care.
3. A Loved One Was Injured or Killed
In the unimaginable event that your loved one was killed in an auto accident, you should consult with an attorney. You might be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
4. The Insurance Company Isn’t Giving You a Fair Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes that most people make is accepting the first offer from an at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies are not on your side; they will try to get you to settle your claim for the least amount of money possible. They will use deceptive tactics to try to place the blame on you or downplay your injuries.
By retaining legal counsel early in the process, you can help to ensure that you receive the largest recovery allowed. An attorney will walk you through the process of filing a claim and will handle all negotiations. In the event that a favorable settlement cannot be reached, they can set the matter for trial.
5. You Aren’t Sure Who Was At-Fault
It is not your job to determine fault or liability. Generally speaking, you should not make any statements regarding the accident until you have consulted with an attorney. An insurance company may use your written or verbal statement to place you at fault and deny your claim.
An attorney can conduct an independent investigation to determine who was at fault. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially to blame.
Get the Legal Help You Need After an Auto Accident
If you were involved in a car accident and are unsure whether you should retain a lawyer, contact our office at (417) 304-3228. You should not have to pay an attorney to determine whether you have a valid legal claim.
At Bishop & Hayes, all consultations are free and without obligation to retain our firm. Every case is handled by a partner with the firm, and there are never any fees unless we win. Call now to get started.