In the event of a car accident, it can be confusing to know exactly what to do next. Do I call 911? Do I need to file a police report? Do I have to call my insurance company if there aren’t any major injuries or damages? And, of course—do I even need a car accident attorney?
In most cases, the answer to the last question is yes. A car accident attorney is ideal in the event of a crash or even as a safeguard against potential future accidents.
Even if the car crash seems insignificant and the fault seems obvious, a car accident attorney can provide the knowledge, experience, and care to help you navigate the aftermath. These professionals can even help you receive financial compensation if the situation warrants it.
We’re looking closer at car accidents and situations when you should consider calling a Denver car accident attorney. We also help clarify whether you can settle a car accident claim without a lawyer. Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a car accident, but if you do, don’t hesitate to reach out and Call Paul for more information.
Table of Contents
WHEN TO GET AN ATTORNEY FOR A CAR ACCIDENT
You should hire an attorney directly after a serious vehicle accident.
Although, we believe it’s never a bad idea to work with an auto accident attorney as foresight since they can utilize their knowledge and experience to help or advise you. If needed, they’ll defend your case in court and can help you receive financial compensation.
Although it’s never a bad idea to consult with an attorney for guidance after an accident, there are specific scenarios where legal representation is crucial. Below, we outline the most common situations where hiring an attorney is highly recommended.
1. You Suffered Serious Injuries
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a car accident—such as fractures, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage—you need legal representation as soon as possible.
Why?
- Long-term medical costs: A lawyer will ensure that your compensation includes future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care.
- Establishing liability: To demonstrate that the accident was the direct cause of your injuries, your car accident attorney will compile documentation, including medical records and expert opinions.
- Increasing your settlement: Insurance providers frequently want to reduce benefits. A lawyer will battle to make sure you get just recompense for your financial losses, sorrow, and suffering.
2. The Accident Resulted in a Fatality
If a car accident leads to a wrongful death, the legal complexities become even greater. Fatal accidents may result in:
- Criminal charges against the at-fault driver
- Wrongful death lawsuits filed by the victim’s family
- Complicated insurance claims that require legal negotiation
A car accident attorney ensures that the surviving family members receive justice and the damages they are entitled to.
3. Determining Fault Is Difficult or Disputed
The issue of fault is not always clear-cut, and in many cases, drivers deny liability or shift blame onto others. If the accident’s cause is disputed, you need an attorney to:
- Investigate the crash using police reports, witness statements, and video evidence.
- Challenge inaccurate claims made by the other party or insurance companies.
- Navigate comparative fault laws, which may impact your eligibility for compensation.
In some states, shared fault laws assign a percentage of blame to each driver, affecting your ability to recover damages. A seasoned auto accident attorney will ensure that you aren’t unfairly blamed.
4. The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or has inadequate coverage, you may struggle to recover compensation for your losses.
An attorney will:
- File a claim with your insurer as an uninsured motorist.
- Identify alternative compensation sources, such as the at-fault driver’s assets.
- If your insurance provider refuses to pay under your uninsured motorist policy, take legal action.
Without legal help, you could be left to cover medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs alone.
5. Your Insurance Claim Was Denied, or You Received a Lowball Offer
Insurance companies aim to pay out as little as possible—they are businesses, after all. If your claim is denied—or if you receive an unfairly low settlement offer—it’s time to call a lawyer.
Regrettably, some insurance firms purposefully undervalue, postpone, or reject genuine claims without a good justification, which is known as bad faith. Signs of bad faith insurance include:
- Unjustified claim denials without proper explanation
- Delaying payment to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement
- Misrepresenting policy terms to avoid paying what you’re owed
- Failing to investigate your claim properly or promptly
A skilled attorney will:
- Examine your claim and determine the reasons for its denial.
- Strive for a reasonable settlement by negotiating vigorously with the insurance provider.
- Take legal action against bad faith insurers, holding them accountable for dishonest tactics.
Many accident victims settle for much less than they are entitled to simply because they lack a car accident attorney to challenge insurance companies. Don’t let insurers take advantage of you—if you suspect bad faith practices, your car crash attorney will fight for you.
6. You Were in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle
Crashes involving trucks, buses, rideshare vehicles, or company cars introduce added legal complications. Multiple parties could be held responsible, including:
- The driver
- Their employer
- The company’s insurance provider
- A vendor responsible for vehicle maintenance
Teams of attorneys are frequently employed by businesses and their insurers to reduce their liability. You need a local car accident attorney who understands vicarious liability laws and can fight for the maximum compensation.
7. The Accident Happened in a Construction Zone
Construction zone accidents increase penalties and legal complexities because:
- Additional parties (such as construction companies or city agencies) may be involved.
- Fines and penalties for causing an accident in a work zone can be severe.
- Liability may be unclear, requiring an in-depth investigation.
A car crash injury lawyer will determine who is responsible for the accident and help you throughout the entire process.
8. Multiple Parties Are Involved in the Collision
Multi-car accidents or crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or businesses can quickly become legally complex. You may face:
- Conflicting accounts of what happened
- Multiple insurance companies are shifting the blame
- Potential lawsuits from other drivers if liability is unclear
Your car accident attorney will reconstruct the accident, determine who is responsible, and ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed.
9. You Lost Income Due to the Accident
If your injuries or lack of transportation prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
A car accident attorney can:
- File a claim for lost income and demand fair compensation.
- If your injuries keep you from going back to your prior job, seek damages for lost earning potential.
- To guarantee your financial stability, bargain with insurers.
If your employer refuses to pay for time off or pressures you to return to work too soon, your lawyer can protect your rights.
10. You’re Facing a Lawsuit
If another driver, passenger, or pedestrian sues you after an accident, you need legal representation immediately.
A lawyer will:
- Defend you in court and challenge false accusations.
- Negotiate settlements to minimize financial damage.
- Collaborate with knowledgeable witnesses to reconstruct the mishap and support your claims.
Failing to respond to a lawsuit properly can hurt your case and lead to serious financial consequences even if you believe you weren’t at fault.
While not every accident requires legal representation, hiring an auto accident attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation in complex cases. If you are facing serious injuries, insurance disputes, liability challenges, or legal complications, don’t wait—contact a trusted car accident attorney as soon as possible.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS THAT MIGHT REQUIRE LEGAL REPRESENTATION
According to data accumulated by Driver Knowledge, there are roughly 6 million car accidents in the United States annually. These accidents result in more than 90 deaths each day and over 30 million injuries annually. While every auto accident is unique, several common types exist. By becoming aware of these common types, this additional awareness could reduce the overall number of car accidents. Here’s a quick look at the most common types of car accidents:
1. Rear-end collisions
A rear-end crash is the most common type of car accident. Accounting for almost a third of all car accidents, these occur when one driver collides with the rear of a car in front of them. These collisions on a busy highway can quickly pile into multi-car accidents and cause significant damages and injuries.
2. Side-impact collisions
A “T-bone” collision occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another. These are especially common at intersections when distracted drivers fail to stop at a light or stop sign. These crashes may also occur when drivers are merging into other lanes.
According to the National Library of Medicine, an initial side impact occurs in 44.9 percent of multiple-impact crashes.
3. Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of auto accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), these collisions cause the most occupant deaths in car crashes in the United States.
4. Single-car collisions
A car accident doesn’t always require two cars. If a driver loses control of their car, often due to distracted or impaired driving, they can quickly run off the road and collide with a tree, lamppost, guard rail, or another object. These accidents are known as single-car collisions, and they can still be quite dangerous.
In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 55 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2020 occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
Additional Statistics:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 41,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2020.
In 2020 alone, these accidents accounted for over 430 billion dollars in total damages and medical care costs.
CAN YOU SETTLE A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM WITHOUT A LAWYER?
It happens, but in most cases, you want to work with a car accident law firm in case of a crash. These professionals can offer guidance and support, recommend medical care, and, if necessary, fight for your case in court.
However, there may be instances when a car accident lawyer is unnecessary. You can settle the incident through your insurance companies if there is minimal vehicle damage and no one is hurt.
Your insurance premium may go up if you’re at fault for the accident. For very minor car accidents, this could be the only consequence.
But in most cases, you want to contact a car accident attorney. Even if your car accident seems like an “open and shut case,” dealing with insurance companies can be challenging because they usually try to avoid paying the full compensation on a claim.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
In addition to reaching out to a car accident attorney, there are other important steps you should take following a car accident. The following steps not only ensure your safety and health, but can be critical to your case if it goes to trial:
- Receive medical attention as needed.
- Call the police.
- Obtain an official police report.
- Gather photographic evidence from the scene of the accident.
- Exchange insurance information with other parties.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
- Contact a car accident attorney to learn more about your rights.
CONCLUSION – WHEN TO GET AN ATTORNEY FOR A CAR ACCIDENT
Always contact the police to receive an official police report and seek medical attention immediately.
Then, once you’re safe, contact a professional car accident attorney. Even if you believe you’re at fault or your case never goes to trial, these lawyers can help you understand your legal rights, assess your case, and determine what to do next.
Our goal is based on getting you the compensation you deserve. That’s why the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm operates strictly on contingency fees. This means that our firm only gets paid if you do.
Reach out to our Denver Car Accident Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation!
