Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Minor Accident?

by Aaron Gartlan

June 10, 2024 | Auto Accidents

The decision to hire an attorney after a minor car accident largely depends on whether you were injured. In cases involving injuries, you should immediately talk to an Alabama car accident lawyer. An attorney will manage the legal process, deal with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?

A minor car accident generally involves minimal vehicle damage. These accidents rarely result in severe injuries or fatalities. Collisions that may be minor include:

  • “Fender benders” without significant structural damage to vehicles
  • Crashes that result in dents and minor scratches

Although the term “minor” may vary depending on the situation, these accidents can lead to unexpected complications. This is especially true when dealing with the insurance company and pursuing a car accident claim. For this reason, seeking assistance from an Alabama car accident attorney is recommended.

Why Might I Need a Car Accident Lawyer for a Minor Collision?

You may need to hire an Alabama car accident lawyer after a minor crash for several reasons. These include:

  • Injuries requiring long-term treatment – If your minor car accident left you with serious injuries, your attorney will be able to fight for the maximum possible compensation to cover your long-term care expenses and other costs you face.
  • Pre-existing injury aggravation – If a pre-existing injury worsens due to the accident, a car accident injury lawyer can distinguish between the existing condition and the new injuries.
  • Disputes surrounding fault – When there are disagreements over who is responsible for the accident, your attorney will be able to gather the evidence necessary to prove that the defendant is liable and demand fair compensation.
  • Disputes surrounding compensation – For disagreements regarding your total losses, an attorney can help you provide strong evidence to support why you are demanding a specific amount of compensation for your case.
  • Lack of legal understanding – Legal procedures, lawsuits, or court proceedings may be unfamiliar territory. Engaging an accident lawyer ensures you properly navigate the legal system.
  • Multiple parties involved – Although car accident cases are inherently complex, having several parties involved in the same accident can make the legal process more confusing and difficult to handle.
  • Stressful claims process – Trying to overcome injuries is challenging on its own. Adding the claims process on top of everything may seem like too much to handle. In these cases, an attorney can handle the legal work on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
  • Cases that must go to court – Situations demanding court involvement, such as needing to sue the other driver, are best handled with a knowledgeable legal team in your corner.

Your attorney will work diligently throughout the legal process to protect your rights and ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.

Insurance agent assessing car damage from accident.

 

What Are Some Signs That I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

Several signs may indicate that you need a car accident lawyer to handle your claim. These include:

  • Arguments over fault – Hiring an attorney can help you better handle communications with the insurance company, especially when the other party will not accept responsibility. Your attorney will present evidence that shows that the other party is at fault so you can demand the compensation you need moving forward.
  • Delays in the claims process – You may want to hire an attorney to represent you if there are delays in processing your claim. An attorney can reach out to the insurance company and determine what is taking so long. They can advocate on your behalf and help you resolve your case promptly.
  • Low compensation offers – If the insurance company did not offer you fair compensation for your claim, an attorney may be able to guide you forward and demand the total amount you deserve.

What Will an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

There are several reasons to consider working with a car accident lawyer after a minor collision. For starters, an attorney can help you better understand your rights after a crash. They will advocate for you to ensure your best interests are reflected throughout the legal process. In addition, an attorney will:

  • Assist with insurance paperwork to ensure claims are accurate and filed on time
  • Comprehensively evaluate your losses to maximize rightful compensation
  • Communicate with insurance companies for you to prevent misunderstandings
  • Negotiate fair settlements based on the extent of losses and injuries
  • Provide legal guidance to protect your rights during the claims process

How Much Will a Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Most Alabama car accident attorneys handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. They only receive payment if they secure a financial recovery for your personal injury case. A contingency arrangement ensures you have access to legal representation without upfront costs. The amount you pay for your attorney will be a percentage of the settlement amount. Before hiring a car accident attorney, it is essential to discuss their fee structure and ensure you understand the terms of the agreement.

When Should I Contact a Car Accident Attorney?

You should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible following a minor collision, especially if you have sustained injuries or are facing challenges with the insurance claim process. Seeking legal guidance early on after your crash can help protect your rights, prevent potential complications, and ensure you pursue the maximum compensation in your case.

Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a minor crash and are unsure whether you need legal assistance, it is best to reach out to our Alabama car accident lawyers for a consultation. At Gartlan Injury Law, we fight for individuals when pursuing their car accident cases, no matter the scale of the incident. Our team is ready to provide personalized legal support in your pursuit of justice. Contact our law firm now to get started with a free case review.

Visit Our Alabama Car Accident Law Offices

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Aaron Gartlan is a graduate of Troy University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law who focuses his practice exclusively on representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others. He is member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition to his legal practice, Aaron teaches Business Law as an adjunct instructor at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and serves as a field artillery sergeant in the Alabama National Guard.

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