Should I Call a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?

In most cases, should call a lawyer after a minor car accident. Victims in a car accident always have the right to seek legal support from an attorney, and if you have questions or concerns, even in a minor car accident, you should do so. 

In the simplest cases, where there are no injuries or losses, there is no need to contact an attorney. However, in the following situations, it is advisable to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans car accident lawyer to learn more about your rights to compensation and justice.

You Have Injuries, No Matter Their Severity

A minor car accident may refer to a slow-moving accident with limited damage to the vehicle. Most often, no one is injured. If you do, then get medical care for your injury right away and call a car accident lawyer.

Any time you need medical care after a car accident, including a trip to the ER just to make sure you are okay, set up a consultation with an attorney.

This is especially true in situations where the hospital admits you to care or you must follow up. This increases the likelihood of having multiple providers and high costs associated with your injury.

Injuries do not have to be debilitating, but could include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and clean fractures. You may have back and neck pain, or you may struggle with random aches and pains. In situations where you seek medical care, always decide to talk to an attorney about what happened in your accident.

Fault Disputes Exist After the Minor Car Accident

Even in a minor car accident, there may be liability concerns. Victims of car accidents may find themselves suddenly facing claims because they failed to report the accident to the police. The other party may state that you caused their injuries even if you know they caused the accident.

In cases like this, where disputes arise over who is at fault, your attorney becomes your advocate. Your lawyer will verify your injuries, document your losses, and investigate the factors contributing to the accident, including evidence of distraction, intoxication, or fatigue. We work to find evidence to show you were not at fault and that the other party was.

In any situation where there are disputes about what level of fault you have, turn to an attorney immediately. You may find it nearly impossible to prove your case without having legal guidance, especially if the insurance company or the police reporting to the scene makes you liable after the accident. To avoid this, call 911 after your accident, document the incident yourself, and call an attorney.

Do Not Overlook the Importance of Comparative Negligence

In Louisiana, you have the right to pursue compensation from the other party as long as you are no more than 50% at fault. If you go over this, the law bars you from filing a claim for any losses you have. If below 50%, the court reduces your compensation by the percentage of fault attributed to you. 

Your attorney will work to keep that percentage as low as possible. This is the state’s comparative negligence rule. 

There Are Multiple Parties Involved

Car accidents that involve more than one other vehicle benefit from the guidance of a lawyer. Your attorney will assist in navigating fault across the board, and when numerous people are involved, this can be challenging.

Your lawyer also becomes your advocate if someone involved in the accident suddenly has serious injuries or complications.

The more parties involved, the more risk you face. That is especially true in situations where another party fails to provide details about their condition right after the accident or files a claim against you down the road. Involving a lawyer now protects you from actions such as this.

In some situations, victims face an ongoing battle to recover fair compensation when multiple parties are involved. Insurance companies can enter a continuous battle over who is at fault and what types of losses each party should receive.

Avoid this type of situation by hiring an attorney early on. Review our case results to learn about our success stories.

Insurance Denied Your Claim

There are situations in which victims may find themselves with claims that seem straightforward and clear after a minor car accident. Yet, the insurance company denies them.

The insurance company may want to pay a fraction of what you believe the claim’s value really is, such as the value of repairs to your vehicle.

In situations like this, you do not have to deal with the actions of the insurance adjuster on your own. Your attorney will help you build a strong claim that documents all of the losses you have and backs up those losses with evidence. 

We work closely with you to identify the challenges the insurance company may be creating and to verify that they have the information they need, while still protecting your rights to fair compensation. In some situations, the insurance company may become abusive, which is a violation of your rights to fair treatment, and can, in itself, become a legal matter. 

If you believe the insurance company is not being fair or is denying valid claims unjustly, your attorney can help you navigate your rights under the law, including whether or not you should file a lawsuit against that insurance agency.

Though rare, this may be a step you take to protect your ability to recover damages fairly, even in a minor car accident.

You Just Need More Information or Answers: So Why Not Speak to an Attorney

One of the most critical steps after any car accident is to request a free consultation with a car accident lawyer. There is no cost to you and no obligation to work with that or any attorney if you decide not to do so.

However, during that consultation, you will learn about your rights, the potential value of your claim, and potential complications in pursuing compensation. This can alleviate your frustrations.

If you are unsure, set up a free consultation with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers now. Let us get to the bottom of your accident claim and your need for legal representation from our law firm.