After another driver causes an accident in which you were the victim, you may ask yourself if you need a lawyer for a minor car accident. The truth is, some injuries are not noticeable after the crash. They may become more serious a couple of days later, though, leaving you in need of medical care.
You could be unsure whether you need representation from an attorney after a car crash. You might also not know whether your injuries rise to a level beyond what could be considered minor injuries. Seeking the advice of a lawyer familiar with personal injury lawsuits is always an option. Your attorney can help you determine whether you have a case.
What to Do After the Accident
After a minor accident, you are likely overwhelmed. Let this advice guide you toward what to do after another driver rear-ends you or hits your parked car.
Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
Often in the immediate aftermath of an accident, those involved may not notice injuries. Police officers may offer to order an ambulance for the victims, but the victims may turn down a trip to the hospital. In a case like this, the police may mark on the accident report that no injury occurred.
However, the next day you may notice some pain or other discomfort related to the accident. This situation is common, as adrenaline can mask some of the pain after a car accident, and it does not become noticeable until a day or two later.
Even if you refused an ambulance ride, you could still see a doctor on your own later. If the doctor determines you have suffered injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for your:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
Avoid Posting to Social Media
Insurance adjusters do not want to pay out claims. So, they will try their best to pin the entire accident on you or undervalue your claim. They might do this by calling you on the phone and trying to get you to admit fault.
Another method they might utilize is looking at your social media to take posts and photos out of context. You might want to share your health and safety updates with family and friends. However, limit these updates to private communications.
Retain a Lawyer from Our Firm
If you did not accept a ride to the hospital after a car crash, you might find that the other party’s insurance company is questioning the severity of your injuries. This decision may cause the company to offer you a smaller settlement than you believe you deserve – or may result in no settlement offer.
You do not have to accept this treatment from the insurance company. When you hire an attorney, you will have the ability to tell your side of the story. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer can explain why you did not seek treatment immediately after the crash. He or she can also begin negotiating on your behalf.
Your lawyer from our firm can:
- Hunt for evidence that supports your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Stand with you in court if the need arises
- Protect your rights
- Update you when developments occur
- Assign a value to your losses
You do not need to handle your accident by yourself. Lean on professional guidance.
Gather Your Documents and Evidence
Your lawyer will handle the accident investigation, but you can make their job easier by gathering all the information you have about your accident. This way, your case does not need to drag out longer than it needs to as you scramble to find all the:
- Photos
- Letters from the insurance company
- Medical care receipts
Giving all your evidence to your lawyer can help them. Let them use their time to speak to eyewitnesses and research legal options.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Looking at the Damage You and Your Vehicle Sustained
Sometimes, it is easy to see significant damage to the vehicles involved and surmise that those riding in the cars likely have serious injuries.
Other times, though, an inspection of the cars shows minor damage, meaning it can be hard to believe that those involved suffered any injuries. However, car damage alone cannot determine whether injuries are possible in a car accident.
Head Injuries are Always Possible
Sometimes, two cars can hit each other in just the right location, meaning the bumpers take the brunt of the force. The damage to the cars does not look significant.
Even in this type of crash, you may have suffered some sort of head injury in the crash. Something like a concussion or a traumatic brain injury does not require high travel speeds. Yet, these types of head injuries can lead to massive medical bills.
After a car accident in which someone else was at fault, you may have noticed what you consider to be minor injuries. This may leave you wondering if you need a lawyer for a minor car accident.
The Statute of Limitations Could Affect Your Minor Accident Case
According to the O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have up to two years to start the lawsuit in the state, so you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If you let this timeline pass, you could lose all right to fight for a financial award. So, do not let your chance of justice and recovery pass you by.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Bader Law Injury Lawyers is Ready to Lend Our Support
Speak with our personal injury lawyers to determine if you have a case. At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we are ready to provide advice on how you should proceed. We will consider the facts in your case and assess your chances of a successful outcome.
Call us at (404) 888-8888 for a free consultation today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
