When Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Apr 19,2018

If you have been injured in an auto accident and need to file a personal injury claim, you might be considering hiring an attorney to handle your case. You might also be wondering when in the process is the right time to hire a car accident attorney.

The best answer we can offer is to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. There are a number of reasons why retaining an attorney early in the process is important to your case. Consider these factors:

The at-fault party’s insurance adjuster will be calling you soon, if they have not already. They will want to take a statement from you, and will try to settle the claim as quickly as possible. They will also try to get you to settle for a low amount, because their job is to keep the insurance company from losing money. Insurance adjusters know that accident victims who work with personal injury attorneys usually end up with a higher settlement amount, so they will likely try to discourage you from hiring an attorney. Consulting with an attorney soon after your accident can help prepare you for dealing with the insurance company, and your attorney can speak with the adjuster on your behalf.
Medical records are evidence in your personal injury case. Thus, you need to have a good understanding of how to navigate your medical treatment as it relates to your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you figure out which medical providers you need to visit, and what documentation you need for your injuries and treatment plan.
Establishing liability is not always cut-and-dry. The at-fault party’s insurance company might try to claim their client was not really at fault for the crash, or say you are partly at fault for what happened. If you hire a personal injury attorney right away, your attorney can begin putting your case together immediately. The sooner your attorney can gather evidence and get information from witnesses, the better off your case will be.
Accident victims without attorneys often leave money on the table. An experienced car accident attorney can educate you on the types of damages you can seek through your personal injury claim. These are often not limited to just the physical damage to your vehicle and your medical bills. If you lose income from being unable to work, or have to see a mental health professional due to the trauma, you can seek compensation for those expenses as well.

“Being injured in a car accident is a traumatic and stressful experience for anyone. It’s much better to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible, than to try to navigate the process alone,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.