A car accident is a difficult time, regardless of who is at fault. Even if the damage seems minor, the issues that can stem from an accident can linger long after the collision. There are a number of things that can cause concern after an accident – vehicle damage, property destruction, medical costs, and lost wages. It can also be difficult dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
Even a minor accident in a parking lot can lead to unexpected consequences. If your vehicle collides with another as you are slowly backing out of a parking spot, you may think it is a minor problem that will not lead to an insurance claim filed against you. Then a few days later, you receive a call from an insurance representative calling on behalf of the other driver, claiming the accident caused significantly more damage than what you witnessed.Â
While parking lot accidents do not typically lead to calling a lawyer to represent you, they are an indication of how unpredictable some circumstances can be. The more typical auto accidents that require legal assistance involve injuries and significant property damage. In those cases, you may need legal assistance from someone like this car accident lawyer located in Ontario.Â
How lawyers can assist you after an accident
Soon after the vehicle accident is reported, insurance companies representatives likely will begin calling. The moment you begin discussing the accident with them, you can jeopardize your case. A lawyer can help navigate difficult questions that insurance company representatives might ask to determine if you either share fault or are solely responsible for the crash.
Insurance companies have extensive legal resources, including both in-house lawyers and those they can hire to handle their interests. You should consult with a lawyer to ensure that your interests and rights are protected. They can be helpful during this particularly stressful time for you, when you may be recovering from injuries or the death of a loved one.Â
What type of issues will lawyers handle after an accident?
If you are the victim of a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you could face numerous expenses to repair your vehicle, recover from your injuries and recoup lost wages while you recover. Serious injuries will require significant compensation to cover the damage. For example, if you are seriously injured in an auto accident, you may find months later that you are unable to return to work. Your lawyer can pursue compensation for you that will cover any lost future wages you experience as a result of the accident.
Your lawyer will investigate the accident, obtain the necessary evidence you need to pursue your case, interview witnesses and the parties involved, and negotiate terms with the responsible parties and the insurance companies. Some insurance companies will want you to settle your case early before you identify all of the consequences of the accident. But your lawyer can help protect your interests.
Why do I need a lawyer if the accident wasn’t my fault?
The short answer is you need a lawyer to protect your interests, not to defend you. There are numerous ways that your lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation and damages you deserve. Without a lawyer, an insurance company may attempt to settle with you for very little money, which does not take into account all of the compensation you deserve, such as rental car reimbursement, lost wages, medical bill payments, and lost future earnings impacted by the accident.
