For many people, the process of dealing with a car accident can quickly become overwhelming. Many car accident victims will also quickly realize that they simply aren’t equipped to handle their situation on their own, including facing severe injuries, high medical bills and time away from work. Yet, they will still hesitate to contact a lawyer.
So, when should you get a lawyer for a car accident in Washington?
The simple answer is: If you have been injured, you should get a lawyer as soon after your car accident as possible. Not only is there no reason to wait, but waiting to get a lawyer can also lead to unnecessary complications. Delays can make it more difficult to collect the evidence you need; and, if you aren’t careful, you could make mistakes that the insurance companies can use against you.
5 Scenarios in Which You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident
Here are five examples of scenarios in which you should contact a lawyer for help after a car accident in Washington:
1. You Can’t Make Any Progress with Your Insurance Claim
If you filed a car accident claim on your own and you aren’t making any progress with the insurance companies, you aren’t alone. Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to make filing a successful claim as difficult as they can within the confines of the law. If you hire a lawyer, your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies for you, and your lawyer can fight to make sure you receive just compensation as quickly as possible.
2. The Other Driver’s Insurance Company has Denied Liability
If the other driver’s insurance company has denied liability, you should not take this as the last word on your claim. Insurance companies investigate and make liability determinations with their best interests in mind. If it’s not too late, your lawyer can conduct an independent investigation and determine if you are being unfairly denied fair compensation.
3. The Insurance Company is Offering a Lowball Settlement
If the insurance company is offering just a fraction of the compensation you believe you are owed, you should get a lawyer in this situation as well. Unfortunately, this is also a common tactic—because insurance companies know that many car accident victims are willing to accept whatever they can get. But this can be a very costly mistake.
4. The Costs of the Accident Are More Than You Thought
In many cases, car accident victims contact us for help because their losses are far greater than they initially thought. If the costs of your car accident are piling up, you should not take the risk of continuing to try to deal with the insurance companies on your own. A lawyer can help make sure you are seeking just compensation not only for your current and future out-of-pocket costs, but for your non-financial losses as well.
5. The Insurance Companies Are Saying That You Caused the Accident
Finally, if the insurance companies are blaming you for the accident, you should contact a lawyer right away. This blame might be misplaced; and, even if you are partially to blame for the accident, you are still entitled to partial compensation under Washington law.
While a lawyer may still be able to help you in these situations, it is in your best interest to get a lawyer for your car accident as soon as possible. Hiring a lawyer costs nothing out-of-pocket, and a reputable lawyer will only take your case if they believe that it is possible to help you take home more than you could recover on your own.
Should You Call a Lawyer If You Are Still in the Hospital?
Yes. If you are still in the hospital recovering from your car accident injuries, it is not too early to contact an attorney. At Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys, PLLC, we are more than happy to meet with new clients at a medical facility, and our attorneys can also consult with you over the phone.
In fact, not only is it not too early to contact an attorney, but you do not want to wait any longer than necessary. Your attorney will need to collect evidence in order to establish your claim for compensation, and it will be important to conduct an investigation promptly.
Should You Call a Lawyer If You Haven’t Yet Contacted the At-Fault Insurance Company?
Yes. In fact, if you have not yet contacted the insurance company, we recommend that you speak with an attorney before you do so.
Sharing too much information and making assumptions regarding liability are common mistakes. If you make these mistakes in talking with a representative from the insurance company, you may face significant difficulties obtaining the financial compensation to which you are legally entitled.
If you have not yet contacted the insurance company, our attorneys and staff can:
- Explain what you need to know about the insurance claims process
- Gather the evidence needed to assess your legal rights
- File your insurance claim on your behalf
- Deal with the insurance companies throughout your claim
- Advise you regarding settlement offers
- Prepare your case for trial, if necessary
Having an attorney after a car accident is helpful for filing a claim with the insurance company. Your lawyer can advise you throughout the entirety of the process.
Is It Too Late to Get a Car Accident Lawyer If You Have Already Filed an Insurance Claim?
No. If you have already contacted the insurance company, it is not too late to hire a car accident lawyer. However, we do recommend that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
At Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC, we deal with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. If you choose our firm to represent you, our attorneys and staff will make sure that the insurance companies do not take advantage of you or pressure you into settling for less than you deserve.
Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer for FREE
With offices in Olympia and Tacoma, Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC represents car accident victims throughout Washington. If you’ve been seriously injured in a collision, we can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Don’t face your injuries alone. Call (800) 570-4878 now for a FREE case evaluation.
