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Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

| Aug 22, 2022 | Personal Injury

The sad reality is that we all get involved in a car accident at one time or another. Thankfully, most of these accidents are minor, resulting in little or no damage.

Often people wonder, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” The thing is, even if the damage to your car is minimal, you and other passengers might have suffered some injuries. So, generally, it’s advisable to talk to a Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyer to establish the legal options available for you.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

Hiring a lawyer is recommended, regardless of how minor the accident may appear to you.

Consider this scenario. You’re driving on your local street, and another driver runs into the back of your vehicle. The damage to your car may be minimal, and you may drive home after police complete their report. But still, you may experience some discomfort in some parts of your body, such as the neck and shoulders.

In such situations, many people are hesitant to file a personal injury claim, despite knowing the other motorist was at fault. However, you should always contact a lawyer right away.

These injuries appearing minor can become more severe. You see, after a collision, some injuries take days or weeks before symptoms present themselves. This delay is due to the surge of adrenaline through your body after an accident.

Therefore, first, see your doctor, who can examine you and ascertain that you’re okay. Then, talk to a lawyer to determine what options you have. The lawyer will offer you an honest assessment of whether you should go ahead and file a personal injury claim or not.

Steps to Follow Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

After getting involved in a car accident, compose yourself and handle the situation soberly. If another driver hits you, follow these steps before contacting a car accident lawyer in Wilkes-Barre:

  1. Call 911 and report the collision.
  2. Check yourself and other people involved for injuries. Where necessary, render first aid.
  3. Exchange registration, driving license, and insurance details with the at-fault driver
  4. Ask for the driver’s contact information.
  5. Take photos of the damage to both cars and the whole accident scene.
  6. Talk to witnesses and obtain their names and contact information.
  7. Request the police officer responding to write a report.
  8. See your doctor for some medical attention
  9. Lastly, contact a lawyer for a case review.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

Every state has its statute of limitations for when you can file a claim. The law bars you from filing a personal injury claim after the expiration of this time limit. That means you will receive no compensation for your losses.

The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better because the period starts on the accident date. Don’t wait until the limitation period is almost over.

Hiring a lawyer early enough can help gather evidence that would otherwise be lost if you waited too long. It also gives your lawyer enough time to investigate your claim thoroughly.

Work with an Experienced Accident Lawyer

Seeking a lawyer’s help after a minor car accident is crucial. An experienced auto accident lawyer has the knowledge and skills to help negotiate your settlement in a claim. They handle matters professionally and effectively, winning you worthy financial restitution.

If you find yourself in a minor car accident, don’t hesitate to contact one of our personal injury lawyers at Vinsko & Associates for consultation.