Car accidents can ruin lives, cause catastrophic injury, and are the leading cause of death for young people worldwide, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. There are many different factors that may cause a crash, and you may not be certain about whether you need the assistance of a lawyer or legal team afterward. While not all crashes result in serious injury or death, there are several circumstances in which contacting a lawyer directly after the accident can help you receive compensation and avoid the frustration of handling any related disputes on your own.
- You Are Not Clear Who Is at Fault
In some cases, it is easy to understand which driver caused a car accident. A motorist that ran a red light, rear-ended you because he or she was texting and driving, or one that made an unsafe lane change would all likely be at fault and responsible for the damage caused. However, if the circumstances of what caused the wreck are unclear to you and others involved, it is wise to contact a lawyer who can help you reconstruct the events and uncover the truth.
- There Are Details Missing in the Police Report
Whether your accident was serious or little more than a fender bender, the police will likely come and create a report of the incident. Once it is available, read it carefully and note if there are any important details missing, especially those that are connected with which driver was at fault. If the report seems incorrect, you might want to obtain legal counsel to avoid paying for damages that you did not cause.
- The Crash Involves Minors
Children and teenagers are generally at greater risk of being injured in an accident, especially if a teen was behind the wheel when the wreck occurred. If any person in either vehicle under the age of 18 sustained injuries, having a lawyer on your side can help you understand the laws regarding young drivers and whether anyone involved failed to properly restrain their children. Even if you did not cause the wreck, having a lawyer advise you during this time can give you peace of mind, especially if others involved want you to act as a witness to the events that led to it.
- The Other Driver Fled the Scene
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be distressing, whether you were a pedestrian or a driver when the incident occurred. There are many reasons that cause a driver to flee the scene of an accident, including panic, fear, or because they lack insurance or have an expired driver’s license. Even if you are not sure of the identity of the individual who hit you, there are still several advantages to hiring a lawyer.
Not all states have the same laws regarding these kinds of accidents, so contacting an attorney can help you understand all your rights. For example, a hit and run accident Nevadavictim may require certain insurance coverage available from their provider to receive compensation, while those in other states might not have such policies. Speaking to a lawyer can make your options clear.
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening experience. However, speaking with an attorney afterward can alleviate many of your fears and protect your interests in the aftermath.
