Legally reviewed by:
Setareh Law
December 28, 2024

The minutes, days, and even weeks after a car accident, bike accident, or truck accident can be extremely overwhelming. Car accident victims often face numerous challenges, including physical pain, property damage, and legal complexities. As you’re coping with pain and property damage, it can be difficult to know what to do next. If the accident is minor, and so are your injuries, you might even question whether it makes sense to contact an attorney. Here, we’re going to discuss the question of when is the right time to hire an attorney after a car accident and why it’s always a good idea to have reliable legal representation on your side.

Should I Wait to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Whether you think you have injuries or not, it’s in your best interest to get evaluated by a doctor to rule out any serious or underlying issues. After you’ve been cleared by a medical professional, the next thing you should do is contact an attorney with experience handling car accident cases.

Some people wait to hire an attorney until they’re certain they have a case and are eligible for compensation. Hiring an attorney early can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident claim. However, without an attorney, it’s difficult to know what you’re duly entitled to. The sooner you hire an attorney, the quicker you’ll be on your way to healing and life as you knew it before your car accident.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to know when to seek professional help. Here are some scenarios where you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer:

If you’ve been seriously injured or have significant property damage

In the aftermath of a car accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries, immediate medical attention is crucial. Beyond the physical toll, significant property damage can add to your stress. In such cases, hiring a car accident lawyer can be invaluable.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. This support allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal intricacies.

If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness

When a car accident results from another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Proving fault in these situations can be challenging, but a skilled car accident lawyer can make a significant difference. They will gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. This ensures you receive the maximum settlement possible, covering your medical bills, lost income, and other related expenses.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed with your insurance claim

Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the procedures and terminology. If you’re unsure about how to proceed with your insurance claim, it’s wise to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will guide you through each step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company. They will ensure that your claim is handled correctly and that you receive the compensation you deserve, alleviating the stress and confusion often associated with the claims process.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?

Although you might have a pile of medical bills on your counter, it’s difficult to know how much money you’re actually entitled to following a car accident. The actual settlement you deserve might be more than the total for your current medical bills. Other reasons people receive compensation include:

  • Loss of wages
  • Future loss of wages
  • Medical rehabilitation
  • Medical equipment
  • Pain and suffering

An experienced car accident lawyer knows the intricacies of a car accident and how to calculate the total compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney can also help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A good car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills will take all of the details of your life into account so you can recover every cent you need to bounce back from your accident.

What to Look for in a Lawyer

When hiring a car accident lawyer, there are several things you should look for. Here are some key factors to consider:

Experience handling car accident cases

Experience is a critical factor when choosing a car accident lawyer. Look for an attorney who has a proven track record of handling car accident cases successfully. An experienced lawyer will be well-versed in the claims process, adept at gathering and presenting evidence, and skilled in negotiating with insurance companies. This expertise ensures you have the best chance of receiving the maximum settlement for your injuries and damages. By choosing a lawyer with a strong background in car accident cases, you can feel confident that your case is in capable hands.

Can an Attorney Help Me Handle the Claims Process?

One of the top benefits of hiring an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident is they can help you through the claims process. Insurance companies are skilled experts in navigating settlements, and an insurance adjuster will often attempt to get you to settle for less than you deserve.

One of the strategies insurance adjusters use is to get you to settle over the phone. They will call and offer you a particular amount and expect you to say yes. You should never agree to a settlement, however, unless you’ve talked with your attorney first.

A knowledgeable accident lawyer will guide you through the claims process and ensure you have all of your bases covered every step of the way. The Beverly Hills car accident attorneys with Setareh Law will gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf, taking care of the difficult aspects of the claim, such as paperwork, so you can focus on your recovery and get back to life as you knew it before your car accident.

Trust Our Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyers with Your Claim

In California, you must file your personal injury claim within two years of the car accident. The sooner you hire an attorney, the quicker you can settle your case for what it’s worth and move on with your life.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.

Our personal injury lawyers in Beverly Hills, California, are dedicated to providing you with reliable car accident representation. Attorney Daniel Setareh has a record of winning cases for thousands of people just like you in Beverly Hills. He’s been fighting for his clients for more than a decade and continues to put everything he has into fighting for you. He’s a member of California’s Super Lawyers and is highly rated on Avvo.com.

To schedule a free consultation, call 310-659-1826 or contact the firm via our online form today.