When Is an Accident Worth Hiring an Attorney?

You should consider hiring a personal injury attorney any time you intend to pursue a civil lawsuit and seek compensation. You aren’t required to hire an attorney, but if you care about the outcome of your claim, having that support is crucial.

What’s more, waiting to speak with an attorney can be harmful to your case. In time, evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies can go from being interested in settling to unwilling to even speak about your claim. Now is the right time to talk to a Stamford car accident attorney.

When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

You should hire a personal injury attorney as soon as you believe another person’s negligence caused your injuries. Early legal representation helps protect your claim while evidence is still available.

Many people wait until the insurance company denies their claim or makes an inadequate settlement offer. By that point, important evidence may have been lost, and statements made to insurance adjusters may already affect the value of the case. Even if you are unsure whether you have a case, an early consultation can help you understand if pursuing a claim is in your best interests.

What Types of Accidents Usually Require an Attorney?

The more serious the accident and the greater the potential damages, the more important it becomes to have an attorney by your side. This is because the higher the value of the claim, the more likely the insurance companies are going to fight back.

Catastrophic injuries always justify consulting an attorney. These include accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations, and other permanent disabilities.

What Signs Suggest the Insurance Company May Not Treat Your Claim Fairly?

Insurance companies evaluate every claim with their financial interests in mind. Their adjusters might be friendly and pleasant, but they don’t have your best interests at heart.

One warning sign is an unusually quick settlement offer. While receiving an early offer may seem like a positive thing, these offers are usually for much less than the claim is worth. The adjuster’s goal is to settle these claims for pennies on the dollar, so accepting the first offer that comes through usually isn’t a good idea.

Another concern arises when the adjuster disputes liability despite clear evidence that you weren’t at fault. When they refuse to even consider a settlement offer despite the straightforward facts of the case, it could be a sign they aren’t negotiating with you in good faith.

If conversations with the insurance company become frustrating or confusing, it may be time to seek support from our experienced attorneys.

How Can an Attorney Increase the Value of Your Claim?

Hiring an attorney doesn’t guarantee a settlement, but having counsel on your side can improve your chances of success. Your lawyer can also ensure you don’t accept an unreasonably low offer early on in the process.

An attorney evaluates more than your current medical bills. Your claim may also include future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished future earning capacity, and a host of other damages you might not have considered. It’s the goal of your legal team to maximize your recovery and get you the compensation you deserve.

Is There Any Risk in Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney?

Waiting too long to pursue your claim for compensation can make it more difficult to build a strong personal injury claim. In some cases, a lengthy delay could make it impossible for you to settle your case at all.

Connecticut also imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, formally known as the statute of limitations. If you wait until this deadline passes to file a lawsuit, you can expect your case to be dismissed with prejudice. That means losing your shot at damages regardless of how strong your claim is.

There are real risks that come with putting off a personal injury claim, so talking to a lawyer immediately after the accident is a good idea. Thankfully, our team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hiring a personal injury attorney expensive?

Most personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you generally do not pay attorney’s fees unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Should I hire an attorney if liability seems clear?

Yes, in many cases. Even when fault is obvious, insurance companies may still dispute the extent of your injuries or the value of your damages.

What if I am partially responsible for the accident?

You may still have a claim. Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows many injured people to recover compensation if they are not more responsible for the accident than the other party.

Can I hire an attorney after speaking with the insurance company?

Yes. Although contacting an attorney early often provides the greatest benefit, you can still hire legal counsel after communicating with the insurance company.

How Our Firm Can Help

After an accident, you deserve clear answers about your legal rights and the value of your claim. Our attorneys take the time to understand how the accident affected your health, finances, and future. We can help with the following:

• Investigating the facts
• Preserving evidence
• Gathering your medical records
• Consulting with qualified experts
• Negotiating a settlement
• Litigating your claim

Let our team of professionals help you build the strongest case possible and recover fair compensation for your injuries.

Reach Out to Slager Madry Today

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, having an attorney to support you during the personal injury claim process is important. You aren’t required to hire a lawyer, but proceeding without one is a risk you can’t afford. Reach out to Slager Madry today for a free consultation.