If you’ve been in a car accident, you might feel capable of navigating the process alone, such as documenting the accident, filing a claim, and working with insurance companies. After all, working on your own might be able to save you money and give you more control and autonomy.
But is this really a wise idea?
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer after even a minor accident is usually a good move. Even if you feel confident in your ability to navigate the legal system, or if the monetary losses associated with the accident are minimal, your lawyer can give you several advantages, including:
- Professional advice. Your lawyer is there to give you professional advice. They can help you determine whether it’s worth taking further legal action against the person responsible for the car accident. They can help you decide whether it’s worth negotiating for more. They can give you perspective on how cases like yours usually play out and help you make the best possible decisions for your case. They may even let you know that the proposed settlement is fair, giving you peace of mind if and when you take the settlement.
- Negotiation. Your lawyer will help you negotiate as well, when necessary. Car accident lawyers typically have significant experience working with insurance companies and getting more favorable outcomes for their clients; they can fight for you so that you get what you deserve.
- Representation in court. The majority of car accident cases are settled out of court, since this is in the interest of both parties. But if the case does go to court, your lawyer will represent you, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.
- The free consultation. Here’s something else to keep in mind: most car accident lawyers are willing to give you a free consultation initially. They want to hear about your car accident and what types of experiences you’ve had in the aftermath, so they can make a reasonable decision about whether hiring a lawyer and taking legal action make sense. You have nothing to lose by having an initial conversation.
The Car Accident Settlement Process
The decision is easier to make when you realize the typical car accident settlement process.
- Immediate accident aftermath. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you’ll be responsible for gathering information, collecting whatever evidence you can, filing a police report, and getting medical attention for you and anyone else who was hurt. The main priority is getting people to safety and treating injuries; all the other details can be handled later.
- The demand letter. A demand letter is a legal document sent to the offending party, demanding compensation for any damages sustained during the accident. This is usually sent to an insurance company.
- Negotiation. Depending on the nature of the accident and the nature of the demand letter, parties may enter a period of negotiation. For example, the insurance company may give you a counteroffer or reject some of your claims, at which point you’ll have the option to accept or reject the settlement.
- Settlement or trial. If parties can’t reach a mutually acceptable agreement, the case must be settled in court. If the case moves to court, it’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer.
When Does It Make Sense to Do It on Your Own?
Does it ever make sense to handle a car accident claim entirely on your own?
The short answer is yes, though you should still at least get an opinion from an experienced car accident lawyer first. It costs you nothing to have an initial consultation, and that consultation could lead you to a much more favorable outcome.
These conditions make representing yourself more reasonable.
- The damage is minor. Car accident settlement amounts vary wildly, but if the damage to your vehicle is minor, and no one really got hurt in the accident, it may not be necessary or prudent to hire a lawyer. Insurance companies aren’t going to give you much of hassle over a few hundred dollars of cosmetic damage.
- The evidence is overwhelming. If you have an overwhelming amount of evidence, including damning evidence for who is at fault for the accident and full accounting of every last expense associated with the accident, you’ll be in a strong negotiating position.
- You have legal knowledge and experience. And, of course, if you have some legal knowledge and experience of your own, you may be able to navigate the ropes of the legal system competently by yourself.
While some people can get away with handling a car accident claim without a lawyer, for most people, it’s better to at least get some legal advice before proceeding. Most car accident claims are relatively minor and settled out of court, but legal expertise is invaluable for bigger or more complicated accidents.