Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
In the blink of an eye, a car wreck can change your life forever. Gone are your normal routines, now replaced with challenging days filled with pain, limitations, and the hard work of healing. However, the injuries you suffer in an accident aren’t just physically and emotionally devastating, they can also chip away at your finances, especially if you require long-term care.
In this situation, you may be wondering whether you should reach out to an attorney. In this article, we share a few questions you should ask yourself to help you make this decision:
1. Did Someone Else Cause the Accident?
There are some accidents that are just a series of unfortunate events. There’s no one to blame except bad luck. However, in most other cases, it’s usually possible to trace fault back to at least one individual or entity.
If you are planning to file a personal injury claim, you will have to demonstrate that someone else was responsible for causing the accident that led to your injuries. Even if you are partially responsible, you will still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount you receive will usually be reduced by your percentage share of fault.
2. Did You Suffer a Serious Injury?
If you only suffered a few scrapes, cuts, and bruises, it’s unlikely that you will be able to convince an insurance company or judge that you deserve a payout. However, if you were rushed to hospital and required extensive treatment, you will usually have grounds to pursue damages. As such, it’s important to visit the doctor after an accident, even if you don’t think your injuries are particularly serious.
3. Did You Incur Damages as a Result of the Wreck?
You won’t be able to recover compensation unless you are able to demonstrate the types of losses that you suffered as a direct result of the car accident. Such losses can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages usually encompass expenses such as medical bills, replacement services, and property repairs. Non-economic damages, otherwise known as intangible losses, include the psychological and emotional scars left behind by a wreck such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life.
When Should You Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If your answers to these questions make it clear that you have grounds to file a claim, it could be in your best interests to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. The moment you hire a lawyer, he or she can jump into action, overseeing the logistics of your case so that you can get back to focusing on your health.
Additionally, the sooner you reach out, the sooner your attorney can start gathering time-sensitive evidence. There are many types of proof that can disappear within just a few days, so acting quickly can ensure that this evidence is still available when your attorney begins their investigation. Your lawyer can also help guide you through proceedings, warning you of common errors and advising you on how to avoid them.
Discuss Your Case with a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
If you’re looking for an attorney to assist with your personal injury claim, turn to the legal team at Maier Gutierrez & Associates. We can assess your case as part of a free consultation to help determine whether you have grounds to take action. Dial 702-629-7900 or head over to our contact form HERE to request a case review with a Nevada car accident attorney.