Free Consultation
| September 18, 2024

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Are you wondering if you need a lawyer to protect your rights after a car accident? If the accident resulted in severe injuries, significant property damage, or insurance complications, chances are you should consider getting hiring a car accident lawyer. Even if your injuries appear minor or the accident seems straightforward, strong attorney representation can prevent unexpected challenges and increase your odds of obtaining full and fair compensation.

The Freeman Law Firm, Inc., is here to provide the support and guidance you need after an accident. Our experienced lawyers understand Washington car accident laws and what it takes to pursue fair compensation, and we’re here to handle every aspect of your personal injury claim. Take the first step toward peace of mind today by contacting us for a free initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can secure the recovery you deserve.

When Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Necessary?

Even after relatively minor car accidents, a seemingly straightforward claim can quickly become complex due to factors like liability disputes or insurance company delays. The best way to protect your rights and demand the financial recovery you deserve is often to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. You might consider hiring a lawyer after a car accident that involves any of the following factors or scenarios.

Serious Injuries or Long-Term Medical Needs

Car accident victims with severe injuries can see medical bills and treatment expenses add up quickly. The recovery process might require surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term care, which can lead to high medical expenses and time away from work that strains your finances. A lawyer can pursue the compensation you need to cover these costs so you can focus on recovery and avoid bearing the financial burden alone.

Wrongful Death of a Loved One

If someone you love dies in a car accident, a knowledgeable attorney can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, income losses, and more. Compensation from a wrongful death claim can provide some relief as you grapple with the emotional and financial challenges of losing a loved one. Your lawyer can handle all the legal aspects of your claim and work to hold the responsible parties accountable while you grieve.

Disputed Liability

Sometimes, the other driver or their insurer might argue that you were at fault for the accident to reduce their financial responsibility. Liability disputes can significantly complicate your claim and reduce or eliminate any compensation you might receive. A lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf by gathering compelling evidence to address these disputes head-on and protect your right to fair compensation.

Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies sometimes offer quick settlements that don’t fully cover your accident-related expenses. While these offers might seem tempting, they often fall short of what you truly need. If you accept a lowball offer, you might struggle to pay medical bills and other costs later on. Your lawyer can review settlement offers and negotiate as necessary for higher amounts that more accurately reflect your expenses and losses.

Insurance Denials

In some personal injury cases, the insurance company might deny your insurance claim outright, which could leave you without the financial support you need. A denial can be devastating, especially if you expected your policy to cover your losses. A lawyer can review denial letters, identify any errors behind claim rejections, and challenge denials if appropriate. With a lawyer’s help, you can dispute unreasonable denials and secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Multiple Parties Involved

If an accident involves multiple vehicles or parties, it can be challenging to determine who is responsible. Each party often has its own insurance provider or legal representation fighting to avoid liability and reduce payouts. A car accident lawyer can untangle these issues by analyzing the facts, coordinating with multiple insurers, and working to hold each party accountable.

Coverage Disputes

Sometimes, disputes arise about what an insurance policy actually covers after an accident, and disagreements can lead to delays in receiving the support you need. A lawyer can review all applicable insurance policies and the specifics of the accident to clarify any misunderstandings and address any coverage issues with insurers. Their scrutiny can expedite the resolution, so you receive the benefits you’re entitled to without unnecessary delays.

What to Expect from the Car Accident Claims Process

The car accident claims process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with car accident injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies all at once. The process typically begins when you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own insurer. After you file the claim, you’ll usually need to provide evidence of the accident, such as crash scene photos, medical records, and vehicle repair estimates.

Once you have filed your personal injury claim, the insurance adjuster will begin their evaluation. Their primary goal is to settle the claim quickly and inexpensively. They will likely use various strategies to reduce the payout, such as disputing fault, downplaying the severity of your injuries, or questioning the necessity of specific medical treatments. In many cases, they will offer quick, low settlements in the hopes that you will accept without looking too closely.

Remember that you don’t have to accept the first offer if it’s not enough. You have the right to negotiate for an amount that accurately reflects your expenses and losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable support during this stage by handling communication with the insurance company, countering their arguments, and protecting you from accepting less than you deserve. With the right legal support, you’re better positioned throughout the claims process to challenge insurance company tactics and work toward a fair resolution.

How a Lawyer Helps with the Claims Process

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance adjusters, a lawyer’s assistance can simplify each step of the car accident claims process so you can focus on recovery. A car accident attorney can support you, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation after a wreck by handling matters like:

  • Evidence Collection: A strong car accident claim requires solid evidence. Your lawyer can gather and organize important documents like witness statements, medical records, and crash scene photos to support your car accident case. They can also obtain traffic camera footage or hire accident reconstruction experts to clarify how the accident occurred. A skilled personal injury attorney with a comprehensive approach can strengthen your case by providing a clear picture of what happened and why you deserve compensation.
  • Claim Value Calculations: If the accident caused you severe injuries, you might face long-term expenses that aren’t immediately obvious, like ongoing medical care costs or reduced earning capacity. A lawyer can calculate these projected costs and include them in your claim so your settlement or award covers both current and future expenses. That way, you’re not left with a pile of bills and no way to pay them.
  • Communication with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters might try to pressure you into a quick settlement or ask questions designed to reduce their payout. A lawyer can manage all communication on your behalf so you don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm your claim. They can also respond to questions and requests from the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
  • Settlement Negotiation: Insurance companies often use tactics designed to reduce payouts, such as blaming your injuries on pre-existing conditions or claiming that certain medical treatments were unnecessary. A lawyer can counter these arguments by gathering evidence to refute them, advocating for your rights, and keeping the insurance company accountable. Their experience with insurance company tactics allows them to negotiate a settlement that fully addresses your needs.
  • Litigation Preparation and Representation: While many car accident claims settle out of court, some require litigation to reach fair resolutions. A lawyer can prepare your case for court by filing the necessary paperwork, representing you in pre-trial hearings, and presenting evidence to support your position. They can also encourage more favorable settlement offers by demonstrating to the insurance companies that you’re willing to take your case to court if necessary.

What to Expect When You Hire a Lawyer Early in the Process

There are significant advantages to hiring a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, well before any complications or insurance issues arise. Your attorney will typically start by reviewing your situation and addressing your concerns during a free case review. They will evaluate the validity and potential value of your claim and discuss their fees so you know what to expect throughout the process.

When you involve a lawyer early on, they can also build a strong foundation for your claim by gathering witness statements and other critical pieces of evidence while they’re still fresh. A swift approach minimizes the risk of losing valuable information that might otherwise fade over time. Early legal support also means having the guidance you need at each step to avoid common mistakes, like making statements to insurance adjusters that could harm your claim.

Experienced personal injury lawyers can also identify potential challenges before they become major issues. For instance, they can recognize insurance company tactics that could undermine your claim and address these issues right away, which can prevent delays and reduce the likelihood of disputes. When you get prompt legal support, your lawyer can manage the entire claims process from start to finish and keep everything on track while you focus on healing.

The Risks of Handling a Car Accident Claim Without Legal Help

For many car accident victims it might seem like a cost-effective choice to manage a car accident claim on your own, but this move often carries significant risks that could cost you more in the long run. Without legal assistance, you might find yourself facing aggressive insurance adjusters trained to minimize the amount they pay out. They might offer quick settlements that seem tempting but fall short of covering your actual expenses. If you accept a lowball settlement now, you might be left struggling to pay medical bills, repair costs, and other accident-related expenses later on.

Additionally, when you attempt to handle your claim alone, you’ll be responsible for gathering all necessary evidence, from accident scene photos to medical records. Missing even a single document or deadline could harm your case and reduce your chances of securing fair compensation. You might also be unaware of specific legal rights or compensation you’re entitled to, which could lead to an undervaluation of your claim.

If you lack the the expertise that personal injury attorneys can provide, you’re also at a considerable disadvantage in negotiations. Insurance companies have experienced teams dedicated to protecting their bottom lines, and they know how to use tactics to reduce or deny claims. When you work with a lawyer, you avoid these risks and get the guidance necessary to protect your rights and secure a fair settlement.

Contact a Washington Car Accident Attorney Now

If you’ve been involved in a Washington car accident, remember you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Freeman Law Firm, Inc., is here to handle the claims process on your behalf and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us now at (253) 383-4500 or online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.


Contact Us Today

Your Fight for Justice Begins Here.
When you're dealing with an injury, every question is important. We're here to provide compassionate legal guidance and experienced representation with understanding and support. Let's work on this together, starting today.
Tacoma Office
1107 1/2 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402


Mon-Thurs : 8AM to 5PM
Friday: 8AM to 4PM
Sat-Sun : By Appointment Only

We Take Calls 24/7
(253) 383-4500
Olympia Office
400 Union Ave SE, Ste 200 
Olympia, WA 98501


Mon-Thurs : 8AM to 5PM
Friday: 8AM to 4PM
Sat-Sun : By Appointment Only

We Take Calls 24/7
(360) 338-6886
Renton Office
707 S Grady Way, Suite 600
Renton, WA 98057


Mon-Thurs : 8AM to 5PM
Friday: 8AM to 4PM
Sat-Sun : By Appointment Only

We Take Calls 24/7
(206) 880-2454
Connect With Us