Another driver hits your car. The damage to your car is minor and you don’t seem to have any injuries. Should you still call a personal injury lawyer? Here are a few reasons why it might be a good idea:
1) The call is free.
We’re not aware of any personal injury lawyer who won’t offer a few minutes of their time to a potential client. It is in your interest to call a reputable personal injury lawyer and get their take on things. Tell them what happened. Get the lawyer’s assessment of whether you need legal representation. Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis (meaning no win, no fee) they have no incentive to exaggerate your likely settlement or to say that you need a lawyer when you don’t. Why not get some free advice?
2) You might have injuries of which you are unaware.
Vehicle damage is not a reliable predictor of bodily injury. Many factors contribute to the likelihood of an injury, including the angle of impact, your body position at the time of impact, your prior medical issues, and so on. Symptoms of injuries such as whiplash can take time to reveal themselves. In the meantime, you could exacerbate the situation with your work and leisure activities. Failure to get diagnosed and treated shortly after the accident can also hurt your ability to later prove the nature of your injuries. It can also make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident in question.
3) The other driver might change their story.
At the time of the accident the other driver might admit fault. If the impact seems minor, and the other driver admits fault, you might think, “Why involve a lawyer?” But the other driver might have a change of heart. They might even claim that you caused the accident. If there were no other witnesses, it could be your word against theirs. A personal injury lawyer can help address these issues.
4) There may be other issues affecting your claim.
Personal injury lawyers handle motor vehicle injury cases on a daily basis. This experience makes them very adept at spotting potential issues that could affect your claim. The issues described above are just a few examples. If you want to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement at the end of the day, consult with a personal injury lawyer. This will give you peace of mind that you made an informed decision.
