The Short Answer:
Yes! Consulting an attorney is a smart choice after any type of car accident, especially if you were injured. A lawyer can protect your rights and help you communicate with the insurance company while fighting for fair compensation. Legal advice is even more important if liability is disputed, multiple parties are involved, or the insurance company is trying to blame you for the accident.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts is a no-fault state, so you may have to go through your own insurance or file a claim against the other driver.
- An attorney can tell you which insurance policies apply and determine if you meet the $2,000 injury threshold needed to file an at-fault claim.
- Lawyers can help throughout the legal process, especially when it comes to gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and negotiating settlements.
- Legal representation can increase your chances of a favorable outcome, but you may not need a lawyer if the accident was minor or the settlement covers all your expenses.
- Always have a car accident attorney review a settlement offer before you sign the paperwork.
4 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
After an accident, insurance companies have teams of lawyers and claims adjusters working to protect their bottom line. You deserve the same type of resources to represent your interests. That’s why it’s smart to work with a car accident attorney or at least have a qualified lawyer review any settlement offer before you accept it.
1. Navigating Massachusetts Law
Massachusetts has a no-fault auto insurance system, which makes car accident claims more complex. Your own personal injury protection (PIP) should cover first-party medical bills and partial lost wages, but you may have to go through other policies or sue the other driver to get all the compensation you need. An attorney can determine if you meet the $2,000 injury threshold needed to file an at-fault claim against the other driver.
2. Leveling the Playing Field
Insurance adjusters don’t always play fair. Although they may seem like they’re on your side, their job is to close claims quickly and for as little as possible to save shareholders money. An attorney can be a vital ally at the negotiating table. They know you expect and have protected clients from these tactics before.
3. Maximizing Compensation
A serious injury can impact your health now and in the future. That’s why your attorney will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income during your recovery
- Decreased earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
4. Proving Liability
Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, their insurance company might try to blame you or get you to apologize to reduce the potential payout. A skilled attorney will launch an independent investigation to gather key evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. They may even hire an accident reconstructionist to support your claim.
How to Tell if You Should Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Although each accident case is different, there are a few situations when it makes sense to consult or retain an attorney.
- If you were injured in a car wreck, a lawyer can help you seek fair compensation for all past and future medical care.
- If liability is disputed, it makes sense to consult an attorney. Massachusetts is a modified comparative negligence state, so you could be barred from recovering compensation if you’re more than 50% at fault.
- A car accident lawyer can step in if the insurance company is delaying, asking for more information, denying your claim, or making lowball offers.
- Legal representation is highly recommended if the other driver was at fault or if you need to file an uninsured motorist claim.
- For severe injuries that exceed insurance limits, a car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to seek the compensation that you’re entitled to.
- An attorney can be a big help in complex cases involving commercial vehicles, multiple parties, defective auto parts, or impaired driving.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Car Accident Case
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your recovery. Here’s what an attorney will do for you:
- Investigation: An attorney can be a big help when gathering evidence related to the crash. They can collect police reports, surveillance footage, phone records, and vehicle data to establish a strong claim.
- Claim Valuation: Your legal team can value your claim to help ensure that you’re fairly compensated for all expenses, including past and future medical bills and physical therapy.
- Communication: Once you hire an attorney, you have a legal advocate to help you deal with the insurance company while managing endless paperwork and important deadlines.
- Settlement Negotiations: An experienced attorney knows what to expect during settlement negotiations. They will fight back if the insurance companies pressure you to accept a lowball settlement or try to get you to admit fault.
- Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer is fully prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case in court.
Situations Where You May Not Need a Car Accident Lawyer
While legal representation is important following most injury accidents, there are some limited situations where you might not need legal representation to protect your interests:
- Minor Fender-Benders: If the accident resulted in minor cosmetic damage and you’re certain that neither you nor your passengers were injured, you may be able to handle the claim without a lawyer.
- You Receive a Fair Settlement: If the accident is undisputed and the insurance company is offering a fair settlement that covers all repair costs and medical bills, you may not need legal help.
A Word of Caution: Insurance companies are known for making lowball offers. The first settlement offer is almost never optimal. Additionally, whiplash and soft tissue injuries can take days or weeks to develop. Before you accept an offer, have a qualified car accident lawyer review the terms of the settlement. By signing the paperwork, you may be giving up your right to sue before you know what your injuries and damages are worth.
Before You Accept an Offer, Talk to Us.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, contact Jim Glaser Law for a free, no-obligation case review. Our experienced car accident attorneys will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. If you’ve already received a settlement offer from the insurance company, have us review the paperwork before you sign. Call us today, or fill out our online contact form to get started.
