Auto Accident Attorney - Know Your Rights

According to a 2007 Department of Transportation study, there are an estimated 250 million licensed drivers in the United States. With so many drivers on the road, auto accidents are bound to occur on a daily basis. Fortunately, most auto accidents are minor, with the insurance companies handling most claims with the drivers. However, there are occasions when an auto accident attorney is necessary. Most drivers may not even realize that they have the right to retain an attorney in the event of an accident, and there are a few instances when you may consider having an attorney handle your insurance claim. 

In the instance of a minor accident, the car owner's can easily handle the insurance claims and have their vehicle repaired with little to no added stress. Yet even in these seemingly stress-free situations, there may be a need to retain an auto accident attorney. Sometimes when there are minimal injuries sustained in the event of a crash, the parties might accept a settlement check from the insurance company without taking into account the fact that those injuries could become more serious later. This is especially true if the accident occurred with one party crashing into the back of the other party's vehicle. Accidents like this can cause whiplash, the effects of which aren't always apparent until weeks or even months after the accident. However, once you have accepted a settlement offer from the insurance company, you cannot ask for more money later if you have more unexpected medical bills. This is why it is important to at least consult with an auto accident attorney before settling with the insurance company. Likewise, if you experience major injuries from a car accident, it is even more important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Many times the insurance companies will offer a settlement before the involved parties have time to discuss medical bills and the extent of the injuries with a doctor. 

If you have decided that you would like to wait until you have a complete understanding of your injuries before settling with the insurance company, it is doubly important to have an auto accident attorney on your side. Most insurance companies will attempt to settle with the accident victims for as little as possible. An attorney can help you gather the proper paperwork and doctor bills to prove your case for a larger settlement. Furthermore, it can be difficult to approach the insurance company for a larger settlement as an individual. Instead, having an attorney to represent your case can give you more credibility as an injured party.

Insurance companies can be very stingy when it comes to settling an auto accident case. An auto accident attorney can give you more of an advantage in the event that you are injured in a car accident. If you have been injured in an auto accident, it would be wise to at least consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options before accepting a settlement with the insurance company.