Should You Hire a Car Wreck Lawyer if You’ve Been Rear-Ended?
Some car accidents can seem simple, but even a minor fender-bender can have long-lasting consequences. For example, you will need to pay for vehicle repairs or replacement after a fender bender. But do you need a car wreck lawyer in Jackson, Wyoming?
Should You Hire a Car Wreck Lawyer in Jackson if You’ve Been Rear-Ended?
Yes, if you have been rear-ended then you will need to contact a car wreck lawyer in Jackson, Wyoming. While the first thing you will need to do is report the accident to the police, another task you will need to complete is hiring a lawyer. Because Wyoming uses a modified comparative negligence doctrine, you will likely need the help of a lawyer to prove your percentage of liability in the case.
In modified comparative negligence cases, you will need to prove that you are less than 50% responsible for the cause of the accident if you want to receive any compensation. The less at fault for the accident you are, the more compensation you will receive. Drivers who are found more than 51% at fault for the accident will not receive any compensation. It may be imperative to have the help of a lawyer so that you can prove your case.
How Serious Are Your Injuries?
You may also want to hire a lawyer if you have been seriously injured in an accident. Any driver who was involved in a car accident, no matter how serious, should seek medical attention after the accident and receive treatment.
If you are very seriously injured and you require surgery or a prolonged treatment plan to recover from your injuries, then you were likely entitled to compensation from the other driver or their insurance company for your injuries.
Are You Being Contacted by Another Lawyer or Insurance Company?
It’s common for drivers to be contacted by the other motorist’s lawyer or insurance company after an accident. For a fender bender, the other driver may claim that the accident is your fault because you stopped too suddenly on the road or allegedly violated another traffic law, which then caused the other driver to run into your vehicle.
In many of these cases, you will need the help of a lawyer to advocate for your rights and represent your interests to the insurance company or the other lawyer who was contacting you. It is especially important to hire our legal representatives if you are being contacted by another lawyer or insurance company since they may likely be trying to find evidence that you were responsible for the accident.
What You Should Say
If you are contacted by another lawyer or insurance company, then the best thing you can do is politely tell them that you have a lawyer and pass on your lawyer’s information. This will prevent the other insurance company or lawyer from using what you may say against you.
Have You Been Offered a Settlement?
If you have been offered a settlement after your accident either from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, they may need to contact a lawyer to assess how fair the offer is. It’s very common for insurance companies to make lowball settlement offers to drivers that will only cover the cost of vehicle repairs.
By having your settlement offer looked at by a lawyer who specializes in car wrecks, you will be able to negotiate for a better settlement offer. Your lawyer will use evidence related to the accident to represent your best interests when they are negotiating for a better settlement offer, including evidence like medical bills or ongoing treatment records.
Do You Have Other Damages?
In addition to the damages to your vehicle and any compensation you may require for medical treatment, you may be able to claim other damages related to the accident. Usually, the damages that you can claim after being rear-ended will include the loss of earning ability, loss of your job, ongoing treatments for permanent or temporary disability, and damages such as pain and suffering.
Although fender-benders can seem like relatively minor car accidents, they often have many hidden stressors that can be emotionally distressing after the accident. It’s important to seek compensation for all of your damages, including non-economic factors.
Has Your Claim Been Denied?
Finally, you may want to contact a lawyer if your claim has been denied. Your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company may deny your claim for many reasons, such as the company not believing that you were injured in the accident. Having a lawyer to represent your interests will prevent the insurance company from dismissing your claim.
In general, it’s a good idea to contact a lawyer after any type of car accident so that you can gather evidence, negotiate a settlement, and receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. It may be necessary to contact a lawyer if you are being contacted by the other driver’s representatives or if your claims have been denied.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
