Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you move past it more easily, and get back to normal life. If you’re asking yourself should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident, the answer is typically yes, you should. Why?
Because an attorney is able to help you navigate all the details and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Also keep in mind that what appears minor at the time could easily become more serious if there are injuries that don’t show up right away. Here’s what to consider.
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
Immediately following a minor car accident, you want to document what happened. That can include exchanging information with the other driver, taking pictures and video, and getting statements from witnesses. The more information and proof of the situation you have, the more easily your attorney can make a case for damages and other compensation.
You also want to see a doctor after your minor car accident. You may feel fine, but problems can appear days or weeks later. Soft tissue injuries are common, as are issues with the spine and joints, such as whiplash. If you start experiencing problems weeks later, but you didn’t go to the doctor shortly after the accident occurred, it can be harder to connect the issues you’re facing to damage caused by the accident.
Possible Damages From a Minor Car Accident
After a minor car accident, you may be entitled to damages. Most of these will be based around any physical injuries you sustained. But there are other considerations, including:
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Lost wages.
- Medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity for the future
As you navigate the days and weeks after your minor car accident, getting an attorney can be very important. You have a limit on the time in which you can reach out for legal help, so it’s important to act quickly, so you don’t miss out.
The compensation for damages you receive from a minor car accident won’t be as high as the compensation from a more significant accident. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out for available compensation. The damages can add up, even if a car accident is a minor one.
It’s especially important to seek compensation if there are significant medical bills, or if you’ve had to miss time from work. Any kind of long-term disability from a minor car accident also means seeking compensation, because you can lose future earning capacity. That can add up to a significant sum, depending on your age, your injuries, and the type of work you did before the accident.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process following a minor car accident. You don’t have to handle things alone, when you have an attorney who will be there to help you with the difficult issues and any settlement negotiations. If you’re asking yourself, should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident, know that you can generally see more compensation by doing so.
You’ll also have more peace of mind, because you know you have a legal advocate on your side who can help you throughout the entire process. Whether you’re not sure about a settlement amount that’s been offered to you, or you’re wondering if you should pursue additional compensation for factors such as lost wages or mental health concerns, an attorney can help you answer those questions. Then you can move past the accident and focus on your future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
With 50+ years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Cummings & Lewis, LLC represent people who need legal assistance. Our size, experience, and legal knowledge allow us to represent people who face all sorts of legal concerns in state and federal courts.