If you’ve been in a car accident in Atlanta, you may find yourself wondering if you need an attorney or not. If you’ve been injured, feel that the insurance company is not responding to your needs appropriately, or are simply unsure of what to do next, you may benefit from contacting a car accident lawyer in Atlanta simply to discuss options. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost consultations to discuss your accident, next steps, or potential options moving forward. Understand that the initial settlement offered to you by the insurance company will never be what you are rightfully owed — the insurance company’s first priority is to protect their bottom line. Take advantage of consultation sessions to get the opinion of a professional who understands car accident law in Atlanta to determine whether or not you will hire legal counsel.
1 Have You Been Injured?
If you have been injured in an accident, it is a good idea that you hire an attorney to help you collect on your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation. If you had to visit with a medical professional to any extent following your accident, if is worth speaking with an attorney. The insurance company will make you an initial offer based on your medical bills and possible lost wages, but will never offer you compensation for your pain and suffering. Intentionally, the process of dealing with an insurance company is frustrating and slow. Therefore, it is in your best interest to consult with a professional who understands car accident law in Atlanta to determine your situation.
2 Was It A Fender Bender?
If you were involved in a minor crash with no injuries and little to no damage to either vehicle, you likely do not need to enlist the help of an attorney. In the case of a minor accident, you will take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic, get an estimate for the damage and associated repairs, and submit a claim to the insurance company.
3 Were There Abnormal Circumstances?
Was there anything about the accident that was “out of the ordinary?” Was the other driver intoxicated, unlicensed, or did they try to leave the scene of the accident? If anything about your accident went beyond the scope of a simple fender bender, speak with an attorney today to determine if there are additional steps you may want to consider taking.
4 Are You Being Treated Unfairly By The Insurance Company?
If you have begun the process of recovering damages from an insurance company on your own, but feel that you are not making the progress you need, then it may be time to consult an attorney. There are many attorneys in Atlanta who specialize in personal injury or car accidents, and their experience will be a great asset in getting you the results you deserve. Insurance companies oftentimes treat an individual claimant more deferentially than they do an attorney, because they know that the attorney understands their processes and has a more clear understanding of what they should expect for their client.
5 What Are The Next Steps?
If you have read through these suggestions and determined that you will benefit from the help of a legal professional, begin today by scheduling a consultation. You will be able to lay out the details of your circumstance, and leave the meeting understanding where you are heading next.