Should I hire a lawyer after a minor car accident? This is a question you might be asking yourself after a small scrape or fender bender on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It might be tempting to think you can do without an attorney for a small claim. However, the reality is that you\u2019ll almost always end up financially better off if you choose to work with a lawyer. The boost your settlement will receive from expert legal assistance will usually more than cover your legal fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this blog post, we discuss the value lawyers bring to the table in small car accident claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there were just over 110,000 reportable car accidents<\/a> statewide in 2023. A reportable crash is one involving at least one injury or towed vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all of the injured parties in these accidents hired lawyers. It\u2019s very likely that those who didn\u2019t should have. There are various reasons for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every accident that seems minor truly is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Injuries like whiplash<\/a>, concussions, and soft tissue damage often take weeks to fully show up. If you wait this long to start the process of seeking compensation, it can make things much more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance adjusters might use this delay to argue that your injury wasn\u2019t related to the crash. If this argument succeeds, the costs to you could end up being significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A competent car accident lawyer<\/a> will make sure your medical records tell the full story, drawing clear links between your injuries and the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even seemingly minor collisions can lead to costly repairs. To make matters worse, your insurance company may try to lowball your vehicular damage costs, potentially leaving you with some uncovered expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the full amount needed to restore your vehicle\u2014or fight for the replacement value if it\u2019s a total loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance may cover your initial medical bills regardless of who caused your accident. However, you\u2019ll still need to determine fault if you want to recover damages beyond your insurance limits. The other driver may dispute their role in the crash, even in seemingly straightforward cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lawyer can gather evidence\u2014like surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports\u2014to prove who was at fault. This can make all the difference if you need to pursue additional compensation for injuries or damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvania\u2019s statute of limitations on personal injury claims<\/a> gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and ensuring deadlines don\u2019t sneak up on you. If you try to do this all yourself, you may find it overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hypothetically, if no one was injured in your crash, there was no major property damage, and you receive a fair insurance settlement offer upfront, you may not need a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, it\u2019s rarely as simple as this in practice. In many cases, it\u2019s impossible to know what a \"fair\" settlement offer might look like until you\u2019ve had a professional evaluate your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A free consultation<\/a> with a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia can help you decide if legal representation is right for you. If your attorney doesn\u2019t think you need legal representation, they\u2019ll tell you during this meeting, and it won\u2019t cost you a penny. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re likely to be rattled after any kind of car, motorcycle<\/a>, or truck accident<\/a>, minor or otherwise. However, if you can keep a cool head in the minutes and hours following a crash, there\u2019s plenty you can do to maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before anything else, make sure you and your passengers are safe. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately for medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe spot to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the obstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are legally required to call the police to the scene of any accident involving an injury or damage to a vehicle. Failure to do so may constitute a hit-and-run offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHidden Injuries Can Lead to Major Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Property Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fault Isn\u2019t Always Clear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Statute of Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When A Lawyer May Not Be Necessary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check for Injuries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Move to a Safe Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Call the Police<\/h3>\n\n\n\n