Car accidents can result in devastating and life-changing injuries. Depending on the severity of a crash, you may need surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, or months of recovery. Sometimes, car accident injuries can leave you unable to work and unable to participate in the activities you once enjoyed.
In addition to the physical, mental, and financial burdens caused by a car crash, you may also find it difficult to work with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company. It is sometimes a difficult task to navigate the various insurance policies and coverages involved. It can be overwhelming to juggle these issues while also trying to heal your body after an accident.
The good news is that you don’t have to handle any of this by yourself. If you were injured in an automobile accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may wonder whether you should hire an attorney. Would hiring a car acccident attorney be the right decision for you?
Is Hiring an Attorney Mandatory?
Hiring an attorney is not mandatory, but failing to hire an attorney can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Many car accident victims decide to seek legal representation in order to focus on their healing and recovery.
If you were injured in an accident in Las Vegas, you have the option to hire legal counsel at any point. Your attorney can negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurance company or, if necessary, pursue a personal injury claim in court.
If I Hire an Attorney, Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
You may think that you would only need to hire an attorney if you are going to file a lawsuit. However, many personal injury claims can be resolved through negotiation with an at-fault driver’s insurance company before any lawsuit is filed.
Knowledgeable lawyers can be helpful during this negotiation process. It is always a good idea to speak with an attorney before you accept any insurance settlement. Generally, as soon as you cash an insurance company’s check, you could forfeit your right to file a lawsuit. When in doubt, you should consult with trusted legal representation.
In other circumstances, an at-fault driver may have inadequate insurance coverage to pay for your damages. Even worse, the at-fault driver may not have insurance at all. When the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company. This will require you to file a claim with your own insurer.
The insurance claim process can be complicated when you are still receiving treatment or therapy for your injuries. If you accept an insurance settlement too early, you may not receive enough money to cover the costs of your ongoing care.
When you consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, you will put yourself in the best position to maximize your recovery. Hiring a competent Las Vegas car accident lawyer can alleviate the stress of dealing with insurance companies. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the fair settlement that you deserve.
Do I Really Need to Hire an Automobile Accident Attorney?
Yes, when pre-lawsuit negotiations with an insurance company are unsuccessful, your attorney can file a lawsuit. In other situations, even when an insurance company offers their policy limits, it may not be enough to compensate you for your injuries. If an insurance company refuses to cover the remainder, your attorney can seek to recover the rest through a lawsuit.
If you feel an insurance company is not offering a fair amount to settle your claim, you should contact an attorney immediately. Your attorney can help you determine the best way to recover for your injuries.
Remember, you do not have unlimited time to file your lawsuit. In Nevada, you must bring your lawsuit within a certain time limit or statute of limitations. Under Nevada law, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to find an attorney to pursue legal action. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence, witness testimony, and your legal rights and interests.
What Types of Damages Can an Attorney Help Me Recover?
If you or someone you love is injured in an automobile accident, your attorney can help you determine the types of damages available to you.
Depending on the severity of your crash, your damages may include:
- The cost of medical treatment, surgery, or physical therapy
- The cost of testing, blood work, X-rays, or other specialized procedures
- The cost of chiropractic treatment
- Any lost wages you suffered as a result of the accident
- The cost of a replacement vehicle or rental car
- The cost of prescription medications to reduce your pain
- Punitive damages if an insurance company mistreats you or acts in bad faith
Some personal injury lawsuits involve multiple responsible parties who might all share in the blame for causing your damages. It can be hard to determine how much liability should be assigned to each defendant. It can also be difficult to pursue legal recourse against bad actors who are blaming each other for causing an accident. When multiple defendants are involved, it is crucial that you hire an experienced attorney to keep the focus on compensating you for your injuries.
How Do I Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
While it may seem daunting to find a reputable attorney who truly cares about you as a person, it is worth taking your time to explore your options. One method is to search for lawyers online at law firm websites. When you evaluate a law firm’s website, be sure to take a look at client reviews. These honest assessments will help you learn how previous clients were treated by the firm’s lawyers. You may also be interested in looking at case results to find out whether the firm has been successful on behalf of its clients.
Can I Afford to Hire a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay the attorney’s fees unless you are compensated for your injuries. Many attorneys offer a free case consultation so you can learn whether their team is the right fit for you.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
A car accident can happen in mere seconds, but the consequences can last your entire life. If you suffered a debilitating injury in an accident in Las Vegas, NV, you may be entitled to compensation, and our Las Vegas car accident lawyers can help.
The lawyers at J. Cogburn Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers have more than four decades of combined experience helping Nevada accident victims. Since the firm’s founding 19 years ago, we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our law office today at (702) 996-4786 for a free case consultation. We are here to help answer your questions and protect your legal rights.
