Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?

The phone call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster often comes quickly. They might sound friendly and helpful, but it’s crucial to remember their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not yours. Their goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. When you realize you’re negotiating against a trained professional, the question do I need a lawyer for a car accident settlement becomes less of a question and more of a necessity. Going it alone puts you at a significant disadvantage. This article will explain the tactics insurers use and outline the key situations where hiring an attorney is the best way to level the playing field and ensure you are treated fairly.

Key Takeaways

• Know when professional help is essential: If your accident involves serious injuries, a dispute over who is at fault, or any pushback from the insurance company, the stakes are too high to manage the claim on your own.
• An attorney’s job is to maximize your recovery: A lawyer does more than just file paperwork; they conduct a full investigation, calculate the true value of your damages—including future costs—and negotiate aggressively to prevent insurers from underpaying your claim.
• You can afford expert legal help: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. This allows you to hire an experienced specialist without any upfront financial risk.

When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Figuring out your next steps after a car accident can feel overwhelming. While a minor fender-bender with no injuries might not require legal help, certain situations are too complex and carry too high a risk to manage on your own. If you find yourself in one of the scenarios below, it’s a strong signal that you should talk to an experienced car accident attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights and work to get you the fair compensation you need to recover, taking the pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

You Have Serious Injuries

If you were seriously hurt in the crash, you should absolutely consider hiring a lawyer. Serious injuries aren’t just about immediate pain; they involve long-term consequences. Think about injuries that required an ambulance ride, a hospital stay, surgery, or ongoing physical therapy. These situations create massive medical bills and can affect your ability to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. An attorney will work with medical experts to understand the full scope of your injuries and calculate the true cost of your future medical needs, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you need for a full recovery.

The Other Driver Disputes Fault

It’s common for the at-fault driver to deny responsibility or even try to blame you for the accident. When this happens, their insurance company will likely back them up, making it your word against theirs. Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be incredibly stressful, and you don’t have to do it alone. A lawyer becomes your advocate, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a strong case that proves the other driver’s negligence. They handle all communication with the insurer, preventing you from saying something that could be used against you.

Multiple People Are Involved

Accidents involving more than two vehicles or multiple injured parties quickly become complicated. Car accident cases can involve strict deadlines and complex rules about who is at fault. When several people file claims against a single insurance policy, there may not be enough money to cover everyone’s damages. An attorney can guide you through these complexities, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and on time. They will fight to protect your share of the settlement and explore other potential sources of compensation, so you aren’t left with unpaid bills because of a legal technicality.

The Insurance Company Is Unfair

Remember, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. They may offer you a quick, lowball settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before you realize the true extent of your damages. If you handle your claim alone, you might get much less money than you deserve because you may not know about all the types of damages you can claim. An attorney levels the playing field. They know the tactics insurers use and won’t let them pressure you into an unfair deal. They will negotiate aggressively on your behalf for a settlement that truly covers your losses.

When Can You Settle Without a Lawyer?

Let’s be honest: not every fender-bender requires a full legal team. Sometimes, the situation is straightforward enough that you might feel comfortable handling the insurance claim on your own. If you’re organized, confident, and your case fits a few specific criteria, going it alone could be a reasonable option. The key is knowing when that’s the case.

It’s important to remember that even in a simple accident, the insurance adjuster you’re dealing with is a professional negotiator whose goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. If your situation falls into one of the categories below, you may be able to manage the process yourself, but you’ll still need to be your own best advocate. Understanding these scenarios will help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

Your Injuries Are Minor

If you walked away from the accident with only minor injuries—think scrapes, bruises, or slight soreness that goes away in a few days—you might not need a lawyer. You can often file a personal injury claim on your own when the medical treatment is minimal, like a single visit to an urgent care clinic for a check-up.

However, be cautious. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t always show symptoms immediately. What feels like minor stiffness today could become chronic pain later. Always get a medical evaluation after any accident, and if your injuries are anything more than superficial, it’s wise to at least consult with an attorney before agreeing to any settlement.

You Only Have Property Damage

When an accident only results in damage to your vehicle and no one is injured, the claim process is much simpler. These “property damage only” claims focus on getting estimates for car repairs and arranging for a rental vehicle if needed. There’s no need to calculate complex damages like pain and suffering or future medical costs.

In these cases, you can typically work directly with the insurance companies to get your car fixed or receive a check for its value if it’s totaled. The process is fairly transactional, and as long as you get fair estimates from reputable repair shops, you can often handle the claim yourself without much trouble.

The Case Is Simple and Clear

A straightforward case is one where fault is completely undisputed. For example, if you were stopped at a red light and someone rear-ended you, it’s obvious the other driver is at fault. If the other driver admits responsibility at the scene and the police report clearly supports your version of events, you have a strong foundation for handling the claim on your own.

Even in these clear-cut situations, you need to be careful. An insurance company might still try to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that you don’t need the full amount of recommended medical treatment. If you start getting any pushback or feel like you’re being treated unfairly, that’s a sign it’s time to get professional legal advice.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

After an accident, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. The goal of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation—often called “damages”—to help make you whole again. This isn’t just about covering the bills you have today; it’s about accounting for all the ways the accident has impacted your life, both now and in the future. Understanding the different types of compensation you can pursue is the first step toward getting the fair settlement you deserve. These damages are typically grouped into a few key categories.

Medical Bills (Current and Future)

One of the most immediate financial burdens after an accident is medical expenses. Compensation for medical bills covers everything from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It’s crucial to think beyond the initial treatment. Your settlement should also account for future medical needs, such as ongoing physical therapy, follow-up appointments, or any long-term care required because of your injuries. We work to ensure your settlement reflects the full scope of your medical journey, so you aren’t left paying for accident-related care out of pocket years from now.

Lost Income and Earning Potential

If your injuries prevent you from working, you have the right to recover those lost wages. This includes the salary, hourly pay, and even the freelance income you missed out on while recovering. It’s important to keep detailed records, like pay stubs and letters from your employer, to document this loss. Beyond immediate lost wages, you may also be able to claim compensation for loss of future earning capacity. If your injuries permanently affect your ability to do your job or force you into a lower-paying role, your settlement should reflect that long-term financial impact.

Pain and Suffering

Not all damages come with a clear price tag. “Pain and suffering” is a legal term for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident. This includes the actual physical pain from your injuries, as well as the mental anguish, anxiety, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life that often follow a traumatic event. While no amount of money can erase this experience, calculating these non-economic damages is a critical part of your claim and acknowledges the very real human cost of the accident. The severity of your injuries plays a significant role in determining this compensation.

Property Damage

If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you are entitled to compensation for repairs or its replacement value. This category covers more than just your car; it also includes any other personal property that was damaged in the crash, such as a laptop, cell phone, or child car seat. Typically, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability coverage is the source for these funds. We can help you navigate the process of getting a fair assessment and ensuring you receive what you need to repair or replace your property.

What Are the Risks of Settling Alone?

Handling a car accident claim on your own might seem like the fastest way to get things over with, but it’s a path filled with potential pitfalls. Insurance companies are skilled negotiators with a primary goal: protecting their bottom line. Going it alone puts you at a significant disadvantage and can cost you dearly in the long run. Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the fair compensation you need to recover.

Accepting a Lowball Offer

It’s tough to know what your claim is truly worth, especially when you’re focused on healing. Insurance adjusters know this and often present a quick, low offer, hoping you’ll accept it without question. Without legal experience, you may not be aware of all the types of damages you can claim, from future medical care to lost earning potential. Accepting an initial offer might feel like a relief, but it often means leaving a significant amount of money on the table—money that you are rightfully owed for your injuries, expenses, and suffering.

Missing Important Deadlines

The legal system operates on strict timelines. In California, there are firm deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. If you miss these critical dates, you could permanently lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. These deadlines can be confusing, and managing them while recovering from an injury is an unnecessary stress. An insurance company won’t warn you if a deadline is approaching; in fact, they may even try to drag out negotiations until it’s too late for you to take legal action.

Giving In to Insurance Company Pressure

Remember, the other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They might try to get you to admit partial fault, ask for a recorded statement to use against you, or simply deny your claim without a valid reason. Facing this pressure alone can be incredibly intimidating. They might make you feel like their low offer is the best you’ll get, pushing you to settle for less out of frustration or exhaustion. A lawyer acts as your advocate, shielding you from these tactics and ensuring you aren’t bullied into an unfair agreement.

Ignoring Future Costs

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is settling before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Some injuries have long-term consequences that aren’t immediately obvious. If you settle too early, you forfeit your right to seek compensation for any future medical treatment, physical therapy, or lost wages that may arise later. A fair settlement must account for all potential future medical expenses and the long-term impact the accident will have on your life. Rushing to a settlement can leave you paying for these costs out of your own pocket down the road.

How a Lawyer Strengthens Your Claim

When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you want is another full-time job. But that’s what building a personal injury claim can feel like. Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about having someone to file paperwork; it’s about bringing in a professional to manage the entire process and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. They handle the complex details so you can focus on your health.

A lawyer acts as your advocate, investigator, and negotiator. They know the tactics insurance companies use and have the resources to counter them effectively. From gathering crucial evidence to calculating the full extent of your losses, their involvement can dramatically change the trajectory of your settlement. They level the playing field and ensure your side of the story is not just heard, but proven.

Investigating the Accident

A thorough investigation is the foundation of a strong claim, and it goes far beyond the initial police report. An experienced attorney knows exactly what evidence is needed to prove fault and will work to secure it. This can include tracking down and interviewing witnesses, obtaining traffic or security camera footage, and subpoenaing cell phone records to check for distracted driving. They may also bring in accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the scene. This detailed evidence-gathering process creates a clear and compelling narrative of what happened, making it much harder for the other party’s insurer to dispute liability.

Calculating Your True Damages

One of the biggest risks of handling a claim alone is underestimating its value. Your damages are more than just the medical bills you have today. A skilled lawyer helps you calculate the full scope of your losses, including future medical treatments, physical therapy, lost wages from time off work, and diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job. They also know how to place a monetary value on your pain and suffering. By looking at the complete picture, they ensure the final settlement demand reflects what you truly need to recover and move forward.

Negotiating with the Insurer

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They might make a quick, low offer, hoping you’ll accept it before you understand your claim’s full value. When you have a lawyer, all communication goes through them. Your attorney will handle the back-and-forth, present a detailed demand package backed by strong evidence, and skillfully counter any lowball offers. They understand the real value of your claim and aren’t intimidated by the insurance company’s tactics, giving you a much better chance at a fair outcome.

Connecting You with Experts

Sometimes, a strong claim requires testimony from outside experts. Your lawyer has a network of trusted professionals they can call upon to strengthen your case. This might include medical experts who can testify about the long-term impact of your injuries, vocational specialists who can speak to your loss of earning potential, or economists who can project future financial losses. These expert opinions provide objective, credible evidence that can be incredibly persuasive during negotiations or, if necessary, in court. This access to resources is something you simply don’t have when you handle a claim on your own.

How to Document Your Damages

After an accident, proving what you’ve lost is the key to getting fair compensation. Insurance companies require evidence for every dollar you claim, from medical bills to the impact on your daily life. Think of yourself as a detective building a case—your case. The more organized and thorough your documentation is, the stronger your position will be during negotiations. Here’s a straightforward guide to gathering the essential proof you’ll need.

Keep All Medical Records and Bills

Create a dedicated folder for every piece of paper related to your accident. This includes hospital bills, co-pays, pharmacy receipts for prescriptions and over-the-counter items like bandages, and invoices from physical therapists or specialists. Don’t forget to track related costs, like mileage for driving to and from appointments. These documents are the foundation for calculating your economic damages, providing a clear, factual record of the financial toll the accident has taken. Keep everything, even if you’re not sure it’s relevant—it’s better to have it and not need it.

Take Photos of the Scene and Your Injuries

Your phone is one of the most powerful tools you have right after an accident. Use it to take photos and videos of everything. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles, the positions of the cars, skid marks on the road, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. It’s just as important to document your physical injuries. Take clear pictures of any cuts, bruises, or swelling immediately after the accident and continue to take photos as they heal. This visual timeline can be incredibly compelling evidence of your physical suffering and can help show the full extent of your recovery process.

Start a Pain and Suffering Journal

While bills show the financial cost, a journal tells the human story of your recovery. Every day, take a few minutes to write down how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally. Note your pain levels, any medication side effects, and challenges with daily tasks like getting dressed or sleeping through the night. Did you have to miss a family event or a hobby you love? Write it down. This journal provides a detailed account of how the injury has affected your quality of life, which is a critical part of your pain and suffering claim.

Gather Witness Info and Police Reports

An outside perspective can significantly strengthen your claim. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. A statement from an impartial witness can help confirm your version of events. You should also get a copy of the official police report. This document contains key details about the accident, including the officer’s initial assessment of fault and diagrams of the scene. In California, you can typically request your traffic collision report online or from the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. This official record is a crucial piece of evidence.

Common Myths About Hiring a Lawyer

Deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a car accident can feel like a huge weight on your shoulders, especially when you’re trying to recover. A lot of that hesitation comes from things we’ve heard that just aren’t true. Let’s clear the air and look at some of the biggest myths about working with an attorney so you can make a choice that feels right for you.

Myth: “I can’t afford a lawyer.”

This is probably the number one reason people hesitate to call a lawyer, and it’s completely understandable. The good news is, it’s based on a misunderstanding of how personal injury lawyers get paid. Most, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they win for you. If you don’t get paid, neither do they. This approach removes the financial risk and makes expert legal help accessible to everyone. In fact, having a lawyer often means you recover more compensation than you would on your own, even after the fee is paid.

Myth: “Hiring a lawyer will slow things down.”

It’s true that reaching a fair settlement takes time, whether you have a lawyer or not. Insurance companies aren’t in a hurry to pay out claims. However, thinking a lawyer will add unnecessary delays is a common misconception. An experienced attorney actually helps move the process along efficiently. They know exactly what evidence to gather, how to file paperwork correctly, and how to counter the delay tactics insurers often use. While you focus on your health, your lawyer is managing deadlines and building a strong case, preventing the kinds of mistakes that can bring everything to a halt. They handle the complex negotiations, ensuring your claim stays on track and moves toward a resolution.

Myth: “I’ll lose control of my case.”

It’s your case, and you should always be in the driver’s seat. The fear of handing over control is valid, but that’s not how a healthy attorney-client relationship works. Think of your lawyer as your professional partner and advocate. Their job is to handle the legal heavy lifting—investigating the accident, calculating your total damages, and negotiating with the insurance company. They provide you with the information and expert advice you need to make informed decisions. Ultimately, you have the final say on every major step, including whether to accept a settlement offer. A good lawyer empowers you, they don’t take over.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

One of the biggest worries after a car accident is how you’ll afford legal help, especially when you’re already facing medical bills and lost time from work. The good news is that hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is more accessible than you might think. Most car accident attorneys, including our team at James McKiernan Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront.

Understanding the Contingency Fee

A contingency fee arrangement means your lawyer’s payment is contingent on winning your case. You won’t pay any attorney fees out of your own pocket. Instead, the fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or court award we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time and effort. This structure ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. It also means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours: to get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. The standard contingency fee in California is typically between 33% and 40% of the recovery.

What About Other Costs?

Beyond the attorney’s fee, every legal case involves certain expenses. These are the direct costs of building a strong claim, such as court filing fees, the cost of obtaining police reports and medical records, expert witness fees, and deposition costs. Our firm advances these necessary expenses on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about them while your case is ongoing. Once we secure your settlement or award, these case costs are simply reimbursed to the firm from the total amount recovered. We believe in full transparency, so we will walk you through all potential costs during your free consultation, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Hiring a lawyer almost always results in a better outcome for your case. Insurance companies are businesses focused on paying out as little as possible. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and knows how to calculate the full value of your claim—not just your immediate medical bills, but also future treatment, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer receive significantly higher settlements than those who handle their claims alone. Even after the attorney’s fee, our clients typically walk away with more compensation and less stress than if they had tried to fight the insurance company on their own.

What to Expect When You Work with a Lawyer

The legal process after an accident can feel overwhelming, but working with a lawyer is designed to bring clarity and support. A good attorney acts as your guide and advocate, handling the complex details so you can focus on your recovery. The journey from injury to settlement typically follows a clear path, starting with your first meeting and ending with the resolution of your claim. Understanding these stages can help demystify the process and give you confidence in your decision to seek legal help.

This partnership is built on trust and a shared goal: securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. It means you have a professional in your corner who understands the tactics insurance companies use and knows how to counter them effectively. Your lawyer will manage the deadlines, paperwork, and difficult conversations, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This allows you to step back from the stress of the legal fight and dedicate your energy to your health and family. It begins with an initial consultation, moves into building a strong case, proceeds to negotiation, and is supported by consistent communication every step of the way.

Your First Consultation

Think of your first consultation as a straightforward, no-pressure conversation. It’s your chance to share what happened, ask questions, and get a clear picture of your legal options. We always recommend you contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner we can get involved, the sooner we can start preserving crucial evidence and building your case while you focus on getting better. During this initial meeting, we’ll listen to your story, review the details of your situation, and give you an honest assessment of your claim. Our goal is for you to leave the conversation feeling informed and confident about your next steps.

Building Your Case

Once you decide to move forward, your lawyer gets to work building a powerful case on your behalf. This is a detailed process that involves gathering and analyzing all the evidence, from police reports and medical records to witness statements and expert opinions. A critical part of this stage is calculating the true value of your claim. An experienced attorney knows to look beyond the immediate bills to identify all the damages you can recover, including future medical treatments, lost income, reduced earning potential, and compensation for pain and suffering. This thorough approach ensures we are fighting for the full amount you are rightfully owed.

The Negotiation Process

With a strong case prepared, your lawyer will take over all communications with the insurance company. This is a huge relief for many clients, as insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose primary goal is to settle claims for as little as possible. Your attorney will present the evidence and advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your past, present, and future needs. It’s so important to have an expert on your side during this phase because once you accept a settlement offer, it’s final—you can’t ask for more money later. A skilled negotiator protects you from accepting a lowball offer and dramatically improves your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Staying in Communication

You should never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. We believe that clear and consistent communication is essential, so we make it a priority to provide you with regular updates at every stage. Our team is always here to answer your questions and address your concerns as they come up, ensuring you feel supported and in the loop. By entrusting your lawyer with the legal complexities and the stressful back-and-forth with insurers, you can free yourself to focus on what truly matters: healing from your injuries and getting your life back on track. This partnership provides not just expert representation, but genuine peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, choosing an attorney can feel like another overwhelming task on a very long list. But finding the right legal partner is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future. You’re not just looking for any lawyer; you’re looking for an advocate who understands what you’re going through and has the skills to fight for the compensation you deserve. Think of it as hiring a specialist for a critical job. You want someone who knows the landscape, speaks the language, and has a proven history of success. Taking the time to vet your options will pay off, ensuring you have a trusted professional in your corner from start to finish.

Look for Specific Experience

When you’re searching for a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses specifically on personal injury and car accident cases. A general practice attorney might be great for writing a will or handling a business contract, but they likely don’t have the deep knowledge needed for a complex accident claim. An attorney who specializes in this area lives and breathes California traffic laws and insurance regulations. They understand the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts and know how to build a case that stands up to scrutiny. This specialized experience means they can anticipate challenges and guide you through the legal process with confidence, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Check Their Track Record

Experience is one thing, but a history of success is another. Before you commit, take a look at the attorney’s track record. Do they have a history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients with cases like yours? Many firms, including ours, share their case results to show their past performance. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about demonstrating their ability to deliver for their clients. An attorney with a strong track record sends a clear message to the insurance company: they are serious, they are prepared to go to trial if necessary, and they won’t accept a lowball offer. This reputation alone can make a huge difference in how your claim is handled.

Find a Good Communicator

The legal process can be confusing, and the last thing you need is an attorney who leaves you in the dark. A great lawyer is also a great communicator. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they listen to your story and answer your questions. Do they explain things in a way you can understand, without using a lot of legal jargon? You should feel comfortable with your attorney and confident that they will keep you updated on the progress of your case. This partnership is crucial, and you deserve to work with a legal team that treats you with respect and makes you feel heard every step of the way.

Clarify the Fee Structure

Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the money they recover for you, whether through a settlement or a court verdict. If they don’t win your case, you don’t owe them a fee. This arrangement allows everyone to access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Be sure to ask for a clear explanation of the fee structure and get it in writing. You should also ask about other potential costs, like expert witness fees or court filing fees, so there are no surprises down the road.

Related Articles

• 8 Crucial Reasons to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident
• Why You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Not Your Fault
• What To Know When Hiring An Accident Injury Attorney
• What to Do if You’re Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was partially at fault for the accident? This is a really common concern, and the short answer is that you can still recover compensation. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means your settlement is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible, your final award would be reduced by 20%. A key part of our job is to use evidence to minimize your assigned fault and protect your right to a fair recovery.

How long does a car accident case usually take to resolve? There isn’t a single timeline that fits every case, as the length depends on factors like the severity of your injuries and how willing the insurance company is to be reasonable. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a more complex one could take over a year. The goal is never to rush to a quick settlement, but to secure the best possible outcome. We manage the entire process to keep things moving efficiently while you focus on your recovery.

Will I have to go to court if I hire a lawyer? It’s highly unlikely. The vast majority of personal injury cases—well over 90%—are settled out of court through negotiation. Insurance companies know which law firms are prepared to take a case to trial, and that reputation is a powerful tool that helps us secure a fair settlement for you. While we prepare every case as if it might go to trial, our primary goal is to get you the compensation you deserve without you ever having to step inside a courtroom.

The other driver’s insurance adjuster keeps calling me. What should I say? It’s best to say as little as possible. You can politely tell the adjuster that you are not prepared to discuss the accident and will not be providing a recorded statement. These adjusters are trained to ask questions that might get you to say something that could hurt your claim later. The safest move is to refer them to your attorney. Once you hire us, we take over all communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

My injuries seemed minor at first, but now I’m in more pain. Is it too late to get help? It is definitely not too late, but it’s important to act quickly. It’s very common for injuries like whiplash or back problems to show up days or even weeks after a crash. The most important first step is to see a doctor right away to diagnose your condition and document the connection to the accident. Then, you should speak with an attorney. As long as you are within the legal time limits for filing a claim, we can help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical care.