I was in a car accident as a passenger. Should I get a lawyer?

Question

I have cuts, bruises, bumps on the head. I cannot work for at least 5 days.

Answer 1

Instead of getting a lawyer, try actually talking to the people involved and see what you can work out. Going through a lawyer is not a very honorable way to solve disputes.

Answer 2

If you can't work for 5 days, do you get paid anyway?

If not, who was at fault in the accident? Was it a single car accident?

If it was the latter, the driver's insurance should be compensating you and you should file a claim.

I'd say you should only hire a lawyer if you don't get a satisfactory response from either the driver's insurance company.

Remember, a lawyer is going to take a 30-40% cut of any compensation you get.

At the very least, your medical expenses should be reimbursed as should your missed work (if you don't get paid when you don't work).

If the insurer balks at it, then hire a lawyer.

Answer 3

If you intend to pursue a bodily injury claim against the driver and/or the other car, you should hire a lawyer. They usually charge 1/3 of whatever you make, if and when you make anything. Just because you were in an accident doesn't mean that they have to compensate you b/c they don't. You get compensated based on your injuries. Are your injuries significant?

In order for you to sue, you must treat with Chiropractors consistently, like 3x/week. You said you have bumps on your head, seek a Neurologist. Just to rule out of any head injuries and nerve damage. They can do an EMGNCV test to see if your nerves were messed up. Have 2 MRIs done (one for cervical and one for lumbar) b/c MRIs are really the only exams that can really prove any damage to your neck and back. You get paid for Herniations. Bulges to insurance companies aren't a big deal.

After you've been discharged from treatment, your lawyer will order all your medical records and bills, and put a package together to send it to the insurance company. Once the insurance company has reviewed your package, they will contact your lawyer to determine a settlement. They will then negotiate and settle. or If the insurance company believes your injuries are not serious, then they can come back and say they won't pay you and to take them to court. Then your lawyer will have to decide whether or not your case is worth going to court and spending money on. Then at trial a decision will be made. You are risking everything.

Depending on the state you live, you might have a copay/deductible. And if you live in a state that does have both, you will have to pay any of it that you owe to any physicians its owed to. No matter what. If you get money or not. They must be repaid.

Last thing....the insurance company you are suing can reimburse you for your missed time at work, if you weren't compensated.

Answer 4

The driver of teh car you were in should have no-fault insurance (in some states anyways), but dealing with an insurance company or not, you will need a lawyer if you expect to collect any damages, document EVERYTHING you can, photograph your injuries, get copies to show lost wages, medical bills, etc. and a copy of the police report (if it was not investigated you probably have no case), most important you need to know who was to balme for the accident, and get any witnesses you can find along with pictures of the scene and any vehicles involved if possible. If a driver has a bad enough accident record/insurance rate they sometimes will settle up just to keep their insurance company from dropping them/raising their rates. Remember that insurance claims adjuster are given an annual bonus that is a percentage of the amount of claims they saved their company from having to pay, this gives them an incentive to screw people out of money they deserve.

Answer 5

If it were me I would only get a lawyer if somebody was being a complete moron when they caused the accident being totally negligent. But if it where just simply and accident and nothing more I would just move on with your life, You have to remember that some day you are going to be the one that is going to cause and accident and we should not be so eager to be so sue happy or try and get rich from an accident. What do you think drives up our insurance rates.

Answer 6

You have cuts and bruises and cannot work for FIVE days??? Says who? Cuts and bruises typically are not high enough on the severity scale to justify missing an entire 5 days of work. I could be wrong, but it sounds to me like you just got bumped up a little bit and you are milking it for all its worth. Sure, get a laywer, but remember, he gets a piece of whatever you get.

Next time you folks want to complain about how high car insurance is, remember, it's petty little crap like this that is constantly driving up insurance rates. Just a little food for thought.

Answer 7

Yes, you should consider it. Depending on the facts of the accident and who was at fault you can probably receive money for your medical bills and money for pain and suffering. Also, if the doctor placed you out of work you can try to recover the lost wages. Again, this is going to depend on who is at-fault for the accident and the laws of the state of the accident. Typically, an attorney will want a percentage of your recovery ranging from 30% - 45%. Or, you can always try to handle your claim directly with an insurance company.

Answer 8

Absolutely. If the insurance company is balking at paying for your injuries and you have to get a lawyer...Threaten to get a lawyer first and tell them you will sue for pain and suffering too! Don't let them off the hook! Feel better sweetie!

Answer 9

not unless you want to share your money with him, have you talked to the insurance company yet? give them time
get your doctor reports and work reports that show that you
did not work for 5 days and how much you normally earn during
that period, then present all to the adjuster

Answer 10

Yes, definitely get a lawyer and get one or two, the slim no goods!