Do I need an attorney?

Question

I was in a car accident where the car was totaled and I have back and neck pain. The wreck wasn't my fault and the other drivers' insurance already claimed liability.

Answer 1

The selection of answers here show why insurance rates are going through the roof. The idiots that are screaming for you to go to a lawyer probably haven't been to a courtroom since their divorce or bankruptcy. Lawyers work 100% for themselves 100% of the time. You are nothing but a cockroach to them and they will do anything to avoid court. Over 90% of all represented settlements happen outside the courtroom so the visions of you having your day before a jury and driving away with an armored car full of cash is just crap. Having a lawyer does NOT make your claim worth one dime more than it is. A lawyer cannot strong-arm an insurance company into paying 100% more than a fair offer so you both can make out like bandits. Insurance companies are NOT afraid of some dirtbag ambulance chaser that has his face plastered on billboards across town. The only thing you can absolutely count on is they will get up to 40% of your settlement. They ALWAYS get paid -- which is why they NEVER go to court. The fear of losing a case (and money) forces them to settle, (sometimes hours before a court date), almost all cases vs litigation. Why don't you at least attempt to work with the adjusters? You can always get lawyered-up if need be.

Answer 2

That's your choice. What will happen if you get one is that the insurance company will deal only with your attorney, and the claim will pend longer. On average a claim with an attorney involved takes about 3 months longer to settle and close out than if there wasn't one. The attorney will take 1/3 of what you get from the insurance company. The insurance company will offer the same value whether you have an attorney or not. But it's your choice. If you're not badly hurt and don't need a lot of medical care, why bother?

Answer 3

It is amazing how quickly every person on here said to get an attorney when i guarantee they know nothing about the process or the results of your actions.

First off, 90% of the time you will get the same amount in damages regardless of if you have an attorney or not. Why dont you try to work with the adjuster first to see what they offer you for your injury?

Second- an attorney takes 1/3 of your settlement therefore you will likely end up with less anyways. People think getting an attorney guarantees for them to win the lottery and what they dont realize is insurance companies could care less if you have an attorney or not (it doesnt scare them) and will pay you your settlement by the level of your injury NOT by whos representing you.

Geesh, the answers on here show how greedy and selfish people have gotten. Just LOOKING for an opportunity to make a quick buck- some of you should be ashamed.

Answer 4

You need to talk to an attorney. Don't be to quick to settle, that is what insurence companies want you to do. The "statute of limitations" is 2 years in personal injury matters. Most attorneys will advise you to wait to file for "judical remedy" (cash payment) for the entire 2 years to fully see the extent of and severity of your injury. Ask around for a reference for a good attorney who will look out for your interest not his own wallet (i.e. ambulance chasers). Generally, the attorneys you see advertising on T.V. or with big and tacky ads in the phone book are a no-no. These clowns are "settlement processors". They also want you to settle the case like the insurence companies. They receive up to 40% of your settlement and all they do is push papers and give you a "dog and pony" show as advice. You end up paying thousands of dollars for basically the use of their legal secretaries. A good personal injury attorney will advise you to the likelihood of winning the case, the size of the cash judgement, and if it is financially to your benefit to have the case heard by the court.

Answer 5

Oh yes, get an attorney! The sooner the better. The insurance companies have attorneys! They will try to get away with giving you as little as they can! Even if they did take liability, Please, for your own best sake, hire an attorney! You don't have to pay them, they take a percent of what you get. I work for 4 of them!

Answer 6

Just to make sure you're protected, I would get one. They may have claimed liability but do you know exactly what they're liable for? You may be able to recover more than you realize. I'd get one. If you never have to go to court, then you're all the better for it!

Answer 7

if they have already claimed liabliity then probably not. if you recieve a check (including medical bills) then you have the money.
my recomendation is that you go to an attorney for a session and have him review the case and give you advice. wont cost as much as working with one for months, but you can get valuable advice.

Answer 8

YES you should the other insurance co will not give you what the attorney can get you,hope your feeling better?

Answer 9

IN MY OPINION YOU SHOULD GET A LAWYER AND GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR THE INJURIES.
MAKE SURE YOU DOCUMENT ALL THE FACTS OF THE ACCIDENT.
GET YOUR DOCTOR TO DO THE SAME, GIVE THE REPORT TO YOUR LAWYER.
YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOUR INJURIES WILL GET WORSE DOWN THE ROAD. IF THERE WAS ANY WITNESS TO IT GET THE INFO GIVE IT TO YOUR LAWYER.
DO IT RIGHT AWAY DON'T WAIT YOU CAN GET 1/2 HOUR OF CONSULT WITH ANY LAWYER FREE. THEN HE/SHE WILL TELL YOU WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CASE OR NOT.
CALL LAWYER REFERAL SERVICE THEY WILL HOOK YOU UP!

GOOD LUCK

Answer 10

in Canada we call them lawyers. But you need one big time. If you are broke and have a decent case you can make a deal with a lawyer.