Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Perhaps you were sitting at a red light when another driver rolled into the rear of your vehicle. Maybe you were in a parking lot at your local supermarket when someone else backed into your car as you were driving. These common minor car accident scenarios happen every single day, and most people view them as an annoyance and disruption.
Now you need to stop, get out, exchange information, and inform your insurance company. You’re going to be late to work or pick up your kids, and this minor accident has likely soured your mood. For something minimal like this, you may think you shouldn’t bother to hire a car accident lawyer. You may reason that it’s just a little dent or that everyone feels a little sore after an accident. However, many car accident cases start out this way until it becomes evident that even this minor incident has resulted in injuries that can impact daily life.
Even a small accident can cause hidden injuries that don’t show up right away but worsen over time. That’s why taking action early is so important. Whether it’s lingering pain, unexpected medical bills, or dealing with insurance, Spinner White Decorative cases like these often start small but turn into bigger issues. Getting legal help early can protect your health and your future—because what seems minor now might not stay that way. Spinner White Decorative moments like this can define how smoothly your recovery goes.
Hedge Copeland, P.C. is a trusted law firm with car accident lawyers who are committed to helping navigate the legal process after minor accidents. In this blog post, we explain the importance of legal assistance and why you should consider hiring a car accident attorney even after a minor accident.
Understanding Minor Car Accidents
Minor car accidents are collisions that result in minimal injuries or vehicle damage. A fender bender is the most common type, which is a low-speed crash where only front or rear bumpers incur slight damage.
Parking lot incidents are another type of minor car accident, usually causing scrapes or dings in collisions at low speeds. Some minor collisions involve side-swipes where vehicles traveling at low speeds make minimal contact along the sides. Some of the most common types of these crashes are rear-end collisions at low speeds, often due to the rear driver not paying attention.
Potential Complications of Minor Car Accidents
Do I need a lawyer for a fender bender? That’s what many people in these situations ask themselves. A lawyer for a minor car accident is recommended since there are many complications that could potentially arise.
Car Accident Injuries
In personal injury cases that involve minimal collisions, you may experience minor injuries, though it is also possible to suffer severe injuries. Whiplash is a common one, caused by neck strain endured in a rear-end collision. You might suffer soft tissue injuries, which may not seem like serious injuries but they can lead to chronic pain that disrupts your life and requires long-term treatment resulting in medical bills. Even psychological impacts are possible, such as a fear of driving from this minimal car accident that can plague you for months or years.
Contributory Negligence
As you attempt to go through the insurance claims process, you may be surprised to learn that the other driver’s insurance company may blame you. In Alabama, the driver who caused the wreck is the one who is held responsible for damages caused. However, it follows a rule of contributory negligence which will bar you from collecting compensation, even if you are only 1% at fault.
Issues with Insurance Claims
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to minimize their payout after auto accidents. Alabama’s contributory negligence rule makes it even easier for the insurance company of the other party to deny your claim. If an insurance company makes an offer for compensation, you should know that it might not be the full compensation you deserve.
Since most people think they shouldn’t bother with a car accident lawyer for a minor incident, insurance companies take advantage. The amount the insurance company offers will likely not be enough to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or vehicle damage, not to mention your emotional distress.
For these reasons, you should not attempt to represent yourself pro se, as it is known. While there is no law that requires you to hire a car accident attorney if you have suffered injuries but it is in your best interests to do so. Many personal injury lawyers provide free consultations, allowing you the chance to determine if you want to take legal action with legal representation.
Legal Rights for Victims in Minor Crashes
If the other driver behaved negligently and caused you to suffer harm, you have the right to pursue fair compensation, even in a minor car accident. In order to do so, you will need to contact the insurance company representing the other driver. You are required to exchange insurance information at the accident scene.
However, beware that the other party and their insurer may try to blame you for this incident. You should protect your legal rights by choosing an experienced car accident lawyer who will be well versed in legal procedures and can aid in your financial recovery.
When to Hire a Lawyer for Vehicle Accidents
When should you hire a lawyer for a minor traffic accident? It is best to hire a car accident lawyer right after you seek medical attention for your injuries. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority when you’re in any type of road incident. Additionally, if there were multiple parties involved, you should make sure you talk to a car accident lawyer before you proceed.
Car Accident Lawyer Benefits
Car accident lawyers benefit you in many ways, starting with handling all of the legal work associated with your case. The claims process can be stressful enough as you attempt to organize your medical records and other evidence against the at-fault driver.
In the legal process, understanding all of the applicable laws allows an experienced attorney to navigate your claim more efficiently. They can look at your medical bills, gather evidence that you may have missed, and help you calculate fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Legal representation also ensures that insurance negotiations are handled by someone who knows the worth of your personal injury claim.
Common Misconceptions About Needing a Car Accident Attorney for a Minor Collision
The reason that so many people believe they don’t need a lawyer for minor accidents is due to rampant misinformation. Here is a look at the common myths about needing a car accident lawyer:
Myth: You don’t have to call the police after a minor crash, so you don’t need a lawyer
Believing this myth could land you in hot water since Alabama law requires you to report an accident to the police if there were injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $250. Even a small collision could result in damage that exceeds this amount, and it can cause you to sustain injuries. Plus, the police report the officers file will be a piece of evidence in your case.
Myth: I feel fine, so why bother getting a lawyer after my car accident?
While your minor accident may not cause you life-threatening injuries, you may be surprised that you feel unwell in the hours or days that follow. You probably don’t need to go to the emergency room, but you should go to an urgent care center or your primary care doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Insurers will use this as ammunition in denying fair settlements by saying you aren’t as injured as you claim to be.
Myth: Just take the settlement offered by the insurer for your accident claim
One of the biggest mistakes that victims make after an accident, even a minimal one, is to sign the release for the payout on the claim without making sure it’s sufficient. Once you accept the settlement offered for your claim, you can’t seek additional compensation except in extremely rare circumstances. Moving forward, when you are offered a settlement, consult a lawyer to have them make sure it is for a full and fair amount.
Myth: I don’t need a lawyer; I can handle this myself
Contrary to popular belief, most people in these situations, particularly in Alabama with its contributory fault rule, will need a lawyer after a car accident. It is likely you will be partially blamed for the accident, and this rule would then mean you couldn’t seek a settlement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that accidents are the leading cause of injury and death. As such, it is best to err on the side of caution, seek medical care, and talk to an attorney about your situation.
Next Steps: Legal Advice for Minor Car Accidents
If you get in a minor car accident, you should take the right steps. This includes notifying the police, informing your insurer of the wreck, exchanging information with the other party on the scene, getting evidence, and having a full medical evaluation to check for injuries.
Many injuries do not have visible signs on the outside, and imaging tests can help detect them and prevent them from worsening. Once you have been treated, contact a law firm to arrange for a free case evaluation. At Hedge Copeland, P.C., we take a client-focused approach to fighting for justice and appropriate compensation. You may think a minor car accident is no big deal until injuries arise that deplete your hard-earned finances. We can help you hold the other party accountable for their negligent actions that caused these circumstances.
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