It depends on the circumstances. If you have been involved in a very minor accident with very minor or no bodily injuries and very little or no property damage, you may not need to hire an attorney at all. You may be able to recover directly from the insurance company for your damages. However, if your accident involves serious injuries or a lot of damage to your car, you should hire an attorney right away.
Unfortunately, some clients may wait months or even years to hire an attorney. They may try to pursue their cases on their own in order to save money on attorney’s fees. They may feel they will eventually get a fair settlement if they keep working with the insurance company directly.
There are some reasons you should hire an attorney right away if you have been involved in an accident. The sooner you pursue your case, the stronger it is likely to be. Evidence can go missing or become damaged, and witnesses’ memories of the accident fade over time.
Another reason to pursue your case right away is that you most likely need the money from the case to help with your medical expenses and time missed from work. If you do not hire an attorney, you may be very tempted to settle the case quickly for far less than it is worth in order to get help immediately. Insurance adjusters often use high-pressure tactics to force accident victims into settling. If you settle your case now, you cannot ask for more money later.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident in the Los Angeles area, and you are uncertain about whether to work with an attorney, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles automobile accident attorney at 310-385-0567. My firm will provide you with a free consultation on your case. Call today to learn more.