If you are involved in a collision that you consider to be relatively minor, you might wonder whether it is worthwhile to talk to a personal injury lawyer about what occurred. It’s common for people to ask, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” It’s important to remember that even if the damage to your vehicle is minor, you might have suffered injuries that are more severe than you think. At a minimum, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave to learn about the legal options available to you.
Should I Get A Lawyer For A Minor Car Accident?
Imagine that you’re driving around Springfield when another driver runs into the back of your car at a stoplight. The damage to your vehicle may appear relatively minor, and you may be able to drive your vehicle home after the police finish their report. But even if you’re able to walk and drive, you may feel slight tinges of pain in your shoulders and neck. While you know that the other driver was clearly at fault for the collision, you may be hesitant to file a personal injury claim because the collision seemed minor.
So you’re asking yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” In general, the answer to this question is yes, you should consider retaining a lawyer for a minor car accident in which you suffered an injury. In many cases, injuries that initially seem minor after car accidents may be more severe than people realize. Some injuries do not begin to show symptoms for days or even weeks after a collision. This delay is sometimes caused by the adrenaline that surges through your body in the aftermath of a collision.
If you are the victim of a car crash, it is a good idea to see your doctor immediately to make certain that you are okay. Then, talk to a lawyer to find out what options you might have. An attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave can provide you with an honest assessment of whether you should move forward with a personal injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Collision
It is common for people who are involved in accidents to be confused and uncertain about how to handle it. Here is a straightforward checklist that you can use if your vehicle is hit by another driver:
Call 911 to report the accident.
- Check yourself and others for injuries and render first aid if necessary.
- Exchange insurance, registration, and driver’s license information with the other driver.
- Ask for the other driver’s contact information.
- Photograph the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene.
- Photograph your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Ask the police officer who responds to write a report.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave for a free case review.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Like other states, Missouri has a statute of limitations for when claims should be filed. If you try to file a personal injury claim outside of the limitations period, it will be barred. This means that you will not be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Under the Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, people have five years to file a personal injury claim. The time period begins to run on the date of your injury. It is best to talk to a lawyer soon after your accident instead of waiting until the end of the limitations period, however. Talking to a lawyer early can help you secure evidence that might otherwise be lost and can provide your attorney with more time to conduct a thorough investigation of your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave
A personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle accident takes determination and time to resolve successfully. People who retain personal injury lawyers are much more likely to recover compensation in an amount that covers their losses.
Getting help from a lawyer after an accident that you initially believe is relatively minor is important. If you file the claim on your own, the insurance company might try to get you to agree to an unreasonably low settlement offer. An experienced injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave can evaluate your claim and provide you with a range of monetary values within which your settlement should fall. Call our office today at 417-344-0684 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
Most ask questions and answers by users
Is it worth getting a lawyer for minor car accident?
Even in minor car accidents, you should have a personal injury attorney look at your case before agreeing to any settlement! They can help you get the most compensation possible for your case. That way you will not have to come out of pocket for your car and medical bills.
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?
Anytime you are injured in a car accident you should consult a car accident attorney. Doing so will ensure you get the best advice possible on how to proceed with your claim. Most of the time an attorney will be needed in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
Should I go to the doctor after a minor car accident?
But no matter how severe or minor a car accident is, you should always make sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is this important for possible lawsuits, but there could be hidden health concerns that you may not be able to detect without a proper medical assessment.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn't my fault?
If you got into a car accident that was not your fault, you have a right to hire a lawyer. While you do not need to seek legal counsel, a car accident lawyer may help you file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent party.
How much do you usually get for a car accident settlement?
Your average car accident settlement might be approximately $21,000. It is likely to fall somewhere between $14,000 and $28,000. The settlement is generally higher for more severe or permanent injuries.
Do Lawyers lie about settlements?
If the case doesn't settle during a settlement negotiation, anything that was said during those negotiations remains privileged. The court noted that although settlement negotiations are confidential, the lawyers are not allowed to lie.
Can someone sue you after insurance pays?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit after you've agreed to a settlement with the insurance company. However, it's very possible that the judge will throw your lawsuit out of the court. After hearing your lawsuit, the defendant will inform the judge of the settlement agreement.
How many days after a car accident Do you feel pain?
They have found: Internal bleeding/bruising (“seatbelt syndrome”) has been noticed between 24 hours and 3 days (72 hours) after an accident. Brain and neck injuries have emerged up to 8 days after an accident and, in some cases, proved fatal. Concussion symptoms may not show up for hours or days after an accident.
How do I know if I am OK after a car accident?
If any of these signs of psychological and emotional distress persist following a car crash, seek medical help immediately: Difficulty sleeping. Memory loss. Issues with concentration.
How long after car accident Do you feel pain?
Sometimes you won't feel any pain until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. That's why it's important to be mindful of any symptoms that may develop after the accident. Here is a list of seven symptoms to pay attention to after you've been involved in an accident.
What is a good settlement offer?
Most cases settle out of court before proceeding to trial. Some say that the measure of a good settlement is when both parties walk away from the settlement unhappy. This means that the defendant paid more than he wanted to pay, and the plaintiff accepted less than he wanted to accept
Can you claim for anxiety after a car accident?
Compensation claims for anxiety can be made, however, if you have not suffered any physical injuries in the accident, then the anxiety you are experiencing must be serious enough to fall into a specific class of psychiatric symptoms that are a recognised condition for the claim to be successful.
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