rudolph, israel, tucker and ellis

Why Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident Is the Smart Thing to Do

In a minor car accident, do I really need to hire a lawyer? The answer is – absolutely. 


We understand that you may be surprised by that answer. A minor fender bender where no one was injured does not seem to require the hassle of getting anyone else involved, especially an attorney. However, there are a number of considerations surrounding a car accident, however minor it might be. Plus, getting some preliminary advice from an attorney is no cost to you . Does that change the rationale a little? If so, read on.   


In this article, we will discuss why engaging with an attorney following a car accident, even a minor one, is a smart thing to do. After you have heard some of the reasons why an attorney can help you, you may have more questions about the process. If you have more questions about your own personal injury claim, then the RITE Law personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville , Florida can help.   


At RITE Law, we have a group of personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville who have your best interests at heart, and that have the training and resources to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so call today.


Consider Speaking to an Attorney After a Minor Accident.


There are a host of reasons why having an attorney in your corner in connection with a car accident case is important. 


Say you are in a minor fender bender. You both get out of the car, exchange information, and both decide that the accident is not worth calling the police because there is nothing but a scratch on your bumper. But then, a few days later, the other driver represents to his insurance company a few days later that he was not at fault, despite the fact that he clearly was. Now, you are off to the races. 


You might be spending the next few weeks or so trying to defend yourself to make sure that your insurance is not affected because of the skewed story the other driver told. Now you see that having someone with experience dealing with insurance companies and car accidents can help. Here are just a few reasons why you would be wise to hire an attorney for your case.


1. Preserving Important Evidence. 


Anytime you get in a car accident, even a minor one, you need to have the police take a look at the scene. A police officer is an objective third party who can provide a report on which you can rely moving forward. If the other party rear-ended you, then the police report will reflect the fact that the other party was at fault. 


That police report is an important piece of information for subsequent conversations with insurance companies. In that way, an attorney can guide you on (i) how to marshal important evidence, like a police report, and (ii) how to deal with insurance companies.


Remember, insurance companies are not looking to give out lots of money. That is not how they make profits. So, if you need to speak to an insurance company representative on the phone, then an attorney can give you invaluable advice on the best way to manage that conversation so your position is effectively communicated. 


2. Injuries Show Up Over Time. 


You may be in a car accident, but you might not have registered that your neck or other muscles were jerked back and forth right away. Perhaps a day or two later you start to feel soreness or pain in your neck or shoulders. 

 

If you start to feel injuries only days after the accident occurred, then you will benefit from an attorney’s advice as to what steps to take in getting medical treatment. That way you can make sure that you have an accurate, provable way to value your injuries.


3. Take Advantage of a Free Consultation .


As noted above, having a free consultation is no cost to you . And, during that conversation, you can get some important preliminary information about the value and viability of your case. A car accident that you think is “minor,” actually may not be so. 


Moreover, most attorneys in car accident cases will not charge you any fee unless you win monetary damages at the end of the case. Stated differently, car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means that an attorney gets paid a percentage of any award that you may receive. So, if you do not win any compensation, the attorney does not get paid, and you do not owe the attorney any money. 


Thus, you get the representation that you need for a possible lawsuit, but there is no downside if you are unable to obtain money damages at the end of the case. 


Overall, the contingency-fee arrangement is very helpful because it takes money out of the equation. It allows you to make an informed decision without having to worry about attorneys’ fees that you may not be able to pay.


RITE Law: Your Personal Injury Attorneys in Jacksonville


At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason – to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was “big enough to fight but small enough to care.” At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis (RITE law), we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately. 


Expect lots of attention, passionate representation, and a healthy disdain for big insurance companies. We believe that leads to the best result possible. Unlike larger firms, your case isn’t handed to a paralegal or assistant to do the heavy lifting. The attorney you meet initially is the one who will be by your side every step of the way. 


We also take pride in creating an atmosphere where every client is treated like family. Family members stick up for one another no matter what. You should expect nothing less from the RITE Law personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville.


Without help from the RITE team, making your own personal injury claims can be very difficult. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure that every detail of your claim is addressed. Call us for help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so feel free to call us today.

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