Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer? - When to Call an Attorney
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Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Chattanooga

Being involved in a car accident in Chattanooga is always a frightening experience. That’s especially true if you or a passenger were injured. After a crash, many people wonder whether a lawyer is necessary to help them get fair compensation from the insurance company. Here’s the answer: It depends.

The law does not require you to hire a car accident lawyer in Tennessee. However, many crashes are not as simple as they seem. Getting a personal injury attorney to review your case can ensure that you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.

Don’t let your legal questions go unanswered. At Davis Firm, LLC, you can schedule a consultation with an experienced Chattanooga car accident attorney for free. We’ll listen to your story and determine your options. The best part? There’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose.

Call or contact us today to arrange your case review.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Although you are not required hire a car accident lawyer after a crash, there are several advantages to doing so. Car accident claims fall under the category of personal injury law in Tennessee. In order to recover compensation for your injuries, you must meet certain requirements.

For example, injury claims must be filed within one year of the date of the accident. If you fail to file within that timeframe, you could lose all rights to compensation. However, there are some limited exceptions to that deadline. Meeting with a lawyer can make sure that your claim is filed on time.

In addition, insurance companies have time limits on how long you have to notify them of a crash. An attorney is well-versed in reading an insurance policy’s fine print so that you don’t miss out. A lawyer can also identify all possible avenues for compensation, both from the at-fault driver and possibly your own policy.

With so much on the line, there’s no harm in scheduling a consultation with Davis Firm, LLC. You don’t want to lose access to compensation due to a simple error or oversight.

What Car Accident Attorneys Do

Filing a car accident claim may seem like a straightforward process, but insurance companies don’t make it easy. Their claims adjusters are trained in tactics intended to minimize the amount of your settlement. A dedicated car accident attorney will work to prevent your claim from being dismissed or denied.

A lawyer can:

  • Conduct an independent investigation into your accident
  • Collect evidence needed to build a strong and persuasive claim for compensation
  • Place a full and fair value on your case
  • Negotiate with the insurance company so you don’t have to
  • Take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to obtain the best possible results for you

When you’ve been injured, fighting with the insurance company for the compensation you deserve should be the last thing on your mind. An attorney can relieve that burden so that you can focus on healing.

What If I Was Not at Fault?

Tennessee is a fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the negligent party can be held liable for paying victims compensation for their injuries and other losses. Although the law is clear about this, the at-fault party(s) will likely to argue that you were at least partially to blame for the crash. If they succeed, your ultimate amount of compensation could be reduced under Tennessee’s comparative fault laws.

In Tennessee, accident victims can still receive compensation for their injuries as long as they were less than 50 percent at fault. If you are found to be even one percentage point more to blame, you collect no money at all. Because your compensation hinges on just one little point, it is in your best interest to at least speak with a car accident lawyer before settling your case.

Should I Settle with the Insurance Company?

chattanooga car accident lawyerSoon after a crash, the insurance company will contact you to offer a quick settlement. It’s an attempt to convince you to accept money while you are at your most vulnerable. You may not even know how serious your injuries are yet.

However, once you accept a settlement, there’s no going back for more money if you realize your injuries are more costly than you thought. That’s why talking to a lawyer is so valuable. An attorney can look at the accident, the extent of your injuries, and estimate an appropriate and fair value for your case that accounts for your past, current, and future losses.

Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance company or give it authorization to your medical records until you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney.

When Should I Contact a Reliable Chattanooga Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been in an accident with minimal property damage and no injuries, you probably don’t need a car accident lawyer. Those cases are fairly simple to settle.

However, there are certain situations when talking to an attorney is critical to protect your rights to compensation. Always contact an attorney if:

  • The accident resulted in serious injuries or death.
  • There are questions about who is at fault.
  • The insurance company has offered you a settlement that you believe is unfair.
  • More than one driver was involved.
  • A company or government entity (such as a city or municipality) may be responsible for the wreck.
  • The other driver had no insurance or was underinsured.
  • Your insurance company says that you don’t need a lawyer.

If any of these circumstances apply to your crash, reach out to a Chattanooga car accident lawyer today.

Don’t Miss Out — Contact Davis Firm, LLC Today to Get Started

Don’t wait to find out whether you’re entitled to compensation if you were hurt in a Chattanooga car accident. Call or contact the dedicated injury attorneys at Davis Firm, LLC for a free consultation. We’ll help you get justice when you need it most.