Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You may not need a lawyer if

• Nobody was hurt and the only damage is minor and clearly covered by insurance.
• Fault is undisputed and the other insurer is paying fairly and promptly.

A lawyer can help if

• You were injured, especially if you needed ongoing treatment, missed work or have lasting effects.
• Fault is disputed, or more than one party may be responsible.
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• The insurer denies the claim, delays, or offers much less than your losses.
• A commercial vehicle, rideshare or government vehicle was involved.

What an attorney does

An attorney can gather evidence and medical records, deal with insurers, estimate the full value of your claim, negotiate, and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered. They also keep track of filing deadlines.

How lawyers are paid

Personal injury attorneys commonly work on contingency: they take a percentage of what you recover and are paid nothing if you do not recover. You may still owe case costs depending on your agreement, so read the retainer carefully and ask what happens to fees and costs if the case does not succeed.

Questions to ask in a free consultation

• What percentage do you charge, and does it change if the case goes to court?
• Which costs would I owe, and when?
• Who will actually handle my case day to day?
• How long do cases like mine usually take?
• What are the main risks in my case?

Talking to an attorney does not commit you to hiring one.