Tens of thousands of vehicular accidents occur in Maryland every year. A significant number of these crashes result in injuries to those involved in the accident. However, just because someone is injured in a crash does not mean they could benefit from hiring an attorney. Knowing when to contact an Accident Lawyer in Bowie and when to go it alone can be helpful to individuals who have been involved in an accident.
How Severe are the Injuries and Damages
All accidents result in some type of damage, but small collisions such as fender-benders are relatively simple to settle with insurance companies and the individuals involved in the collision. Individuals could certainly use an attorney’s assistance, but in simple cases with minor injuries and insignificant to average damages, most of the time an attorney would be an unnecessary added expense. However, if the at-fault insurance company is playing games and refusing to compensate the victims fairly, then indeed seek a consultation from a reputable accident attorney.
When to Contact an Attorney
The general rule-of-thumb is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident but after any necessary medical care. Do not delay seeking medical treatment to wait to speak to a lawyer first. Evidence begins to disappear after an accident happens so the sooner someone contacts an attorney, the sooner they can work to preserve the evidence needed for the legal claim.
Initial Consultation
Reputable attorneys offer free consultations to new clients. Use this opportunity to see how comfortable you are with the attorney and how professional they are. Listen to their plan for the claim. An experienced accident attorney will have a specific plan for the case going forward. Generally, accident attorneys work on a contingency basis where they are paid a percentage of any compensation their clients receive. If the client receives nothing, the attorney receives nothing. However, clients may be responsible for other costs. Discuss this ahead of time to avoid any surprises later on.
In Closing
Searching for an accident attorney does not need to be difficult. If an accident victim is unsure if they have a legal claim then discuss it with a qualified attorney at a free consultation. Contact Jaklitsch Law Group to discuss a potential legal claim or for more information about hiring an Accident Lawyer in Bowie.
