Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

“I was rear-ended, but I’m not sure if I should file a police report. I can’t tell if the other driver has insurance, and they’re acting like the incident wasn’t a big deal. Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?”

Minor car accidents can feel stressful, especially when other parties pressure you into making decisions that do not reflect your rights at the time. Regardless of the severity of the accident, you should always call the police, gather everyone’s contact information, and consult an attorney to consider your options. But why do you need legal representation for even minor wrecks?

Below, we cover why car accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process while protecting your rights and helping you seek a maximum settlement for your economic damages.

What Are Minor Car Accidents?

Minor car accidents are wrecks that do not cause major vehicle damage or injuries. You might suffer issues like whiplash, bruises or scrapes, PTSD from the collision, or soft tissue injuries. You wouldn’t experience broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, TBIs, or similar longer-lasting complications, as these issues are caused by major wrecks.

Your property damage from a minor car accident might include scratches, minor dents, or other cosmetic damage that does not impact how the vehicle functions. A minor accident wouldn’t total your vehicle.

Examples of minor car accidents include the following:

• Parking lot dings
• Low-speed fender benders
• Side swipes
• Rear-end collisions

Mistakes Drivers Often Make After Minor Car Accidents

Because minor car accidents involve relatively lower stakes than major wrecks, first responders often do not arrive without a call to request them, and drivers may not know how to respond to these incidents. Questions like “Do I need to call the police after every car accident?” and “Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” often arise in these situations.

Here are common mistakes you might make after a minor wreck if you don’t have a lawyer to protect your case:

• Failing to call the police: You’re legally required to report any car accident, regardless of severity, to the police if it causes property damage or injuries. When responders arrive on the scene, you can file a police report that will act as key evidence for your case.
• Failing to file an insurance claim: Your insurance company requires you to report any accident you’re involved in within a specified timeframe, even if you didn’t cause it.
• Failing to seek medical attention: While you may initially feel OK after the accident, you still must seek a professional medical evaluation to assess any lingering injuries that could worsen over time. According to car accident statistics, car accident injuries cause significant monetary losses, so you must confirm your diagnosis as soon as possible to understand your potential treatment requirements.
• Accepting your first settlement offer: Without an experienced attorney representing your claim, you may assume that your first settlement offer is a fair, comprehensive amount.

Risks You Take When Opening a Claim Without Representation

“Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” Yes, because attempting to seek compensation without representation involves numerous risks, including the following:

• Accidental liability assumption: Insurers will ask you many convoluted questions in an attempt to reduce their payment obligations. One misstep could cause you to assume partial or full liability for the accident.
• Claim denials: Insurance claims have strict timing and filing requirements. If you make a mistake, your claim may be denied, and you may not have the legal knowledge to fight this denial.
• Lower settlements: You likely do not have the resources or experience to negotiate a settlement. Because of this, you may end up settling for less than your case is worth.
• Surprise long-term costs: Without ample car accident litigation experience, you may not be able to calculate the full cost of your case. In months from now, you may be paying out of pocket for physical therapy visits, additional car repairs, and more.

What Can a Lawyer Do for Your Minor Car Accident Case?

A car accident lawyer mitigates the above risks, protects your rights, and helps you negotiate a maximum settlement to cover your losses. “Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” Yes, because they can help you with the following:

• Establishing and proving liability: Your attorney can determine the correct liable party for your accident, whether that be another driver, a faulty part manufacturer, a government entity, or a truck driving company, to establish negligence.
• Collecting evidence: Your lawyer can collect robust evidence by requesting witness statements, checking traffic camera footage, hiring investigators, and more.
• Negotiating with insurers: Your attorney knows your case’s worth based on your evidence and damages and will use this as leverage to negotiate a fair settlement offer.
• Navigating legal procedures: Your legal team can handle all paperwork filing and court deadlines, adhering to the statute of limitations for your case, so you don’t need to worry about legal compliance.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Minor Car Accident?

“Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” The bottom line is yes.

An attorney will help you seek a large settlement offer and protect your rights throughout the process so you can focus on moving forward. They can dispute liability claims, denied claims, or any other issues arising during the process and even fight for your rights in court if necessary.

If you were involved in an accident involving minor injuries, property damage, unclear liability, complex legal procedures, uncooperative parties, or similar issues, you should call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

Are You Looking for Legal Representation?

“Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” Yes, your attorney will protect your financial interests, effectively turning tables on insurance companies so you don’t have to face denied claims or low-ball settlements alone.

At Accident Hotline, we connect individuals with personal injury attorneys across the U.S., offering free, 24/7 case evaluations. Call Accident Hotline today at (844) 343-9609 to schedule your consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.