When you are already grappling with injuries, phone calls from insurance adjusters, and the loss of a vehicle after a car accident, hiring an attorney may be at the bottom of your priority list. However, it is one of the first things you should do when you are injured. Learn more about the process of hiring an attorney and figuring out your next steps after an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

What Should I Do After an Accident?

 Before doing anything else, make sure everyone in the vehicle is okay. If there are any serious or life-threatening injuries, immediate care can lead to a better outcome. Call emergency services to report the crash and request assistance. Before leaving the scene of the crash, you should have the chance to talk to a police officer what happened and exchange information with the other party. Seek medical care right away for a thorough assessment of your injuries.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident?

Many victims wonder if an attorney is really necessary, as they believe that the insurance company will take care of their medical bills and other expenses. Without an attorney’s representation, you risk accepting an insultingly low settlement that will not cover these expenses. At the very least, you should connect with a St. Louis personal injury attorney to find out if you have a case and get personalized advice.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer? 

Ideally, you should reach out to attorneys as soon as possible after seeking medical care. If the other party is at fault for the accident, the insurance company will likely contact you quickly and try to convince you to take their initial settlement offer. The sooner you have an attorney fighting for you, the sooner you can begin working toward a settlement.

What Do I Need to Know About the Insurance Settlement Process?

Here are some of our top tips regarding insurance settlements:

  • Say at little as possible. The other party’s insurance adjuster will use anything they can to paint their client as the victim and deny you compensation.
  • Do not be in a rush to settle. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it is impossible to know how much your medical expenses will be.
  • Provide your attorney with all requested evidence promptly. The stronger your case is, the more likely it is that the insurance company will be willing to negotiate.

Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney 

What is Your Background and Experience?

Personal injury is a broad area of law. You should work with an attorney with extensive experience in handling car accident cases. Consider asking follow-up questions about how long they have practiced in the area, how many personal injury cases they have handled, and if they have seen cases similar to yours.

What is Your Plan for My Case?

 Bring all the evidence you have to your initial consultation. This gives the attorney an opportunity to look it over, assess the viability of your claim, and develop a plan for your case. After their initial assessment, you can ask more about the strength of your case and the likelihood of your case going to trial.

What is Your Fee Structure?

 Before choosing an attorney, make sure you understand their fee structure. If they work on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay attorney fees unless they secure a settlement or jury award on your behalf. Others may use an hourly fee structure or a fixed rate structure. 

Looking for a Car Accident Attorney in St. Louis? Why You Should Choose Finney Injury Law

A car accident can leave you with physical injuries, mental trauma, property damage, and a serious financial burden. With an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on healing while they fight aggressively to seek the compensation you deserve. The team at Finney Injury Law is dedicated to helping every single client get the best possible outcome. During your free consultation, we will discuss your options and help you plan your next step. Schedule your consultation now by filling out our contact form or calling us at 314-293-4222.