Not every auto crash needs an attorney, but how do you know when it makes sense to get a lawyer involved? The Marc Lopez Law Firm deals with car crashes every day. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re considering whether to hire an attorney:
Are your medical bills over $3,000?
If your bills are over $3,000, you probably want to talk to a lawyer. This is a generalization, but it’s a pretty good rule of thumb. Three grand seems to be where things can start getting complicated if you don’t have a little guidance.
Maybe this sounds like a lot of money, but costs can add up pretty quickly. These days, an ambulance ride by itself can cost $1,500. That will get you halfway there before you even arrive at the hospital.
Did the crash occur while you were on the job?
If you were working at the time of the collision, you probably want to talk to a lawyer. There’s usually a worker’s compensation claim. There’s usually a third-party claim. With everyone trying to get money from each other, things can get really complicated.
Were you injured by a government employee?
If the crash that injured you was caused by a government worker, you probably want to talk to a lawyer. That is to say, if you’re hit by a police car, fire engine, or any other government vehicle, you’re probably going to have a hard time getting the State to pay up. In that situation, you’re going to need an attorney.
Is there a dispute about who’s at fault?
If you’ve been injured, and the other party is insisting the collision was your fault, you probably want to talk to a lawyer. At the very least, you want to be able to discuss your options.
If the other party is completely denying liability, that means they aren’t going to pay you voluntarily. They may need some convincing. You don’t want to wait until the hospital is talking about liens to start figuring this out.
Insurance companies are terrible, and there’s no shame in asking for a little guidance. If you have any questions about your injury case, give us a call at 317-632-3642. Stay safe and look out for each other.
