
Unfortunately, car accidents are inevitable and a common occurrence in New Jersey. Whether you are involved in a minor fender-bender or a major collision, the aftermath can be devastating. As such, one of the most pressing questions that comes to mind following an accident is whether or not hiring an attorney is necessary. Please continue reading to learn the benefits of having legal representation and how a trusted Morris County Car Accident Attorney can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
What Does an Attorney Do?
While some may argue that it’s unnecessary to retain an attorney for a minor car accident, forgoing legal representation can drastically impact your ability to obtain the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. An attorney will help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. In addition, they can examine the damages sustained and determine the value of your compensation.
Once an attorney has assessed the circumstances of your case, they can negotiate with the insurance company of the negligent party on your behalf. Many people underestimate how complex the claims process can be. Therefore, they try to navigate the process without expert legal guidance. However, the insurance company is primarily focused on minimizing their payout. Essentially, this means they will try and use your words against you to reduce your claim, potentially by asking leading questions, recording your statements, or trying to get you to admit fault. An attorney will ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of the fact that you are unfamiliar with how much your claim is worth. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, your attorney can represent you during a trial.
Should I Consult an Attorney for a Minor Car Accident?
When a minor car accident occurs, there is usually only property damage and no personal injuries. However, even if there are no injuries inflicted, it’s still advisable to contact an attorney. In many cases, seemingly minor accidents result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you initially feel fine in the immediate aftermath of the collision, some injuries have delayed symptoms, presenting themselves days or even months later. As such, you can incur significant medical bills and lost wages.
As mentioned above, an attorney can help determine who was at fault for the accident. This is imperative if you don’t take the accident seriously, you may find the other party trying to blame you for the accident. New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. This means an injured party can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. It’s difficult to prove that you are not at fault without legal representation.
At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to zealously represent your interests and fight for the funds you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during these tough times.