If you have recently been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. The answer depends on several factors, but in either case, there are some key questions to ask yourself before making this important decision.
Here at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy in Baltimore, our Top-Rated Local® car accident attorneys have helped many people in your situation and we are here to help you too. In the following blog post, we will outline some of the top questions to ask yourself before hiring an accident injury lawyer. To schedule a consultation with our team of experienced Maryland attorneys, please contact us today.
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How Serious Are My Injuries?
If you have sustained injuries from a car accident, you may need to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. Serious injuries may include broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. If your injuries are not serious, you may be able to handle your own claim without an attorney or lawyer. Bruises, minor scratches, and whiplash are some examples of less severe injuries that will not necessitate costly medical treatment.
A doctor or other medical professional will be able to help you determine the severity of your injuries. In many cases, an independent or defense medical exam will be required to get an accurate assessment of your injuries.
Who Was at Fault for the Accident?
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company. However, if the other driver does not have insurance or if they were underinsured, you may need to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. In addition, drivers who were at fault may dispute liability or try to minimize their responsibility. An attorney can help you investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
What Are the Circumstances of the Accident?
The circumstances of the accident can also impact whether or not you need to hire an attorney or auto accident lawyer. For example, if the accident was complex, such as a multi-car pileup, you may need an attorney to help you sort out who is at fault. If the other driver was intoxicated or if they fled the scene of the accident, you may also need to hire an attorney.
Is the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Cooperative?
If the other driver’s insurance company is being cooperative and you do not think you need an attorney to file a claim, then you might not need to hire one. However, if the insurance company is being uncooperative or if they are lowballing you on your settlement, you may want to consider hiring an accident lawyer to represent you and your case.
Do I Have Significant Property Damage?
If your car was totaled and/or you had items damaged inside the vehicle, such as a laptop, you may need to hire an attorney to help you recover the value of your car and belongings. An attorney is also able to help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company if they are lowballing you on the value of your damaged property.
What If I Was in a Multi-Car Accident?
Multi-car accidents can be complex, so you may want to consider hiring an attorney if you were involved in one. Oftentimes, there is more than one driver at fault in a multi-car accident. Some examples of driver negligence that can cause multi-car accidents include distracted driving, aggressive driving, not using or not having brake lights, and speeding. An attorney can help you investigate the accident and determine who was at fault in the multi-car accident.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
In some states, you may still be able to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, in other states, you may be barred from recovery if you were more than 50 percent at fault. An attorney is able to help you understand the laws in your state and whether or not you have a valid claim. Here at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, we know the ins and outs of the car accident laws of Maryland and can help you every step of the way with your claim.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. Uninsured and underinsured motorists often do not have the financial resources to pay for their damages, so you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and recover the full amount of damages you are entitled to.
Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?
If you choose to file a lawsuit, you will need to hire an attorney or lawyer. An attorney is able to help you understand the legal process and represent you in court — an auto accident lawyer can help you investigate your accident, gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and more.
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What is the Statute of Limitations in My State?
Each state has a different statute of limitations for car accident claims, so it is important to check the deadline in your state. In some states, you have as little as one year to file a claim, while in others you may have two or three years. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may be barred from recovering damages. In the state of Maryland, where we are based here at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
If you have recently been in a car accident, the best way to find out if you need to hire an attorney is to speak with one. An experienced accident injury lawyer — such as ours at the Murphy, Falcon & Murphy Law Firm — will be able to evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a valid claim.
Hire Our Experienced Accident Attorneys in Baltimore
Hiring an attorney or lawyer for your auto accident is a decision that should not be taken lightly. At Murphy, Falcon & Murphy in Baltimore, we understand car accidents can be complex and confusing. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We will evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a valid claim.
Have you been in a car accident in Maryland recently? Reach out to our team of experienced accident injury lawyers at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy today — contact us to schedule a free consultation at our law firm in Baltimore. We cannot wait to hear from you and help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
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