If you have been in an auto accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a minor car accident lawyer in Washington. This is a good question to ask since every situation is different, and there may be instances where seeking legal representation is more important than others.
At NBF Accident Law, our personal injury law office in Seattle, WA, is dedicated to providing our clients with the legal representation they need as they navigate minor car accident claims. Our Seattle accident lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf, helping as you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate with insurance carriers.
When You May Not Need a Lawyer
Do you need a lawyer for a minor car crash in Washington? Depending on the type of accident and the circumstances, seeking fender bender legal advice in WA may not always be necessary.
For example, a minor auto accident may not have caused any injuries, and there may have been very minimal property damage. In this type of situation, it is very likely that you can file a claim directly with your insurance provider without much fuss.
Keep in mind that this is only possible if there is clear fault and all of the parties are able to work together. You should also be prepared to do your own research on Washington law and your rights to better ensure that you get a fair outcome.
When You Do Need a Lawyer
On the other hand, there are situations where even minor auto accidents can result in you needing the help of a minor car accident lawyer in Washington. Generally speaking, it is always recommended to get legal representation, no matter the circumstances. Many things can change later on after a minor car accident, such as you developing symptoms later on or running into issues with your insurer or the other driver.
Because of this, it is always safer to hire an attorney so that you have legal representation if you run into any of these issues. Also, even a minor car accident can result in significant damages that you should seek compensation for. You may have sustained injuries that have resulted in medical bills or time off work, or you may need to have minor repairs done to your vehicle.
Seeking legal representation is also essential if fault is not entirely clear or the at-fault driver is trying to point fingers at you. Insurance companies can also be difficult to deal with and may try to offer you a lowball settlement amount.
How Lawyers Can Add Value Even in “Minor” Cases
Even if your car accident was minor, a lawyer can still add a great deal of value to your claim. The main reason for this is that a Washington car accident attorney will be experienced with Washington auto accident laws. They can help you navigate this process with confidence, ensuring everything is done legally.
An attorney will also make sure your rights are upheld and you get the settlement amount you are fully entitled too. They can make this process less stressful by helping you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf. Your attorney may also be able to access certain types of evidence more easily, such as the police report and medical documentation.
Also, an attorney can help you if you experience delayed symptoms or health issues later on. For instance, minor injuries may become more significant over time, or you may not have realized you were injured after the accident if you had something like internal bleeding or a concussion.
The Dangers of Not Seeking Legal Representation
No matter the severity of the car accident, it is always recommended that you hire an attorney. Without legal representation, you are at risk of being taken advantage of and having your rights ignored without you realizing it.
The at-fault driver or insurance carriers may turn against you and try to point blame in your direction. Or, insurance carriers may try to trick you into accepting a low settlement offer by creating urgency and pushing for a quick decision.
An attorney will have extensive experience with auto accidents and will know exactly what steps you need to take to get the best possible outcome. They will also act as the middleman, ensuring you aren’t pressured or pushed into accepting a settlement that isn’t fair.
FAQ
Will hiring a lawyer delay my minor car accident settlement?
No, in fact, hiring a lawyer can help you get your minor car accident settlement even faster. They can achieve this by handling settlement negotiations so that you don’t get bogged down in the back-and-forth negotiation process.
Can a lawyer help me if the other driver denies fault?
Yes, a lawyer will help you to gather evidence for your claim to prove that the other driver was at fault. This will also help if you were partially at fault by establishing the percentage of fault for each party.
Do I still need a lawyer if I was clearly not at fault?
This will depend on the situation as a minor accident where the other driver is at fault may allow you to simply file a claim with your insurance provider. However, this depends on how clear the fault is and how cooperative the at-fault driver and your insurance provider are.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
Even if you are involved in only a minor car accident, it is still a good idea to get the help of a minor car accident lawyer in Washington. Depending on the circumstances, even the most minor accident can result in you needing to pursue damages, which you should never do without legal representation.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of our clients, assisting you and getting the compensation you are entitled to. We can help you gather crucial pieces of evidence to support your claim as well as negotiate with the other parties to get the best outcome.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
