Every year, over 1,000 property-damage-only car accidents occur in Avondale. If your car was involved in one of them, you now have to file the accident claim for your property damages. This means following formalities, meeting deadlines, and, often, negotiating with careless insurers. However, the process is simpler than accidents involving injuries or death. You may even be able to complete it by yourself, without an Avondale car accident lawyer.
Of course, it is entirely up to you if you hire an auto accident attorney or not. Your decision should depend on the circumstances of your case and several other important factors. We will review them in the following lines. Until we do that, however, you should consider undergoing a medical exam if you haven’t done it already.
Why Get a Doctor’s Opinion before Deciding Whether to Hire an Avondale Car Accident Lawyer?
Perhaps you have not noticed any signs of injury after your accident. You may have breathed easily when you realized that you got away with just a few bruises or a small bump. However, are you sure there are no hidden injuries?
Sometimes, head bumps or bruises hide traumatic brain injuries or serious concussions. The first signs of broken ribs or internal injuries often appear days, even a week after the accident. Even spine injuries show delayed symptoms.
Before you decide you got away unharmed, you should receive the confirmation from a doctor. Once you settle with the insurance company, any injuries and related expenses are on you. Even if you manage to have an injuries claim accepted, the insurance company will find a way to pay less.
For example, they may claim your injuries aggravated due to your own negligence. It is difficult to prove them wrong when you didn’t see a doctor. Therefore, get a medical exam as soon as possible. Once the doctor confirms you are injuries-free, you can classify your accident as property-damage-only.
If you discover injuries, your case will surely become more complicated and worthy of a car accident lawyer’s attention. As for the other factors you should consider in case of a property-damage-only accident, check out our list below!
Factors to Consider BeforeDeciding Whether to Hire an Avondale Auto Accident Lawyer
- The value of the damages. If the damages to your car were minor, they will probably not justify the costs of working with an Avondale car accident attorney. If your car is a high-end, expensive model and its value exceeds the minimum liability coverage, things change.
- The reaction of the insurance company. If you file the compensation claim and the insurance company denies it, contact a car accident lawyer. Do that even if they offer a settlement for much less than your claim is worth.
- Your time and knowledge. If your work schedule doesn’t allow you to deal with formalities, an Avondale car accident attorney could help. You may benefit from consulting one if you have no idea how to prepare and file the compensation claim.
- Other complications. Is the party at fault for your accident uninsured or underinsured? You may need to file your claim with your own insurer or sue the party at fault in civil court. Other complications may arise if you shared fault for the accident or you don’t reside in Arizona. If they do, benefitting from the advice of an auto accident attorney could really make a difference.
No matter the particularities of your case, it always pays to consult an Avondale car accident lawyer. On one hand, you have nothing to lose as many auto accident attorneys provide free preliminary consultations. If you do not like them or you find their services expensive, you simply walk away.
On the other hand, the lawyer will tell you what to expect and advise you on how to proceed. It is then up to you whether you hire their services or not. Some Avondale car accident lawyers accept to work on a contingency fee. This means they only get paid if they win when they do.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Avondale Car Accident Attorney Now
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we have handled hundreds of car accident cases. We have a 99% success rate, and we are ready to use our experience to your benefit. Call our office at 623-777-2112 and schedule a complimentary case review. Our Avondale car accident lawyer will assess your case, answer your questions, and guide your steps.
