Many people wonder if they should hire a lawyer after a minor car accident in Missouri. If the damage appears to be limited to a small dent, it may seem like calling a lawyer is overkill. However, what appears “minor” at first can quickly evolve into something more complicated. Here is why hiring a lawyer after a minor car accident may be a good idea.
What Are the Benefits of Consulting a Lawyer After a Seemingly Minor Crash?
Not every minor accident leads to a lawsuit or legal battle. However, a lawyer can help even with seemingly minor accidents.
A lawyer can help with:
Assessing Hidden Injuries
Some injuries, such as whiplash, do not show symptoms immediately. A “stiff neck” the day of your accident could develop into chronic pain that requires medical treatment weeks later. These injuries can be challenging to link to your accident without timely treatment.
In many cases, minor accident victims settle their claims before fully understanding the long-term effects of potential injuries. A lawyer can help evaluate your potential medical before you sign away your rights.
Evaluating Disputes Over Liability
Even in minor accidents, another driver may change their story or refuse to accept fault. Their insurance company might argue you were partially responsible, which can drastically reduce potential compensation under Missouri’s comparative fault rule. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, review accident reports, and build a strong case to establish liability and protect your rights.
Calculating All Your Damages
People handling claims alone often focus on the obvious expenses, such as car repairs or emergency room bills for their injuries. However, many damages are less obvious.
An experienced lawyer can help you account for all your losses, including:
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anxiety caused by the crash
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A lawyer can help you avoid accepting a settlement that falls short of what you truly need to recover.
Protecting You From Costly Mistakes
Making quick decisions after a minor car accident is easy, especially when trying to move on. However, minor missteps early in the process can have long-term consequences.
A lawyer can help you avoid common ones, such as:
- Admitting fault at the scene or to an insurance adjuster
- Accepting a quick settlement that does not cover all your expenses
- Missing the statute of limitations for filing a claim
- Failing to document injuries, vehicle damage, or witness statements
You will likely be unable to pursue compensation after signing a release and accepting a settlement. By consulting with a lawyer early, you can protect your rights, understand the process, and avoid mistakes that could cost you later.
Representing You at No Upfront Cost
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to contact a lawyer after a minor accident is fear of the cost. Most Kansas City car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. This allows you to access legal advice without hourly or flat fees. Your lawyer will only get paid if they recover compensation for you.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Minor Car Accident
A personal injury lawyer does more than just file lawsuits.
They can offer peace of mind by helping you:
- Evaluating your claim: A lawyer can assess whether your case is truly “minor” or if you may be entitled to more compensation than you think.
- Handling insurance companies: Insurers often attempt to settle claims quickly and at a low cost. A lawyer will know how to negotiate for a fair outcome.
- Documenting your damages: A lawyer can help gather the proper evidence, from medical records to repair estimates, to strengthen your case.
- Avoiding mistakes: Saying the wrong thing to an insurer or accepting a low settlement too soon can impact your rights. A lawyer helps protect your interests from the start.
A free consultation with a Kansas City car accident lawyer provides an opportunity to learn how they can assist after a minor car accident.
Contact the Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers at Cohen Law Firm for Help Today
If you have been involved in a car accident, regardless of its severity, consider consulting with a Kansas City car accident lawyer at Cohen Law Firm to discuss your rights. There is no harm in scheduling a free consultation to discuss how they can help you recover the compensation you deserve.