Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
If you are in an accident, try to call an attorney, even though it is a minor one. Otherwise, you should know the difference between minor and major ones. If mental and physical injuries are severe and you should pay a massive amount as damages, it is series, and you can’t just drive away. There is no time to think, “should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?"
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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
There is no need to hire an accident lawyer if it is a minor car accident such as:
- You smash the headlight of the car
- There was a minor collision
- Broken windshield
- A minor collision caused a dent along the side of the vehicle
In simple terms, if you cause a small scratch in the rearview mirror, you don’t need a lawyer for a minor accident.
Major Vs. Minor Accident
A major accident is when your car suffers severe damage like a brain injury or a total vehicle loss. These injuries can be life-altering, and you can legally claim compensation. On the other hand, a minor scratch does not require a lawyer. Hiring a minor car accident lawyer would be unnecessary and may not help you financially.
You should also understand whether the accident was caused by the other party’s negligence. If that is the case, you may be eligible for compensation due to emotional, physical, and financial losses. Some injuries seem small initially but develop into major medical issues later, making legal help essential.
Your lawyer can guide you precisely on whether your damage is minor or major and help answer the question Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Examples of Severe Accidents
According to the National highway traffic safety administration, nearly three million people suffer significant injuries every year due to accidents. Accident severity depends on:
- Whether the passengers were wearing seat belts
- The seriousness of the collision
- The head direction of the driver at impact
- Speed at which the vehicle was traveling
- Whether airbags deployed during the collision
General Car Accident Injuries
Injuries from car accidents fall into two categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries happen when interior parts of the car cause harm. Penetrating injuries occur from broken glass or metal causing deep wounds. These injuries may include:
- Head injuries
- Chest injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Minor or severe limb injuries
Severe accident victims may suffer intense pain, loss of sensation, or in extreme cases amputation. Cars contain glass and sharp parts, which is why serious collisions often cause life-altering injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you are involved in a minor car accident?
If the accident occurred due to another driver's negligence and caused injury, you may claim compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Is reporting the accident to your insurer necessary even if you don’t intend to claim damages?
Yes. Even minor damage must be reported to the insurer as required by law.
Related Posts:
- What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?
- Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket?
- How Do Lawyers Dismiss Traffic Tickets?
- How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?
Conclusion
The severity of an accident determines how much harm and damage occur. Minor accidents may appear harmless but later become serious. If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, consulting a lawyer is always the best option. Never hesitate to ask yourself: Should I need an attorney for a minor car accident?