Whether you are the victim in an accident or you are the driver at fault, it may often be in your best interest to make sure that you consult an attorney before accepting a car accident settlement. And while you may initially be relieved that your injuries seem minor, it is often in your best interest to make sure that you are seen by a health care professional. From the deep bruising that can occur on lower legs from the newest air bags to soreness and pain that may not occur until a day after the accident, knowing that you have at least consulted with a medical professional can provide assurance.
Often times, the insurance company for the driver at fault will try to force a quick car accident settlement in an effort to accept more liability. Having your own auto accident attorney, however, lets you know that you have someone who is looking out for your best interest, not simply trying to reach a quick settlement. Getting the legal advice that you need can help you understand your options and anticipate your future needs. In fact, a law office that specializes in the kind of accident that you were involved in may be able to offer some very specific advise to you. Whether you are looking for a car or truck accident attorney, for instance, these legal professionals may be able to ask you the right series of questions to increase the chance that you have the needed resources to recover, financially, mentally, and physically.
Consider these facts and figures about vehicle accidents that lead many people to seek legal advice in these situations:
- 90 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in the year 2014, and another 6,400 people were injured.
- 660 thousand drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment in America..
- 333 thousand large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the U.S. during the year 2012.
- A person is injured in a drunk driving crash every two minutes.
- Reaching for a phone, dialing and texting, or engaging in any visual-manual subtasks associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increases the risk of getting into a crash by three times.
If you were ill you would call a doctor; if you had a tooth ache you would call a dentist. Doesn’t it make sense, then, that if you were injured in a car accident that you would call an attorney? Calling an attorney before you accept a car accident settlement is often in your best interest.