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Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Injury?

Laura Delgado

October 17, 2024

Even in situations where a car accident seems minor, having a lawyer can be crucial for navigating insurance claims and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Complications often arise, such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, or determining fault, making it beneficial to have legal representation.

Insurance companies typically aim to settle claims quickly and at the lowest possible cost, which may not fully cover your expenses. By hiring a lawyer from Avian Law Group, you can better understand your rights and avoid potential pitfalls. They will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that all aspects of the accident are properly addressed.

Minor injuries can sometimes lead to long-term effects, and an attorney can help secure the compensation you need for future medical expenses. Your peace of mind and well-being are worth the consultation.

Why Hiring a Lawyer After a Minor Accident is Beneficial

If you’re unsure whether you should hire an experienced car accident attorney after a minor collision, consider the following advantages:

Protection Against Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation they pay out. They may offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the full extent of your losses. An attorney at Avian Law Group understands these tactics and will protect you from being shortchanged.

We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related expenses. Without legal representation, you might miss out on the full compensation you deserve.

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures

The legal system can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its intricacies. At Avian Law Group, we have deep knowledge of California’s laws and regulations, and we can guide you through the legal process, easing your stress.

We handle all aspects of your case, from filing paperwork to meeting deadlines. This reduces the risk of errors that could harm your case. With a lawyer, you can be confident that every step is taken correctly and on time.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Acting swiftly after a car accident is crucial. Evidence can be lost, and witness memories may fade over time. A lawyer at Avian Law Group will immediately begin working on your case, gathering and preserving evidence to strengthen your claim.

Additionally, California has strict legal deadlines for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation. We’ll ensure that all deadlines are met. For example, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in California is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to pursue compensation.

Ensuring You Receive Fair Compensation

It can be difficult to accurately calculate the full value of your claim. Some damages, such as pain and suffering or future medical expenses, might be overlooked. An attorney at Avian Law Group will thoroughly assess your losses.

We’ll fight for compensation that addresses all of your damages, not just the immediate ones. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries, property damage, and any other losses you’ve incurred.

Handling Paperwork and Negotiations

Filing a car accident claim involves a significant amount of paperwork, including forms, documentation, and communications. Avian Law Group will take care of all the paperwork, ensuring it is completed correctly and submitted promptly.

Negotiating with the insurance company can be stressful. We handle negotiations on your behalf, using our legal expertise to secure the best possible settlement. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the burden of dealing with insurance companies.

Differences Between Minor and Major Accidents

Here are key distinctions between minor and major accidents:

• Damage: Minor accidents typically result in small dents or scratches, while major accidents often involve more serious damage like crushed vehicle frames or shattered windows.
• Injuries: Minor accidents usually involve little to no physical injury. Major accidents can cause severe injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
• Speed: Minor accidents generally occur at low speeds, like in parking lots or during slow-moving traffic. Major accidents tend to happen at higher speeds, like on highways.
• Costs: Repairs for minor accidents tend to be less costly. Major accidents, however, can result in expensive repairs and high medical bills.
• Legal Implications: Minor accidents less frequently lead to lawsuits or complex insurance claims, while major accidents often involve legal action and more intricate insurance processes.
• Response Time: Emergency services may not be necessary for minor accidents, whereas major accidents usually require immediate response.
• Documentation: In a minor accident, you may only need to exchange basic information and take a few pictures. Major accidents require more comprehensive documentation, such as police reports and detailed insurance claims.
• Impact on Life: Minor accidents are typically a short-term inconvenience, while major accidents can have long-lasting impacts on your health, finances, and daily routine.

Common Scenarios Where Legal Help is Critical

In some cases, seeking legal assistance after a minor car accident is essential:

Disagreements About Fault

Determining fault in a car accident can be complicated. If you and the other driver disagree about who is responsible, an attorney can help gather evidence like witness statements, police reports, or camera footage to protect your rights and avoid being unfairly blamed.

Legal representation from Avian Law Group can also assist in dealing with insurance companies, particularly when fault is in question.

Serious Injuries Requiring Long-Term Care

Even minor accidents can result in injuries that require long-term care. If you suffer injuries that need ongoing treatment, a lawyer can help you secure the compensation necessary to cover these future medical expenses.

We collaborate with medical professionals to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and ensure that all future medical needs are accounted for in your claim. This prevents you from having to pay out-of-pocket for expenses that arise later.

Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident

After a minor car accident, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone involved is okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
3. Exchange Information: Share contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers with the other driver. Record the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, the location, and any other relevant details.
5. Gather Witness Statements: If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and ask them for a brief statement about what they saw.
6. Report the Accident: In California, you must report any accident involving injury or significant damage to the DMV within ten days. Also, promptly inform your insurance company to start the claims process.
7. Obtain a Police Report: If the police were called to the scene, request a copy of their report, which can help with your insurance claim and any legal action.
8. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor to ensure you haven’t suffered any hidden injuries, as some may not be immediately apparent.

By following these steps and consulting Avian Law Group, you can protect your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.