Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?

What You Should Know About Minor Car Accidents
The Legal Necessity of Reporting Minor Car Accidents
What Constitutes a Minor Car Accident?
Common Misconceptions About Minor Car Accidents
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney After a Minor Accident?
Navigating Insurance Claims

Were you or a loved one recently injured in a minor car accident you didn’t cause? Let Steinger, Greene & Feiner fight for your rights. If you sustained any injuries, you’re entitled to financial compensation—and our car accident injury lawyers will help you get it. Contact our team today to get started with a free case evaluation.

What You Should Know About Minor Car Accidents

You’re sitting at the red light after a long day. You reach down to change the radio station when…BAM! You’ve been hit by another driver who wasn’t paying attention. You both step out of your cars to assess the damage. You both feel fine and your cars have very minor damage. It’s been a very long day so you decide not to call the police to file a report or exchange any information between the two of you. Hey, do you need to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident?

Do you need to make a big fuss about all this? Maybe we can just forget the whole thing and go on about our day. After all, if you want to get home, the last thing you need is to wait on the side of the road, inconvenience all these other drivers, and sit there frustrated and emotional… so you leave.

That was your first mistake and the biggest mistake you could have made.

The Legal Necessity of Reporting Minor Car Accidents

In most states, failing to file a police report after a car accident, even if it’s just a fender bender, is illegal. It becomes a citable offense when you get in your car and drive away. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think you were injured or if the vehicles didn’t sustain damage. An accident is still an accident, even if it’s only a minor car accident.

Also, once you leave the scene of a car accident, it becomes much more difficult to get the facts straight. So, even a minor car accident becomes murky. So whether or not you want to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident, consider this your moment right here. You should think about calling the police before leaving the scene.

Aside from the legalities of the issue, you may have just ruined any potential claim you may have against the other driver. Even if there is no damage to your car.

What Constitutes a Minor Car Accident?

Minor car accidents are collisions that cause limited impact and result in minimal damage or injuries.

Some examples of minor car accidents include:

Fender Benders: Low-speed collisions where the front or rear bumper sustains minor damage.
Parking Lot Incidents: Scrapes, dings, or minor collisions that occur in parking lots at low speeds.
Side-Swipes: Vehicles making minor contact along the sides, often at lower speeds.
Rear-End Collisions: Occur at low speeds and may result in minor damage to the rear of the vehicle.

Common injuries and damages associated with minor car accidents include:

Whiplash: Neck strain due to sudden acceleration or deceleration, common in rear-end collisions.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often causing pain and discomfort.
Bruises and Scrapes: Superficial injuries from contact with interior surfaces or seat belts.
Property Damage: Minor dents, scratches, or damage to the vehicle’s exterior.
Psychological Impact: Emotional stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur even in minor accidents.

Common Misconceptions About Minor Car Accidents

Myth #1: I don’t need to report the accident to the police.

Fact: All car accidents—minor and severe—must be reported to the police. Failing to report an accident to the police is illegal and can result in fines or even jail time. The legal consequences are greater if you leave the accident scene without exchanging information with the other driver(s) involved.

Myth #2: I don’t need to let my insurance company know about the accident.

Fact: You should promptly report any car accident to your insurance provider, even if you didn’t cause it. Most insurers require their policyholders to report accidents within a certain period to comply with your policy. Doing so also initiates the claims process and prevents you from paying out-of-pocket for damages. Plus, you never know if the other driver will end up filing a claim against you, even if they caused the accident.

Myth #3: I feel fine and don’t have any visible injuries. I don’t need to see a doctor.

Fact: Just because you feel okay and don’t see any external injuries doesn’t mean everything is fine. You could have sustained internal injuries that only medical evaluations and scans can detect. After leaving the accident scene, head straight to your primary care doctor or the nearest urgent care clinic to get checked out.

Myth #4: I don’t need to hire a lawyer to handle my case.

Fact: If you try to handle your case without legal aid, your chances of securing compensation plummet. Skilled car accident attorneys like those at Steinger, Greene & Feiner have the resources and expertise required to achieve a successful outcome. Without an attorney’s help, you risk losing out on the compensation you’re entitled to.

Myth #5: I should accept the first settlement offer I receive.

Fact: Insurance companies care more about their bottom line than your best interest. They’re notorious for employing bad faith tactics like lowballing, which is when they offer a settlement that won’t cover all your accident-related losses. Be patient, and let your lawyer negotiate for a higher offer so you aren’t stuck with out-of-pocket costs.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney After a Minor Accident?

Legal Expertise and Experience

Car accident attorneys are vital in helping clients navigate the legal complexities associated with car accidents. Their expertise and experience are valuable assets when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from a car crash. Here are some key aspects of their expertise and experience:

Legal Knowledge

Traffic Laws: Car accident attorneys are well-versed in local, state, and federal traffic laws. They understand the rules and regulations governing the operation of vehicles, which is essential for determining liability in an accident.
Insurance Laws: They have a deep understanding of insurance laws, including the nuances of policies, coverage limits, and how to negotiate with insurance companies to maximize compensation for their clients.

Investigation Skills

Accident Reconstruction: Car accident attorneys work closely with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the scene, examine evidence, and reconstruct the events leading up to the accident. This helps establish a clear picture of what happened and who was at fault.
Gathering Evidence: They know how to gather and preserve evidence related to your case. This includes witness statements, police reports, medical records, and surveillance footage.

Negotiation Skills

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Car accident attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies and opposing legal counsel. Negotiations often involve countering unsatisfactory offers to advocate for their client’s best interest.
Settlement Negotiations: Many car accident cases are resolved through settlements. Attorneys can negotiate on behalf of their clients to reach a fair settlement without requiring litigation.

Understanding Damages

Assessing Past and Current Damages: Car accident attorneys can accurately evaluate their client’s losses, which might include medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Calculating Future Damages: They can also project future damages, especially in cases of long-term injuries or disabilities, ensuring that clients receive compensation for ongoing medical care and potential loss of future earnings.

Courtroom Experience

Litigation Skills: A satisfactory settlement can’t always be reached in a car accident case. When this happens, a skilled lawyer will pursue litigation and present your case before a judge and a jury. Experienced attorneys understand relevant court procedures, employ successful legal strategies, and make decisions in the best interest of their clients.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Attorneys play a crucial role in facilitating all communication with insurance companies after a car accident. Their expertise informs their interactions with these companies and helps them navigate confusing laws and regulations. Attorneys are skilled negotiators who advocate for their clients, so they receive fair compensation. They gather and present compelling evidence to support their clients’ claims and prevent undervaluation by insurance companies. By handling all communication with insurers, attorneys prevent their clients from accidentally compromising their cases by admitting fault or accepting a low settlement offer.

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