If you’ve been injured in an auto wreck caused by someone else’s negligent behavior, you should contact a lawyer right away. There is truly no reason to wait, and waiting any longer than necessary could make it more difficult to secure the financial compensation to which you are legally entitled.
When we say “right away,” we really mean it. In fact, the ideal time to contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer is when you are still on the side of the road. With that said, if it has been days, weeks, or even months since your accident, you still can – and should – contact a lawyer for help.
Why Is It Important to Contact a Lawyer Promptly?
Why should you contact a car accident lawyer right away? The simplest answer is that there are some costly mistakes you need to avoid. From the moment you are injured in a collision, you need to begin making decisions with your insurance claim in mind.
For example, while you need to report the accident to your insurance company, you need to avoid saying the wrong things on the phone. A lawyer will be able to tell you what to say and what not to say—and even deal with your insurance company on your behalf. At this point, even seemingly minor mistakes could have a significant impact on your ability to recover just compensation. Rather than take the risk of saying or doing the wrong thing, you should rely on the advice and representation of an experienced lawyer.
What If You Didn’t Contact a Lawyer Promptly?
If you didn’t contact a lawyer promptly, as we said above, it still isn’t too late. In fact, under California law, you have up to two years to file a claim in most cases. With that said, you don’t want to wait any longer than you already have.
Are There Steps You Should Take Before You Contact a Lawyer?
Not necessarily. If you are still at the accident scene or recovering in the hospital, you should call right away for a free consultation. Your lawyer will be able to gather the information he or she needs to advise you and initiate an investigation by asking some basic questions.
However, if you are at home recovering, it can be helpful to do a little bit of preparation before you call. At this point, another 15 or 30 minutes isn’t going to make any difference. Collect any records you have related to the accident (i.e. medical bills or mailings from your insurance company), and write down as many details as you can remember. If you have a copy of the police report and/or the other driver’s insurance information, be sure to have this available as well.
How Much is a Car Accident Lawyer Going to Cost You?
While many people have concerns about how to pay for a lawyer, there are two important facts you need to know when it comes to the cost of legal representation. First, you do not have to pay anything out of pocket. This is because car accident lawyers handle auto wreck cases on a “contingency fee” basis. With contingency fees, you don’t have to pay anything upfront, you don’t have to pay monthly legal bills, and you don’t have to pay anything at all unless your lawyer helps you recover financial compensation. If your lawyer wins your case, then your legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of your award.
Second, it can be far more expensive not to hire a lawyer. Why? Because even taking your lawyer’s contingency fees into account, you may still be able to take home more with an experienced attorney on your side. Of course, there are no guarantees, but a good lawyer won’t take your case unless the lawyer believes he or she can help you recover more than you could collect on your own.
Should You Ever Try to Handle a Car Accident on Your Own?
With this in mind, should you ever try to handle a car accident on your own? In some cases, it will make sense to handle a very minor car accident without getting a lawyer. But, you can always call for a free consultation, and an experienced car accident lawyer will give you an honest opinion about whether or not he or she can help.
Contact Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Mickey Fine
Do you have questions about your legal rights or what to do after a car accident in Bakersfield? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. To discuss your situation with Bakersfield car accident lawyer Mickey Fine in confidence, call 661-333-3333 or tell us how we can reach you online now.