Reasons to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident

After a crash, there’s often more to deal with than car repairs and medical appointments. Victims are frequently left navigating unclear insurance language, confusing paperwork, and strict deadlines that can feel overwhelming. Without proper guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that could impact your ability to recover compensation. Getting legal help relieves the pressure and ensures you have an advocate who understands the process and fights for your best interests.

Below, Walton Telken’s team of attorneys share the key reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident and how having someone in your corner can make a real difference.

Important Reasons to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident

1. Clarity on Your Rights

Auto accident laws in Illinois aren’t always straightforward. A lawyer can walk you through what you’re legally entitled to and help prevent insurance companies from shortchanging your claim. They’ll identify what kinds of compensation apply to your situation and ensure nothing important gets left out.

2. Keeping Deadlines from Derailing Your Case

Illinois has time limits for filing accident-related claims. In most cases, it’s two years for injury and five years for property damage, but some situations, like those involving a government vehicle, may require action much sooner. Missing those deadlines can end your case before it even begins. A lawyer keeps everything on track and filed on time.

3. Dealing with Insurance Games

Insurers often try to settle quickly, and cheaply. They’re not looking out for your best interests. A lawyer steps in to handle these negotiations, ensuring your injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional impact are all taken seriously. They know how to challenge lowball offers and push for something that reflects what you’ve been through.

Calculating What You’re Owed

The costs of a car accident aren’t always visible right away. A lawyer helps build a complete picture of what you’re entitled to, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers past and ongoing medical treatments, hospital stays, medication, and therapy costs.
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Accounts for income lost during recovery and inability to return to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Reflects the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal items.
• Punitive Damages: Potentially awarded in extreme negligence or reckless driving cases to punish the at-fault party.

Insurance Companies Have a Strategy, So Should You

Insurers deal with claims every day. They know how to minimize payouts, delay responses, and use your words against you. Without someone protecting your interests, accepting less than you deserve is easy. Having a lawyer on your side means you’re not walking into negotiations blind, you’re prepared, informed, and ready to push back when it counts.

Proving Your Claim With Strong Evidence

Fair compensation takes more than your side of the story, it requires solid proof. A lawyer helps gather and present key evidence like medical records, witness statements, photos from the scene, and the police report. Sometimes, they’ll bring professionals to reconstruct the accident and strengthen your claim. The stronger the evidence, the stronger your case.

Increase Your Compensation Amount

Hiring a legal ally can dramatically increase the compensation you receive. They understand the intricacies of negotiation and legal procedures, which helps avoid common pitfalls such as:

• Accepting lowball settlement offers.
• Failing to consider future expenses.
• Overlooking non-economic damages like emotional trauma.

For instance, if an insurance adjuster downplays the severity of your injuries or property damage, a lawyer will counter their arguments effectively with sufficient evidence. 

Where You Don’t Need a Lawyer After an Accident

While hiring a lawyer has numerous benefits, there are situations where you might not need one:

• Minor Accidents with No Injuries: If the accident caused minimal damage and no injuries, you might resolve the matter through direct negotiations with your insurance company.
• Clear Liability: If it’s clear who caused the accident and there are no disputes, you may not require legal representation.
• Small Claims Court: A lawyer may not be necessary for minor property damage disputes that fall within the jurisdiction of small claims court.

However, even in these cases, seeking a free legal consultation to confirm your decision can be helpful.

Your Legal Partner in Edwardsville, IL

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is wise whether you’re unsure about insurance offers or want to understand your options. At Walton Telken Bragee Injury, our car accident lawyers help everyday people in Edwardsville get what they deserve after an accident.

Need answers? Call 844-307-7349 or contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover the real reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident.

“Walton Telken Bragee’s Managing Partner Attorney Troy E. Walton has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases.”

Troy E. Walton

Trial Lawyer & Managing Partner