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Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Rear-Ended?

August 24, 2023 Legal Team

While you may not necessarily need a lawyer for every rear-end collision, it’s always recommended to at least consult with one. Here are several reasons why it can be beneficial to work with a car accident lawyer in Mesa after this type of event:

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Rear-Ended

Understanding Your Rights

A personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents can help you understand your rights and legal options. They will assess the circumstances of the accident and inform you about potential avenues for compensation.

This is particularly important if the person who hit you doesn’t have insurance or their insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover your losses. 

Determining Liability

Although in most cases the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault, establishing liability can sometimes become complicated due to factors such as comparative negligence or third-party involvement. A skilled attorney will investigate all aspects of the incident to determine who should be held accountable.

Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or place blame on victims following an accident. An experienced attorney has the negotiation skills required to deal with insurance adjusters, which will help you get the compensation you’re actually entitled to. 

Access to Expert Resources

Lawyers have access to a network of experts including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and investigators who can provide valuable insight and evidence supporting your claim. Without a lawyer, many of these tasks will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. 

Advocacy in Court 

While most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation or settlement discussions with insurance companies, there are instances where litigation will be inevitable. If this is the case, handling it on your own is never advised. An experienced personal injury attorney will represent you in all court proceedings, ensuring your legal rights remain protected every step of the way.

What To Do After Being Rear-Ended

Knowing that you need an attorney is just half the battle. Being rear-ended in a car accident can be a distressing experience, and it’s important to understand what steps to take afterward. Here are some key actions you should consider:

Check for injuries: The first thing to do is ascertain the physical condition of all involved parties. If anyone has been injured, call emergency medical services immediately.

Move to a safe location: If possible and it doesn’t cause more damage or put you in danger, move your vehicle out of the road into a safe location like the shoulder or nearby parking lot. This helps prevent further collisions from oncoming traffic.

Contact law enforcement: It’s essential to have law enforcement at the scene as they will fill an accident report which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim later on.

Exchange information: Make sure to exchange important information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance companies and policies, as well as vehicle details like make and model.

Document evidence: Photograph or record the scene, including vehicular damage, the surrounding environment, and any visible injuries you suffered.  These visuals can aid in telling the full story of what happened. 

Seek medical attention: Always seek medical attention following an accident — even if you don’t immediately feel pain or discomfort which can sometimes be masked by shock or adrenaline after an unexpected incident.

Contact an attorney specializing in personal injury cases: Finally, always consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you determine what steps to take next and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. They will handle all the legal issues while you focus on your recovery. 

If you need help after a car accident in Arizona, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation