When Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Hiring a lawyer to represent you is always an important decision. After your car accident, you might not be sure if
you want to hire a lawyer at all. While car accidents are almost always more complex than they appear on the
surface, you might have a fairly straightforward case that you feel confident you can navigate on your own. Whether
that is your situation or you were involved in a complicated accident involving multiple parties or other factors,
you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

Call Burger Law at 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222. With
us, the consultation is free. We have helped many people just like you in the St. Louis area get a fair settlement
in their car accident cases. After the consultation, you can decide if you are ready to hire someone to help you get
the maximum compensation from your accident.

When Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

First, decide if you want to hire an attorney for your car accident. Statistically, people who represent themselves
in car accident cases are awarded much less money than those who have a lawyer represent them. Insurance agents are
motivated to try to settle with you first before you get an attorney involved because they know that cases with
lawyers end with much higher payouts. However, there are still situations where it actually may be in your interest
to try to settle on your own. If you go this route, consult any resources available to you to prepare your case,
including this free book by Gary Burger.

Even if you feel comfortable representing yourself, there are certain situations for which we highly recommend you
always hire a lawyer. You should obtain legal representation if:

• The accident caused you any injuries or considerable property damage.
• There is more than one party at fault, or the cause of the accident is in dispute.
• You received an offer from the other party’s insurance company right away (which will always be much lower than
  what you could get with an attorney).
• The accident was caused by the actions or negligence of corporation or government agency.
• A loved one died in the accident or due to injuries caused by the accident.

A car accident lawyer has the expertise, resources, and knowledge needed to get the maximum settlement amount for
you. They have years of experience and skill refinement that most people who don’t practice law professionally do
not have.

If you do decide that a lawyer is the best choice for you, hire one right away. Weigh your options; don’t make a
hasty decision, but the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better. Your case is time-sensitive, and the sooner your
lawyer is involved, the stronger the case they can build for you. They can help collect information about your
medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. If they are involved from the beginning, they will be able
to show if an injury worsens over time or something ends up causing more issues or costing more than originally
expected. They will also be there to protect you from the insurance company. Insurance agents will contact you
relentlessly with attempts to lowball you and settle quickly. Any amount they offer you will only be a small
fraction of what a lawyer can help you get. You need to talk to your lawyer before ever speaking with the insurance
company.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys | Burger Law

You’ve been in a car accident. Once you are physically safe, one of the first things you need to consider is if you
need a lawyer. In certain instances, it may be an option to represent yourself. For serious accidents or accidents
with unclear or multiple causes, you unquestionably need attorney representation. Your case benefits measurably from
hiring a lawyer right away rather than waiting until time has passed. Burger Law is ready to take on your case if
you do decide to hire an attorney. Contact us or call 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222 to discuss your case with an attorney for free.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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