Have you or a loved one lately suffered minor injuries in a vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault? Allow Steinger, Greene, and Feiner to defend your legal rights. Our automobile accident injury attorneys can assist you in obtaining any financial compensation that you are entitled to if you were injured. To begin a free case review, get in touch with our staff right now.

What You Need to Know About Small Vehicle Accidents

After a demanding day, you’re waiting at a red light. As you bend down to adjust the radio station, suddenly… Another motorist struck you because they weren’t paying attention. To evaluate the damage, you get out of your automobiles together. Your automobiles are in extremely good condition, and you both feel great. You decide not to share any information with the police or file a complaint since it’s been a Case Study Analysis: Is it necessary to retain legal counsel after a small auto accident?

Do you really need to get all worked up about this? Perhaps we should simply go on with our day and forget about the entire incident. The last thing you need, after all, is to wait by the side of the road, annoy all these other vehicles, and sit there angry and upset, so you leave. If you just want to go home,.

The largest and first error you might have made was that. 

The legal requirement to report small vehicle accidents

It is unlawful in the majority of states to not report an automobile accident to the police, even if it is just a minor collision. Stepping into your automobile and taking off is when it becomes a citable violation. It makes no difference whether you don’t believe you were hurt or if the cars are undamaged. Even if it’s only a little vehicle collision, accidents are still accidents.

Furthermore, gathering accurate information about an automobile collision becomes much more difficult once you leave the scene. Thus, even a simple vehicle collision is complicated. Thus, think of this as your opportunity to decide whether or not to retain legal counsel after a minor auto accident. Before you leave the site, you need to consider contacting the police.

You could have wrecked whatever chance you had of suing the other motorist, apart from the legal aspects of the situation. even in the event that your automobile is undamaged.

What Makes an Insignificant Auto Accident?

Car crashes classified as minors have a little impact and produce little in the way of damage or injury. 

A few instances of small auto accidents are as follows:

• Fender benders are low-speed crashes that cause minor damage to the front or back bumper.
• Parking lot incidents are small-scale, slow-moving scrapes, dings, or collisions.
• Cars that make slight contact with the sides, usually at slower speeds, are said to be side swipes.
• Rear-end collisions: These happen slowly and might cause minor damage to the back of the car.

Typical harm and losses brought on by small vehicle collisions include:

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end incidents, whiplash is neck pain brought on by abrupt acceleration or deceleration.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Usually resulting in pain and suffering, these injuries affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Cuts and bruises: surface wounds from contact with seat belts or interior surfaces.
• Property damage includes small dings, scrapes, and outside car damage.
• Psychological Impact: Even little accidents might result in emotional tension, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Frequently Held Myths Regarding Small Car Accidents

Myth 1: I don’t have to call the police to report the collision.

Fact: The police must be notified of each vehicle collision, no matter how small or serious. It is against the law to fail to notify the police of an accident, and you may be fined or even imprisoned. If you flee the site of the collision without sharing information with the other motorist or drivers, the legal ramifications will be more severe.

Myth #2: I don’t have to report the accident to my insurance provider.

Fact: Even if you weren’t at fault in an automobile accident, you should still notify your insurance company right away. In order to comply with your policy, the majority of insurers demand that policyholders report incidents within a certain time frame. Initiating the claims procedure in this way also keeps you from having to pay for losses out of pocket. Furthermore, even if the other motorist caused the collision, you never know whether they may decide to sue you.

Myth #3: I don’t seem to be injured, and I feel well. I don’t need medical attention.

Fact: Things may not be well even if you feel alright and there are no visible wounds. It is possible that you have inside injuries that are only visible via scans and medical tests. Once you’ve left the site of the accident, you should immediately be checked out by your primary care physician or the closest urgent care facility.

Myth #4: I can manage my case without a lawyer.

Fact: Your chances of receiving compensation drastically decrease if you attempt to manage your case without legal assistance. Professional auto accident lawyers with the resources and experience needed to get a favorable result include those at Steinger, Greene, and Feiner. You run the danger of not getting the money you are due. Seek legal counsel.

Myth #5: I ought to accept the first offer of settlement I’m given.

It’s a fact that insurance companies prioritize their profits above your welfare. They have a well-known history of using deceptive practices, including lowballing—offering a settlement that falls short of fully compensating you for your accident-related losses. To avoid having to pay for anything out of pocket, exercise patience and allow your auto accident injury attorney to bargain for a better offer.

After a minor accident, why hire a car accident attorney?

Experience and legal knowledge

Auto accident lawyers play a critical role in guiding clients through the complicated legal issues surrounding auto accidents. When it comes to pursuing compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses brought on by an automobile accident, their knowledge and experience are invaluable assets. The following are some salient features of their knowledge and experience:

Legal Expertise

• Traffic regulations: Attorneys for auto accidents are knowledgeable of state, municipal, and federal traffic regulations. Their comprehension of the laws and ordinances pertaining to driving is crucial in ascertaining who is at fault in an accident.
• Insurance Laws: They are very knowledgeable about insurance laws, including how to bargain with insurance companies to get the best possible recompense for their clients, as well as the intricacies of plans and coverage limitations.

Investigative Proficiencies

• collision reconstruction: To study the scene, go over the facts, and piece together what happened before the collision, auto accident lawyers collaborate closely with accident reconstruction experts. This makes it easier to understand what transpired and who was at fault.
• Evidence Collection: They are skilled in compiling and safeguarding evidence relevant to your case. Witness accounts, police reports, medical records, and surveillance video fall under this category.

Skills in Negotiation

• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Auto accident lawyers are skilled in bargaining with insurance providers and opposing legal representation. In order to protect their clients’s interests during negotiations, negotiators often have to reject inadequate proposals.
• Settlement Negotiations: Settlements are used to end a lot of auto accident lawsuits. Without resorting to court action, lawyers may negotiate a fair settlement on behalf of their clients.

Comprehending Damages

• Evaluating Current and Past Damages: Auto accident lawyers are skilled in assessing their clients’ damages, which may include lost income, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and rehabilitation services.
• Calculating Future Losses: In order to make sure that clients get compensation for continuing medical treatment and probable loss of future wages, they might also anticipate future losses, particularly in situations of long-term injuries or impairments.

Experience in Court

• Litigation Skills: In cases involving auto accidents, a fair settlement may not always be obtained. In such a circumstance, an accomplished automobile accident injury attorney will file a lawsuit and argue your case in front of a magistrate and jury. Skilled legal professionals are aware of pertinent court processes, know how to use effective legal techniques, and act in their clients’ best interests while making judgments.

Handling insurance claims

Following an automobile accident, attorneys are essential in coordinating all communications with insurance companies. Their knowledge guides their dealings with these businesses and aids them in navigating complex rules and legislation. Since lawyers are adept negotiators and stand up for their clients, they are well compensated. They obtain and provide strong proof to back up their customers’ claims and stop insurance companies from undervaluing them. Attorneys shield their clients from unintentionally jeopardizing their claims by accepting a lowball settlement offer or admitting blame by managing all correspondence with insurers.

The Function of Automobile Accident Attorneys in Smaller Mishaps

Case Evaluation

Attorneys assess an automobile accident case’s likelihood of success by looking at a number of factors and taking wise decisions into account. Important components of this evaluation are:

1. Evaluation of Liability

• Lawyers evaluate whether there is suffiAccepting Responsibilityto prove the other party’s culpability or carelessness in the accident. This is known as clear blame.
• Traffic rules: To ascertain whether a violation may have contributed to an automobile accident, attorneys examine whether the parties involved in the collision followed applicable traffic rules and regulations.

2. Damages and Injury

• Injury Severity and Type: Attorneys assess their clients’ injuries to determine the extent of their injuries. Serious injuries often bolster the argument.
• Property Damage: Because it affects the whole effect of the accident, the amount of property damage, including damage to automobiles, is taken into account.

3. Collecting Proof

• Accident Reconstruction: To bolster their client’s case, attorneys may hire accident reconstruction specialists to rebuild the scene and all of the events that preceded the accident.
• Witness Statements: It is essential to determine the chronology of events via the statements provided by witnesses and relevant parties.

4. Protection From Insurance

• Policy Limits: Attorneys evaluate each party’s insurance coverage to see whether it is sufficient to pay any possible losses.
• Interpretation of plans: They go over insurance plans’ terms and conditions in detail to make sure their clients are getting the most coverage possible.

5. Relationship and Causation

• Proximate Cause: To demonstrate that the defendant’s activities caused their client’s injuries, attorneys must draw a link between the defendant’s acts and the client’s ailments.
• Medical Records: Examining the medical records contributes to the causation argument by establishing a connection between particular injuries and the event.

6. Equivalent Fault

• Contributory Negligence: Attorneys evaluate whether their client bears any portion of the blame and evaluate how comparative negligence rules may affect the amount of money that might be awarded.

7. The Statute of Limitations

• Timeliness: Attorneys make sure that the lawsuit is submitted before the statute of limitations expires in order to avoid any obstacles to the claim’s prosecution.

8. Litigation versus Settlement

• Opportunities for Negotiation: Attorneys assess the likelihood of reaching a fair settlement with the negligent party or their insurance provider.
• Litigation: If required, they evaluate the case’s strengths and weaknesses in order to determine the likelihood of victory in a court trial.

Legal Assistance

There are usually many steps in the legal representation process for auto accidents, all of which are intended to provide the injured person complete assistance and advocacy. An outline of the procedure and its related advantages is provided below:

1. First Consultation: The injured party and their lawyer meet for the first time before starting the legal procedure. The lawyer will review the case data in order to assess culpability and compute damages during this meeting.
2. Investigating and Compiling Evidence: Lawyers look at the accident in great detail. During this procedure, any pertinent evidence that could support the client’s stance is gathered.
3. Insurance Negotiations: Representing their clients’ best interests, attorneys manage all correspondence with insurance providers. They work with insurance adjusters to get an equitable settlement, accounting for both non-economic and economic damages.
4. Lawsuit Filing: In the event that a fair settlement is not possible, the client’s lawyer will commence legal action on their behalf. The client will get complete guidance from the attorney throughout the lawsuit procedure.
5. Trial: Attorneys defend their clients in court during a trial in an effort to get the best possible recompense for them.

How to Handle a Minor Auto Accident

You were just involved in an automobile crash. Things are a bit tense right now. Breathe for a minute, then proceed with this checklist.

1. Put Your Safety First: Following an accident, your safety should come first. Inspect yourself for injuries, and if you need emergency medical attention, dial 911.
2. Speak with Law Enforcement: Call the local police to report the accident. If police arrive, they will record the event in a police report. If not, report the incident to the closest DMV. For future use, get a copy of either document.
3. Information Exchange: Give the other drivers your contact and insurance details. Obtain their license plate number, name, phone number, insurance policy data, and vehicle information.
4. Collect proof: To bolster your argument that the other motorist is at blame, gather photographic and video proof.
5. Seek Medical Attention: For a comprehensive check to uncover any concealed injuries, even if they seem minor, visit an urgent care center or see a doctor.
6. Speak with an Attorney: Discuss the incident and develop a legal plan with an attorney before telling your insurance provider.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: To start the claims procedure, promptly notify your insurance company.

Indications That a Car Accident Injury Attorney Is Needed

If you encounter any or all of the following difficulties after your minor auto accident, you should consult with a car accident lawyer.

• Your injuries are severe: It’s recommended to speak with a car accident injury lawyer if the collision caused major injuries that need medical attention, continuous care, or resulted in long-term disability.
• Liability is unclear: Please get in touch with us if it turns out to be more difficult than anticipated to determine who caused the accident. We’ll defend your rights and guide you through challenging legal situations.
• There are many parties involved: An automobile accident lawsuit will get more complex the more parties involved. A car accident attorney will guide you through these mazes.
• You already have an injury: A vehicle accident injury lawyer may assist in distinguishing between new injuries brought on by the collision and pre-existing injuries that the accident simply made worse.
• You are ignorant of legal procedures: An accident attorney can help you make the right decisions in navigating the legal system if you lack knowledge about filing a case, handling court hearings, or understanding legal processes.
• You’re in constant agony: Having legal counsel will change your life if you’re in constant pain or if your injuries prevent you from working or leading a normal life.
• The other party won’t cooperate: Legal counsel will be helpful if the other party to the accident or their insurance provider is reluctant or unwilling to bargain in good faith.

Selecting the Best Attorney for Auto Accidents

Points to Take Into Account

Look for these five characteristics in a car accident lawyer before hiring them.

1. Experience: The attorney need to have dealt with instances similar to yours involving auto accidents.
2. Track Record: The attorney need to have experience winning instances involving comparable auto accidents.
3. Fee Schedule: The attorney need to prioritize your requirements above their own. This might be as simple as not collecting money up front and providing a free case assessment.
4. Resources: To gather information, assess losses, and construct compelling arguments, the attorney has to be well-equipped with a wide range of resources.
5. Testimonials: The majority of the past clients’ evaluations should be favorable for the attorney.

Questions to Pose

These are some of the inquiries you need to make of any automobile accident injury attorney you are thinking of working with.

• What is the duration of your legal practice?
• Do you focus on instances involving pedestrian accidents?
• Have you ever handled instances comparable to this? If so, what were the results?
• How are you going to handle talks or, should the need arise, legal action?
• How will we interact with each other and when can I anticipate updates?
• What is your pricing schedule, and are there any other expenses that I should be mindful of?
• What level of participation will I have in making decisions?
• Will you notify me when there are any significant changes to my case?
• Will other lawyers from your company handle my case, or will you handle it directly?
• How much time do you think my case will take to get through the judicial system?
• What elements could have an impact on how quickly my case moves forward?
• What is your success rate in court, and how often do your cases go to trial?
• Do you belong to any legal associations or professional organizations?

10 Common Errors to Avoid Following a Small Auto Accident

But before you go on, keep in mind these ten things you should never do after a vehicle accident:

1. Evacuating from the Accident Scene Without Notifying the Police

As previously noted, it is a serious error to flee the scene of a minor auto collision without calling the authorities. In a small-scale auto policent case, the police report will be utilized to assist the court in giving the plaintiff the right amount of damages.

2. Not Colltoting Evidence at ate Scene

Gather as many photos, phone numbers, and firsthand stories from individuals in the area as you can, then let your automobile acnearby. Letdetermine which ones are important to keep and which ones are not. Just gather as much information as you can at the accidentyou arete as as possible.

3. Admitting Fault

Even if you think you caused the little vehicle accident, you should never acknowledge responsibility. The truth is that you are just trying to figure out what may have occurred to build your viewpoint; you cannot possible know who is at blame from your position. Never acknowledge your mistakes. Rather, let the police and your lawyer determine comparative culpability and who could be at blame.

4. Not Consulting a Physician

As soon as you believe that your accident has injured you, you should see a medical practitioner. In the event that you fail to do so and sustain any injuries from the small auto collision, it might be challenging to link the injuries to the collision rather than normal wear and tear, which could make getting compensation much more challenging.

5. Neglecting to Utilize PIP

Recall that Florida mandates the purchase of Personal Injury Protection, which is intended to safeguard you in the case of a vehicle accident. If you have been involved in a small auto accident, you are under no duty to refrain from filing a claim under this insurance policy.

6. Ignorance of Insurance Companies

Keep in mind that insurance companies are first and foremost businesses. Their primary goal is to generate revenue, hence they want to hold onto and collect as much money as they can while, theoretically, making as few payouts as possible. They will so attempt, if at all possible, to settle for less when you make claims.

7. Not Examining the Police Report

You have to go over the police report to confirm that the facts it contains are accurate and that you agree with them. If you disagree, do your hardest to convey your opinion then and then. You should also have any necessary adjustments made as quickly as you can, before signing.

8. Accepting the First Settlement Check Made Available

Similar to most talks, the insurance company’s initial check and offer will be the lowest amount they believe they can provide to appease you, make sure they are not overpaying, and save as much money as possible on the settlement for your automobile accident.

9. Seeking a Settlement for Your Case

Even though you may believe that a small vehicle accident doesn’t necessarily need the services of a car accident lawyer, we can state with confidence that customers who work with seasoned lawyers often get settlement checks that are three times higher than those of clients who don’t.

10. Not Using a Lawyer for Auto Accidents

We think hiring a vehicle accident attorney as soon as feasible is in your best interests for all the reasons mentioned above and more.

Contact a vehicle accident attorney right now by giving (800) 916-8108 a call. Our attorneys are pleased to assist you in making the best choices right now and provide a free consultation every day of the week.

Attorneys for Auto Accidents Are Free

Hold on, what? Although almost all personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, the fact is that hiring an attorney will cost you money. This implies that they deduct their fee from the settlement they get on your behalf. You owe them nothing, therefore, if they don’t settle for you!

Better still, the majority will consult with you at no cost during a case review. You may schedule a consultation, consult with a knowledgeable automobile accident attorney, discuss any settlement proposals you’ve received, and inquire about your legal rights under the terms of the existing state legislation.

This implies that when considering whether to hire an attorney, cost will not be a determining factor. It also implies that after your incident, you need to consult with an automobile accident attorney. You can win a great deal and have nothing to lose.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. What will my attorney for a vehicle accident do?

Your auto accident attorney will support you from the beginning to the end of the legal procedure, including the case review and trial. They’ll be there to help you at every turn, including to address any queries or worries you may have.

2. Will my attorney handle my insurance company correspondence after a vehicle accident?

Indeed. Managing all correspondence and talks with insurance companies involved in your case is one of your lawyer’s responsibilities.

3. I want to be paid for my vehicle accident, but do I need an attorney?

Although hiring a lawyer to represent you greatly increases your chances of achieving a good settlement, you do not legally require one to achieve a settlement.

4. What is a fair compensation for suffering?

There is a certain amount of money that can compensate you for the emotional distress caused by your vehicle mishap. Financial recompense, however, might lessen the financial strain that follows a vehicle accident, providing you with piece of mind. To guarantee fair compensation, a car accident attorney estimates the cost of non-economic damages like mental anguish and suffering. They also negotiate on your behalf with insurance providers to get the best possible deal.