Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Crash?
After a car accident, most people are left shaken, sore, and unsure of what to do next. It can be a lot to handle, between trying to take care of your injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and figuring out how to get your car repaired. One of the most common questions people ask themselves during this time is, “Do I really need a lawyer?”
The truth is, not every crash turns into a legal case. But many do. If you’ve been hurt, if the crash wasn’t your fault, or if you’re getting the runaround from insurance companies, it’s often worth talking to a lawyer. This doesn’t mean you’re suing someone right away. It just means you’re getting guidance so you can make decisions with your eyes open. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we’ve helped many Connecticut families figure out the right next step after a crash. We listen first, and we give honest advice based on what’s best for you.
Why Some People Wait to Call a Lawyer
Sometimes, people hesitate to contact a lawyer because they think their injuries are minor, or they don’t want to seem like they’re making a big deal out of something. Others worry about the cost or assume that insurance will take care of everything. Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works out.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on insurance claims. That means they might try to settle quickly, before you know the full extent of your injuries. Or they might delay your claim, dispute who was at fault, or even deny it altogether. That’s when having someone on your side can make a real difference.
When Talking to a Lawyer Makes Sense
While every situation is different, there are certain signs that might tell you that it’s time to get legal advice. You should strongly consider contacting a lawyer if:
- you were injured, even if the injuries didn’t seem serious at first
- your car was totaled or needed major repairs
- you missed work because of the crash
- the other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- an insurance company is blaming you for the crash
- you’re being pressured to give a recorded statement or accept a fast settlement
Even if none of these apply, it’s still worth picking up the phone if you just feel unsure. A good attorney will tell you if you don’t need their help. We do that all the time.
What a Lawyer Actually Does for You
A lawyer isn’t there to make things more complicated. In fact, a good lawyer makes the process easier. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our job is to protect your rights and give you honest answers. That includes:
- investigating what happened and gathering evidence
- dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- making sure you get the medical care and documentation you need
- advising you on whether a settlement offer is fair
- helping you recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering
Most cases do not go to trial, but we prepare every one of our clients’ cases for trial. This preparation is what often leads to better settlements, because insurance companies take cases seriously when they know the lawyer on the other side is ready and experienced. In fact, an insurance study found that injured claimants represented by counsel receive larger settlements than those who represent themselves.
What if My Injuries Don’t Seem That Bad?
We hear this a lot. People are in a crash, feel sore, but try to tough it out. A few days or weeks later, they realize something still isn’t right. Maybe it’s neck pain, headaches, or back issues that won’t go away. Sometimes it turns out to be a more serious injury like a herniated disc or concussion.
Unfortunately, if you’ve already accepted a settlement from the insurance company, you probably can’t go back and ask for more later. That’s why we tell people not to rush. You only get one chance to settle your claim. Make sure you know what your injuries really are before you sign anything.
Can’t I Just Handle It Myself?
Yes, you can try. But be careful. Insurance adjusters handle claims every day. They know how to ask questions in ways that might hurt your case later. They might seem friendly and helpful, but they’re watching out for their company, not for you.
There’s also the issue of value. Many people don’t know what a fair settlement looks like. If you’ve never been through this before, how would you know? We’ve seen many cases where people were offered $5,000 or $10,000, when the real value of their claim was much higher. Without a lawyer, you might not realize what you’re entitled to until it’s too late.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything. It’s that simple. That arrangement lets you focus on your recovery, not on legal bills.
And the first consultation is free. Always. We’ll talk with you, listen to what happened, and let you know whether we think we can help. You’re under no pressure to move forward unless you want to.
Why Legal Help Can Make a Difference for Families
We’ve worked with many Connecticut families over the years. We understand how hard it is when someone in your household gets hurt, especially if they can’t work or are dealing with pain every day. The stress spills over into everything else: kids, work, finances, even your sleep.
Our role is to take the pressure off you and make sure your family is protected. That might mean getting coverage for physical therapy or working to recover lost income from time missed at work. In more serious cases, it means helping you secure the resources you need for long-term care, ongoing medical costs, or even future surgeries.
We’re also here to answer the smaller questions, like how to get your medical bills paid while your case is pending or how to get your car fixed if the other driver’s insurance company is dragging its feet.
What About Pedestrians or Cyclists Hit By a Car?
We’ve helped clients who were hit while walking, jogging, or biking, too. If a car caused your injury, even if you weren’t in a car yourself, you may still have a valid claim. These cases can be more complicated, especially if the driver left the scene or didn’t have enough insurance, but we’re used to dealing with those situations.
Call Us Today
Getting in a car crash is stressful enough without trying to figure everything out alone. Whether your injuries are serious or you just need help understanding your options, we’re here to help. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we’ve represented individuals and families across Connecticut for decades. We’re proud to provide thoughtful, straightforward guidance when people need it most.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, or if you’re just unsure what to do next, we’d love the opportunity to speak with you. Call us today at 203-212-9075 or CLICK HERE to reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Tremont Sheldon P.C. we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we recover money for you. No upfront costs, no hourly rates.
What if my injuries didn’t seem serious at first?
It’s common for symptoms to show up days or even weeks later. That’s why it’s important not to rush into a settlement. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you usually can’t go back for more, even if new issues come up.
What does a lawyer actually do for me?
We take the pressure off. That means handling the insurance adjusters, gathering records and evidence, helping you get proper medical documentation, and fighting for fair compensation.
Can I still recover money if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
Yes. You may have coverage through your own policy called uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. We help clients navigate these claims all the time.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Connecticut uses a comparative fault rule. As long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, although the amount may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.