I was in a car accident. Do I need a lawyer?

Good question, you probably do need a lawyer after a car accident. Here’s some things to consider. 

Why do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

You will be working with insurance companies on your case. Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to look out for you. You probably need a lawyer to help you deal with the insurance company. You can expect the insurance company to do whatever they can to limit the benefits they pay and any settlement, including:

• Deny your claim outright
• Drag their feet so you settle low 
• Complicate the process (“Yes, that’s the right form, but we need it in a different version.”)
• Make an early lowball offer
• Do surveillance on you
• Take a recorded statement of you to get information to use against you
• Send you to a doctor of their choosing to say your problems aren’t related to the crash or you’re fine
• Call you a liar (oh yes they will)
• Blame you for the crash, even if it was clearly the other driver’s fault

You need someone who is looking out for your interests. You deserve that. 

When do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

If you were injured in a car accident, you need a lawyer as soon as possible. Why? The insurance company begins damage control almost immediately after a car accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you to take a recorded statement as soon as possible. They are hoping to talk to you before you get a lawyer. They want to get you to say as much as possible to devalue your case. They will ask you questions like, “How fast were you going? Were you in any way distracted?” You’ll be thinking, wait, he hit me. Often, before you realize what’s happening, they have what they need, and you are now on defense. You need a lawyer who puts you on offense; one who can educate you on these tactics and intervene on your behalf. Would an insurance company really do that? What do you think?

Can’t I just settle my car accident case on my own?

Sure. You can also rewire your house and cut your own hair, but is it a good idea? Experience and expertise matter. You know that. If you were in a car crash and you are thinking about a settlement, you are probably wondering, What’s fair value? What goes into it? Do I need to account for my future needs? Good questions. You deserve good answers. A car accident is a big deal, and so is settling your car accident claim. You don’t get to come back in 2 or 5 or 10 years and redo this. You have to get it right the first time. The only way to really do that is to talk with someone who knows fair value when they see it, and how to get it. Don’t ever walk away with less than you deserve. 

Call or contact Conybeare Law Office now to speak with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer  

A car accident is a scary, painful, and traumatic experience. It can be difficult to know who to talk to after a crash, but having an experienced Michigan car accident attorney can help alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty that comes after an accident. The knowledgeable car accident lawyers at Conybeare Law Office will help you understand your rights so you feel like you are in control, and they will fight to get you the money you deserve. To learn more about the wide range of legal services offered to our Michigan car accident clients, talk to our office today. Conybeare Law Office has offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and proudly serves all of Southwest Michigan and beyond. Call or contact us for a free consultation. Remember, if it’s not fair, call the bear.