Skip to Content
Personal Injury

Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

April 16, 2020

Car accidents are catastrophic events that can disrupt your life for weeks and even months to come. Doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, lost income, and accumulating bills can be overwhelming, not to mention the pain and suffering you may be experiencing due to your injuries. As overwhelming as it can be, it is difficult for most people to know whether or not they should hire a Billings car accident attorney. 

Is Your Insurance Company Lowballing You or Outright Refusing to Pay Your Claim?

Insurance companies are notorious for refusing to pay fair compensation for injury claims. You may be surprised at how quickly they want to settle your claim, but beware that it is typically for far less than what your claim will be worth. Their goal is to minimize their exposure by paying as little as possible and then having you agree to release them from any future claim. A Billings car accident attorney can negotiate your settlement with the insurance company on your behalf, leaving you to focus on your health and recovery. 

Sometimes the insurance company simply refuses to respond to your claim or pay anything at all. In this situation, you may have to sue the insurance company for bad faith. Bad faith claims are exceedingly difficult for non-lawyers to pursue, and we would strongly encourage you to talk to a lawyer if you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith. 

Are You Injured? 

If you’ve suffered a serious injury, you may be facing weeks or months of extensive medical treatment. As a result, you may be unable to work or take care of your family. You are entitled to recover any financial losses you experience, including your medical expenses and lost income. In addition, you are also entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering you may experience as a result of your injuries. An experienced Billings car accident lawyer can provide you with an estimate of what your claim may be worth. 

If you haven’t suffered any injuries, you likely don’t need to hire a lawyer – the process for getting your vehicle repaired is much more straightforward. 

Are You Unable to Work?

Many people think that they don’t need to worry about hiring a lawyer because they have health insurance that will cover their medical expenses. Unfortunately, they then later discover that their disability insurance (if they have coverage) doesn’t cover their entire income. Meanwhile, uncovered medical expenses start to pile up, such as co-pays and deductibles. If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you should contact a Billings car accident attorney to discuss your options. 

Was Your Accident the Other Driver’s Fault?

Assuming that the accident was not your fault, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent In order to successfully pursue a personal injury claim. It may seem obvious to you that the other driver was at fault, but you will have to convince the insurance companies, and possibly a judge and jury that the other driver should be held liable. This means gathering evidence and building a case that supports your claim, which can be very difficult for non-lawyers to do, even before they get to court. A Billings car accident attorney will know how to build the best possible case so that you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Call a Billings Car Accident Attorney Today

Deciding to hire an attorney is a big decision. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and would like to discuss your options, Billings car accident attorney Jim Ragain can help you understand your options. Contact us at 406-651-8888 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case today.

Close X RAGAIN & CLARK P.C.

Get Trusted Help Now

We provide legal representation to Montana and Wyoming individuals and small businesses.