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When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer? 7 Signs You Need Legal Help After an Accident

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This page has been researched, written, and reviewed in accordance with our editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy and relevance. This page has been reviewed and approved by Founding Partner, Tobias Licker. The last updated date reflects the most recent review of this content.


car accident

After an accident, many people wonder whether they actually need a personal injury lawyer or if they can handle the insurance claim on their own. While every situation is different, waiting too long to seek legal guidance could affect your ability to recover fair compensation.


Whether you've been injured in a car accident, motorcycle crash, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else's negligence, understanding when to contact a personal injury attorney can help protect your rights.


  1. You Suffered Serious Injuries


If your injuries required emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing rehabilitation, it's often a good idea to speak with an attorney.


Serious injuries can lead to:

  • Expensive medical bills

  • Lost income

  • Long-term disabilities

  • Future medical expenses

  • Pain and suffering


An attorney can help evaluate the full value of your claim and work to protect your legal interests.


  1. The Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim


Insurance companies may investigate claims carefully and sometimes dispute liability or the amount of compensation requested.


If your claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, and experienced personal injury attorney can review the situation and explain your available legal options.


  1. Liability Is Being Disputed


Sometimes both drivers or multiple parties may disagree about who caused an accident.


Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning an injured person may still recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system, which generally bars recovery if a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault.


Because fault laws vary by state, understanding how comparative negligence applies to your case is important.


  1. You're Receiving Calls From Insurance Adjusters


Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements or request that you sign documents shortly after an accident.


Before providing statements or accepting a settlement offer, consider understanding your legal rights and the potential impact on your claim.


  1. You Missed Work Because of Your Injuries


Lost wages are often an important part of a personal injury claim.


If your injuries have cause you to miss work or affected your future earning capacity, these losses may be considered when evaluating damages, depending on the facts of your case.


  1. A Settlement Offer Seems Too Low


Insurance companies sometimes make early settlement offers before the full extent of an injury is known.


Accepting a settlement may affect your ability to seek additional compensation later. Before agreeing to any offer, it's important to understand what your claim may actually be worth.


  1. You're Unsure About Your Legal Rights


Many accident victims simple don't know what steps they should take after an injury.


Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you better understand:


  • Your legal rights

  • Available insurance coverage

  • Potential damages

  • Applicable deadlines

  • The claims process


An initial consultation can provide valuable information, even if you ultimately decide not to pursue legal action.


What Compensation May Be Available?


Depending on the facts of your case, injured individuals may be able to seek compensation for:


  • Medical expenses

  • Future medical treatment

  • Lost wages

  • Reduced earning capacity

  • Property damage

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement


Every personal injury claim is unique, and the damages available depend on the specific circumstances of the case.


How A &L, Licker Law Firm, LLC Can Help


At A & L, Licker Law Firm, LLC, we understand that recovering from an accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.


Our attorneys represent clients in variety of personal injury matters, including:


  • Car accidents

  • Motorcycle accidents

  • Truck accidents

  • Slip and fall accidents

  • Wrongful death claims

  • Insurance disputes related to injury claims


We work to protect our clients' rights while guiding them through every stage of the legal process.


Schedule a FREE Consultation


If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence, you don't have to navigate the legal process alone.


The experienced attorneys at A & L, Licker Law firm, LLC proudly serve clients throughout Missouri and Illinois.


Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation and learn more about your legal options.


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