So, a minor car accident just happened. While you exchange contact details with the other driver, your mind may be full of questions. Should you call your insurance company, take photos, and, most importantly, get a lawyer?
Minor car accidents occur all the time. Some people assume they can resolve these issues themselves. But the choices you make right then and there can have a huge impact on everything that comes next, from repair costs to any medical claims.
Before you decide to handle this on your own, here’s what you need to know about working with a lawyer after a minor car accident.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
The short answer to the question “Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” is no, you don’t always need a lawyer. If you aren’t an at-fault driver, you could totally accept their insurance company’s first offer and not have a lawyer involved. If your case goes to court, you can choose to represent yourself, which is referred to as acting “pro se.”
However, be cautious about accepting an insurer’s first offer without legal advice, as it may undervalue damages.
But there are many “buts” in this question. Massachusetts car accident lawyers can save you from stress and help you get better results, even in claims that initially seem minor. Let’s explore why an attorney can make a big difference in your situation.
Your Injuries May Be More Severe Than You Think
According to the Massachusetts car accident statistics, there were 14,119 accidents with minor injuries in 2024. The biggest issue with them is that they may imply hidden problems. Adrenaline can simply hide pain and symptoms after a minor car accident.
Plus, after a minor collision, your car may seem to run smoothly. It may operate as it should at first, but over time, you may face more serious mechanical issues. A car accident lawyer can ensure that you take the appropriate steps from the beginning to get compensated for all unexpected losses.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Me?
A minor car accident can bring some surprising challenges, especially when you’re trying to achieve a fair payout. This is a reasonable objective given the average car accident settlement in Massachusetts.
In particular, paperwork can be overwhelming since official forms demand accuracy. Make a single mistake, and you may have to start again and lose precious time. You’ll have to meet deadlines and decipher complex legal jargon. And these aren’t all the reasons to opt for legal representation.
A car accident lawyer can manage all these legal procedures for you. Here’s exactly what they can do for you.
Help Access Damages
Insurance companies typically focus on obvious damages, such as basic car repairs and medical expenses for urgent care. However, the damage may extend beyond what’s immediately visible.
Your car accident attorney understands that there are other losses for which you should be compensated. They take into account your medical bills, both current and future. They also factor in lost wages and any long-lasting impacts on your job. Even a small collision can lead to neck or back pain that shows up only weeks later and emotional distress.
Without an attorney, you risk accepting a settlement that seems good now but won’t cover future expenses.
Communicate with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters manage hundreds of claims each month. They know the right words to make your settlement smaller. Your attorney will take control of all negotiations with an insurance company. You won’t have to deal with stressful phone calls or confusing emails.
If claim adjusters try to deny your claim or minimize coverage, your car accident lawyer will contest these decisions. They will use evidence and legal knowledge to advocate for a maximum settlement.
Handle Your Legal Documents
Vehicle accidents usually imply a mountain of paperwork. You’ll need to file police reports, insurance claims, medical records, repair estimates, and possibly court documents. Your lawyer’s team can handle all that for you. They know what forms you need, when to file them, and how to fill them out correctly.
In addition, their team will gather evidence, like records from police, doctors, and repair shops. They’ll make sure every paper paints a clear picture of what happened in your minor car accident and backs up your claim. Plus, they’ll break down any document that needs your signature so you feel confident about what you’re signing up for.
What to Do After a Minor Car Accident
What you do in the first few hours after a minor accident can impact your chances of getting a fair payout and avoid false accusations. Thus, we recommend taking the following steps to protect your rights and prevent future problems:
-
Check for injuries
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe place and see if anyone needs immediate medical help. Even if you’re feeling okay, watch out for any discomfort since it might indicate some more serious symptoms.
-
Call the police
No matter how minor the accident seems, a police report is an official record of what happened. The officer will take notes on the scene and talk to everyone involved. This can be helpful evidence if any arguments come up later.
-
Document everything
Take pictures of both cars from different angles to show any vehicle damage. Don’t forget to capture the minor car accident scene, too, including road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks. Also, take photos of any visible injuries.
-
Exchange information
Make sure to get the other driver’s insurance information and contact details.
-
Seek medical attention
Even if you think you’re fine, it’s smart to see a doctor. Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately, and medical records of suffered injuries are crucial evidence for your claim.
-
Contact a car accident lawyer
Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, and they can detect potential issues you might overlook. An attorney can ensure you don’t settle for a basic offer or miss any key deadlines when dealing with insurance companies.
Conclusion
A minor car accident often seems simple to handle on your own. The damage may seem pretty small: nobody’s hurt, and the other driver is friendly. But it’s wise to be ready for unexpected turns in your case or just save yourself from hours of paperwork and insurance negotiations.
If your answer to the question, “Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” is “yes,” and you choose to hire a personal injury attorney, consider Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers. Our experienced team will protect your rights and manage every detail of your claim. Our recent settlements prove our law firm knows how to get fair compensation in personal injury cases.
Let us handle the legal work — contact our team today for a free case evaluation!
