If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, then you may have grounds for a personal injury case. However, it is not that simple. Sometimes, even if you have a valid case, it does not make sense to file. Keep reading to learn more about these situations and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you need a free legal consultation from an attorney.
There Were No Injuries
If there were no injuries in the accident and the insurance agent of the at-fault party is wiling to pay a fair retail value for the vehicle, then it may not make sense to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you were not required to miss more than a day or two of work and there are no injuries, then it is unlikely that any award would be worth the hassle of filing.
However, remember not to sign away your right to sue until you are sure you have not been injured. You may feel fine right after the accident, only to discover a few days later that you have a serious head injury. Visit your doctor before you decide that you were not injured.
If the Case Would End up in Small Claims Court
In some instances, the recovery amount is small enough that the case is going to end up in small claims court eventually. Yes, you have the right to an attorney in that case, but it is likely that the fee said attorney would charge would be as much if not more than what you are recovering. When comparing our options, make sure you are considering the attorney fee before hiring someone to represent you in small claims court.
If You Are Being Offered a Fair Settlement
The fact of the matter is that the insurance adjuster is not on your side – they are on the side of the company they work for. They are unlikely to offer the best possible settlement the first time they make an offer. That said, they may offer a settlement that is fair. Could you get a few thousand dollars more if you hired an attorney? Maybe, but you would have to pay their fee and wait weeks or months.
It is Almost Always Worth it to Contact an Attorney for a Free Legal Consultation
While it may not always be the best choice to hire an attorney for your case, it is always worth consulting with one. When you call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we are happy to provide a free legal consultation. We will give you an honest assessment of your best options. Remember that our fees constitute a percentage of the money you are awarded. If we do not believe that there is significant value in hiring an attorney, we will tell you the truth. Call us now at 909-982-0707 to learn more.
