If you were involved in a collision, even if the crash was minor and you believe it was the other party’s fault, you should hire a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help with all communications with authorities and insurance adjuster on your behalf and negotiate for an adequate settlement.
What Is a Minor Collision?
Minor car accidents are low-impact collisions that people often call “fender-benders.” However, even in a minor accident, people might be injured. Whiplash may not be immediately apparent and could need eventual medical treatment, depending on its severity.
Do I Need to Report a Minor Car Accident?
In Georgia, you must report a car accident involving a death, injury, or property damage of more than $500. You should pull over and contact the police if you are in a minor car accident and no one thinks they are injured because it is likely that if there is damage to your vehicle, it will cost more than $500 to repair.
Even if you do not believe you must file a police report, you should still report the collision to the police because the insurance company usually requests the police report during the claim process. Additionally, when filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver, the police report can be evidence of fault.
Read more:
- Reporting a Car Accident to Insurance
- How To Respond If Your Accident Report Is Incorrect
- Why It’s Important to Always Call the Police After an Accident
- How to Scare an Insurance Adjuster (into Making a Fair Settlement Offer)
Minor Car Accident Injuries
Minor crashes usually occur at low speeds, which do not result in serious injuries. However, minor collisions can cause injuries that require medical attention. Some common injuries sustained in minor collisions include:
- Bruises
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Abrasion
- Broken bones
If you were in a collision, you should seek medical attention even if the injuries do not seem serious. Even minor injuries can lead to more serious injuries if you do not have them treated immediately. In addition, keeping a record of your injuries and medical treatment is essential when you pursue compensation for your losses.
Read more: How To Speak with Your Doctor After a Car Accident
Can Someone Sue You for a Minor Car Accident?
If you were at fault in any way for a minor car accident, the passengers of your vehicle, the other driver, their passengers, or any pedestrian or bicyclist injured in the accident could attempt to sue you, no matter how minor the crash. Their most likely starting point would be to file a claim with your insurance company. In the same way that you could file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they caused an accident that injured you, someone else could file a lawsuit against you if they were injured because of your actions.
How to Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing a good car accident attorney is like choosing the right car. You should do some research to help you make an informed decision. When researching attorneys to represent your interests concerning a collision, you will want to look for a personal injury attorney because they have the expertise to represent you during the insurance claim process and a lawsuit. Not just any personal injury attorney will do. You need a personal injury attorney with specific experience with car accident claims and lawsuits. Their websites will be a good initial tool to narrow your list of choices.
Once you have a shortlist of potential attorneys, you will want to meet with them and determine who will be the best fit for your situation. Many attorneys, like the attorneys at Chris Hudson Law Group, will conduct a free case evaluation, during which you can ask questions and get a sense of where they see your case going. During the consultation, you may want to ask some of the following questions:
- What percent of their caseload is dedicated to handling car accident cases?
- What are their fees and rates, and how are they structured?
- How will they keep you updated on your case?
- What is their strategy for getting you the compensation you deserve?
- Who else will work on the case, and what are their fees?
When hiring an attorney, take your time and ask questions because you’ll want a skilled and knowledgeable attorney in your corner fighting for your best interests.
Read more: What Car Accident Lawyers Do
Contact Us Today
The Augusta car accident attorneys of Chris Hudson Law Group have ample experience representing people in car accident cases and obtaining the compensation they need. If you were in a minor car accident, having a Chris Hudson Law Group attorney on your side can make a difference in the amount of money you receive for your accident-related losses and injuries. We understand how to deal with insurance adjusters and will represent you in a lawsuit if required.
Contact our experienced attorneys today by calling us at (706) 863-6600 or contacting us through our online form.