Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in St. Petersburg?
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
If you were involved in a minor car accident in St. Petersburg, you might wonder if it’s worth it to hire a car accident attorney. While you may think the accident is “minor,” it does not take much for you to suffer serious injuries in a car accident, even if the accident occurred at low speed.
The damage to your vehicle may not be indicative of the seriousness of your injuries. After all, a metal machine that weighs thousands of pounds may be able to sustain more impact than the vulnerable human body. Below, we discuss reasons why you should hire a lawyer after a minor car accident in St. Petersburg.
It’s the Law
Before you ever get to the question of whether or not to consult a lawyer, you might first have to decide whether or not to report the accident. If it was a “minor” accident, the other driver might try to convince you that the accident isn’t serious, you don’t need to go through the hassle of reporting the accident, they can pay for your damages, etc.
If another driver is trying to convince you not to report the accident, there is a reason why. They could have been drinking and driving, texting, or otherwise breaking the law. They may not have insurance or may even have a warrant out for them. They’re not looking out for your best interests.
Reporting an accident is required under Florida law if the accident resulted in:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage of at least $500
Not reporting the accident can result in you being charged with a nonmoving violation.
If you leave the scene of a car accident without making a report, it becomes more difficult later to establish your claim. So, whether you decide to hire a lawyer or not, report the accident.
The Other Driver May Blame You
Even if the accident was minor, the other driver might try to blame you for it. Without a lawyer, you may be contacted by the other party’s insurance carrier and asked to give a recorded statement and sign documents.
This process can be confusing, especially after a crash. Having a lawyer protect you from such false allegations can give you greater peace of mind.
You Might Have Hidden Injuries
After a car accident, it is common for accident victims to think they’re fine and not notice injuries. This is partially due to the adrenaline that typically develops as the body’s physiological response to a traumatic event.
This adrenaline can mask symptoms of injuries. However, as it fades over time, accident victims may soon start to experience symptoms. They may discover they were more injured than they first believed and can benefit from having the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer.
Your Expenses Can Add Up
Even seemingly “minor” car accidents can result in significant expenses to victims. You may be responsible for paying for:
- Medical expenses stemming from the accident, including ambulance charges, follow-up doctor visits, physical therapy appointments, and medication
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Vehicle repairs
- Rental car charges
Also, you may have to miss time off work. All of these expenses can add up and lead to a lot of stress, especially if you are also dealing with painful injuries.
Evidence Can Disappear
One major advantage of hiring a lawyer after a car accident is that they can begin working on proving your case immediately. They can start collecting valuable evidence before it disappears and put the defendant on notice not to dispose of the evidence. If you do not hire a lawyer shortly after the accident, this evidence may disappear.
You Don’t Have to Pay for Any Upfront Fees
When you hire a car accident lawyer, generally, you do not have to pay any upfront fees. They will take your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they take their fee out of the settlement they obtain for you. If they are unable to recover compensation on your behalf, they usually do not charge you any fees.
Most car accident attorneys also offer a free consultation so that they can discuss your rights and how they can help.
Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg car accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765,
United States
(727) 796-8282
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712,
United States
(727) 349-1728