Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights
Should You Hire An Attorney After A Car Accident? Here's When A Consultation Is Definitely Worth It
Michelle Garrett
If you've recently been in an accident, you may be wondering whether or not hiring a car accident attorney is worthwhile. Car insurance companies make filing claims and receiving payouts fairly easy, especially in cases where one driver is clearly at fault. As a result, many drivers don't involve attorneys at all after an accident.
However, this route will rarely give you all of the compensation that you're entitled to from the insurance company. If you were in a serious accident that resulted in considerable medical bills or disability, then receiving a payout that's lower than you're entitled to can put you in financial distress. To learn more about when it's a good idea to speak to an attorney after a car accident, read on.
1. The Injuries You Suffered From the Accident Are Long-Term
When you receive medical treatment after your accident and the physician tells you that you'll likely suffer long-term effects from the injuries you sustained, it's a good idea to contact a car accident attorney. Injuries to your brain or to your spine can permanently affect your life, and the cost of continued medical care is rarely reflected in the insurance payout. In order to receive full compensation, you'll typically need to work with a car accident attorney to file a suit against the insurance company.
Additionally, long-term injuries can also cause disability. A permanent disability that prevents you from working can cause extreme financial hardship, and that likely won't be reflected in the insurance company's payout either. In a lawsuit, you're able to recover more damages than just your medical bills—you can also recover loss of income due to becoming unable to work or emotional damages due to a decrease in your quality of life after the accident. When you suffer long-term injury as a result of an accident, it's always a good idea to consult with a car accident attorney in order to maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your injury.
2. The Insurance Payout Doesn't Cover All Your Costs
Many drivers carry state minimum insurance coverage, since this keeps their auto insurance premiums low. Unfortunately, these state minimums may not be able to cover the entire cost of the medical care you need after an accident. The other driver's insurance company will only pay up to the coverage limit. You'll be responsible for the leftover portion of your medical bills that aren't paid by the insurance company.
In order to receive enough money to cover all of the costs arising from your accident, you'll need to hire a car accident attorney and file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. If your lawsuit is successful, the other driver will be responsible for paying the remainder of your medical bills along with the other damages that you recover.
3. The Insurance Company Wants You to Settle for a Low Amount of Money
Finally, it's a good idea to contact a car accident attorney if you think that the other driver's insurance company isn't paying you the full amount you're owed. Insurance companies make money by processing claims rapidly and trying to pay out the least amount of money possible to claimants. They'll try to have you settle the claim quickly. If you think that the other driver's insurance company isn't being fair in giving you all of the money you're owed, contact a car accident attorney in order to see if you have a potential case against them.
Overall, contacting a car accident attorney is always a good idea if the insurance company's payout would put you in a financial bind. Whether you have high medical bills, have exhausted the other driver's insurance limits, or are being given a low settlement offer from the insurance company, hiring a car accident attorney after your accident will help you minimize the financial impact that the accident has on your life. Contact an attorney like Josh D. Tucker, P.C. to learn more.
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I'll be up front: I have a criminal record. As someone who's spent lots--and lots--of time looking for a job in my life, I've gotten used to being up front with this fact. It's difficult to get hired with this on my record, and frankly, it never gets less scary to have to tell an interviewer about it. But that doesn't mean I'm unemployable. I'm a hard worker who can bring a lot to any company. And I also know what an employer needs to do for me. I know my rights. There's no federal law protecting me from discrimination due to my record, but there are plenty of state laws that make it a little easier for me. If you're looking for a job and you have a criminal record, read through this information. Protect yourself during a job search. Know your rights.