Involved in Personal Injury Auto Accident, do I Need a Lawyer?

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I was rear ended in an auto accident this week. I am stiff, somewhat bruised and very sore. I have been to the doctor. My injuries are not serious but I will need physical therapy. Offender’s insurance co will pay medical costs. My car has been deemed a “total loss” but is very old (17 years old) and they cannot determine the value as yet. I will need a new/used car as I need my car for work. The ins co has offered me medical coverage, 2 days loss of pay and $575 pain and suffering plus the yet undetermined value of my car (probably not more than $800-1000). My car was old but drove like a charm. I did not accept that offer. Because my car has been deemed a “total loss” I can only have a rental car (paid for by offender’s ins co) for 3 more days. I am not asking for anything fancy but I do need a reliable car and will need to continue with physical therapy. Do I need a lawyer?

A:Short answer, ‘yes’.

The insurance companies are not in this to treat you fairly. They are going to try to get you to release their insured, the at fault driver, for as little money as possible. If you want to be sure that you have someone looking out for your best interests, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible.

Further, I would never advise anyone to even think about taking a settlement offer until you know the FULL nature and extent of your injuries. There is simply no way you could know that at this point.

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