Looking at the law firm ads you see on television, you could easily come away with the impression that hiring a car accident attorney is a must if you’re ever in a collision. Skip that step, and you can count on being mistreated by the insurance company – right?

Not necessarily. For a serious accident, you’ll want a lawyer involved. But with a minor auto collision, obtaining counsel might be overkill.

So now the question is – how do you determine if a car crash is a minor event or one that’s serious enough to warrant legal assistance? After reading the following guide, you’ll know when calling a car accident attorney makes sense. 

Minor Car Accidents

As a general rule, a minor car crash is one that doesn’t result in any injuries. Typically, any vehicular damage is minimal and doesn’t impair drivability or structural integrity – the cars may simply have dings, scratches, small dents and broken or cracked lights.

With a minor auto collision, the potential recovery from an insurance claim is usually too small to justify hiring a car accident attorney. But before deciding against calling a lawyer, make sure a doctor clears you of any potential future medical issues. You might feel fine right after the crash, but injury symptoms don’t always show up right away. 

Serious Car Accidents

A serious car accident is one that results in significant injury or the death of someone involved. The injuries suffered may be obvious – as with a broken bone or severe pain, for example – or, in some cases, medical issues don’t become apparent until later on. Regardless, vehicular damage is substantial, and often, cars are deemed un-drivable.

If you’re in a serious accident, hiring an attorney is likely in your best interests. You can expect the insurance company to pressure you into settling for less compensation than you deserve, and a lawyer can fight for your rights and ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your injuries and the damage to your car. 

Consult with an Attorney at No Cost

After any type of car crash, consulting with a lawyer is the best course of action – and many, including the highly skilled professionals at Symco Injury Law, offer free consultations.

An attorney with experience in personal injury law will give you an honest opinion on whether you can benefit from legal assistance or if you’re better off accepting a settlement from the insurance company. And if your lawyer consultation is free, you have nothing to lose – and, potentially, much to gain.

Have you been in an auto collision? For expert advice from a trusted Utah personal injury lawyer, turn to Symco Injury Law. We’ve been helping car crash victims for over ten years, and we’re ready to steer you in the right direction. To schedule a free Utah car accident attorney consultation, contact our Salt Lake City office today.