Personal Injury

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

If anyone was injured or there is significant property damage, talk to a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

Full Answer

For a true minor fender-bender with no injuries and the other driver's insurer paying the property damage promptly, you may not need a lawyer. But many cases that appear minor turn out to involve injuries (whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage) that surface days later.

If you have been to a doctor, missed work, or have ongoing pain, talk to a personal injury attorney before signing anything. Once you sign a release in exchange for the insurance company's first offer, you cannot reopen the claim — even if your injuries get worse.

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and only charge if they recover money for you. There is no downside to learning what your case is worth before deciding how to proceed.

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