If you are involved in a collision that you consider to be relatively minor, you might wonder whether it is worthwhile to talk to a personal injury lawyer about what occurred. It’s common for people to ask, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” It’s important to remember that even if the damage to your vehicle is minor, you might have suffered injuries that are more severe than you think. At a minimum, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave to learn about the legal options available to you.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Imagine that you’re driving around Springfield when another driver runs into the back of your car at a stoplight. The damage to your vehicle may appear relatively minor, and you may be able to drive your vehicle home after the police finish their report. But even if you’re able to walk and drive, you may feel slight tinges of pain in your shoulders and neck. While you know that the other driver was clearly at fault for the collision, you may be hesitant to file a personal injury claim because the collision seemed minor.
So you’re asking yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” In general, the answer to this question is yes, you should consider retaining a lawyer for a minor car accident in which you suffered an injury. In many cases, injuries that initially seem minor after car accidents may be more severe than people realize. Some injuries do not begin to show symptoms for days or even weeks after a collision. This delay is sometimes caused by the adrenaline that surges through your body in the aftermath of a collision.
If you are the victim of a car crash, it is a good idea to see your doctor immediately to make certain that you are okay. Then, talk to a lawyer to find out what options you might have. An attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave can provide you with an honest assessment of whether you should move forward with a personal injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Collision
It is common for people who are involved in accidents to be confused and uncertain about how to handle it. Here is a straightforward checklist that you can use if your vehicle is hit by another driver:
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Check yourself and others for injuries and render first aid if necessary.
- Exchange insurance, registration, and driver’s license information with the other driver.
- Ask for the other driver’s contact information.
- Photograph the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene.
- Photograph your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Ask the police officer who responds to write a report.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave for a free case review.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Like other states, Missouri has a statute of limitations for when claims should be filed. If you try to file a personal injury claim outside of the limitations period, it will be barred. This means that you will not be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Under the Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, people have five years to file a personal injury claim. The time period begins to run on the date of your injury. It is best to talk to a lawyer soon after your accident instead of waiting until the end of the limitations period, however. Talking to a lawyer early can help you secure evidence that might otherwise be lost and can provide your attorney with more time to conduct a thorough investigation of your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave
A personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle accident takes determination and time to resolve successfully. People who retain personal injury lawyers are much more likely to recover compensation in an amount that covers their losses.
Getting help from a lawyer after an accident that you initially believe is relatively minor is important. If you file the claim on your own, the insurance company might try to get you to agree to an unreasonably low settlement offer. An experienced injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave can evaluate your claim and provide you with a range of monetary values within which your settlement should fall. Call our office today at 417-322-2222 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
