You are driving to the Dunbar Community Center in Springfield, MA when you are rear-ended by another motorist. There is damage to your vehicle, but it is still drivable. You feel pain and discomfort, but you can still walk around and are able to drive home. The liability on the other driver is clear, but you are hesitant to pursue a personal injury claim because you view the collision as relatively minor. As a result, you are asking yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?”

The answer is generally, yes. At the very least, it makes sense to speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options and whether it makes sense to move forward with an auto accident injury claim. An experienced attorney can provide car accident legal advice, so you make the best decision possible.

What to do if You are in a Car Accident

• Call the police
• Make sure an accident report is written by police and you get a copy
• Get the phone number and auto insurance info of the driver who hit you
• Take photos of the damage to your vehicle
• Take photos of any injuries to you
• Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the collision
• Call your insurance company
• Get medical attention
• Speak to an auto accident attorney

When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

If your answer to “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor accident?” is a yes, then you should speak to an attorney sooner rather than later. This is because of the statute of limitations. This is the period of time you have to file a tort claim against the other driver. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim is generally three years.

While the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years, there are some exceptions you need to know. For example, a personal injury claim against a police officer can generally be pursued within four years from the date of the accident. There is also a shortened statute of limitations against a state agency. If you, for example, want to take action against the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), you only have two years from the date of the accident.

So, when you ask, “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?” The answer is generally, yes. Contacting a lawyer to discuss whether it makes sense to take legal action is the best way to determine which path to take.

Quality Legal Advice Throughout the Auto Accident Injury Claim Process

Auto accident injury claims require time, dedication and determination to effectively resolve. So, the answer to your question “Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?” is yes. And why? Because it is common for auto insurance companies to drag out the claim review and do all they can to try and get you to accept a lowball settlement. This is why it makes sense to retain the services of an experienced auto accident injury attorney. A savvy and knowledgeable injury attorney can help ensure that your injury claim is handled professionally and effectively. Their knowledge, experience, and skill can help get the financial restitution you deserve.