Your day can start out totally normal, but a car accident can turn everything upside down, especially when you were not at fault for the collision. In the days and weeks after a car accident, it can be difficult to get answers from the other driver's insurance company, and you may be offered a low settlement amount that does not cover all of your expenses. While it is possible for you to deal with the aftermath of a car accident on your own in some situations, having an attorney on your side can make things so much easier, and having legal counsel can often result in you receiving a more favorable settlement. If you have been in a car accident, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney in the following situations:

You Sustain an Injury in the Accident

When it comes to car accident claims, there is a fairly standard system in place to determine how much a claimant will be offered if his or car is totaled based on the make/model, year, and number of miles. But while it may be easy to put a value on a vehicle, it is much more difficult to receive a fair settlement when injury is involved. If you have been injured in an accident, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer; a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents can work on your behalf to make sure that you receive a settlement that covers auto repair bills/ auto replacement, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages from missing work.

The Insurance Company is Contesting Fault

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to try to fight claims, and try to push part of the blame on the victim in the car accident. If you do not have experience in the fields of law or insurance, you may find yourself in a position where you can end up with a very small settlement, or even nothing at all, if an insurance company decides to deny fault even when there is evidence. In this situation, you need a car accident lawyer who knows how to present all of the evidence in your claim, and strongly prove that you were not at fault.

Your Claim Goes to Court

If your case ends up going to court, you should never try to represent yourself. Insurance companies employ highly skilled lawyers, so if you have no idea what you are doing legally, there is a good chance that you will lose your case or get a very small settlement if you don't have legal representation. Car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning that there are no upfront costs for you. To find out more, speak with someone like Sarkisian, Sarkisian & Associates PC.