When To Get An Attorney For A Car Accident In Bergen County, NJ?

By Doug Standriff on April 2, 2025

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A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. In many cases, individuals involved in a car accident might assume they can handle everything on their own, from dealing with insurance companies to getting medical treatment.

However, depending on the severity of the crash, the situation may require the expertise of a legal professional. Learn when to get an attorney for a car accident to protect your rights and maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement.

Is It Always Necessary to Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?

In some cases, car accidents may be relatively simple, with no injuries and clear liability. If the damage is minor and both parties involved are in agreement about who caused the accident, handling the situation without legal assistance might be possible. Insurance companies may process the claim efficiently without dispute.

However, many accidents involve complexities that go beyond what a person can easily handle. Accidents can result in serious injuries, conflicting reports, or disagreements about who is at fault. If any of these situations arise, it might be time to get in touch with an attorney.

When to Get an Attorney for A Car Accident

Serious Injuries

If you are injured in a car accident, especially if the injuries are significant, hiring a personal injury attorney should be a priority.

Serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal organ damage can lead to extensive medical bills and long-term care needs. These types of injuries can cause financial and emotional hardship. Dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming.

An attorney can help you file a personal injury claim, making sure you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In these cases, an attorney will fight for the compensation needed to cover the extensive treatment and long-term recovery that many serious injuries require.

Disputes Over Liability

Sometimes, it’s not immediately clear who is at fault for the accident. Disagreements over liability can arise–especially in accidents where there are multiple vehicles involved or conflicting reports from drivers, passengers, or witnesses. In situations where you are not at fault but the other party denies it, it is important to have a legal expert handle the case.

An attorney can help investigate the situation, gather evidence, and represent you in any legal proceedings. If the other driver’s insurance refuses to take responsibility or their account of events differs from yours, your attorney will work to make sure your side is heard and understood.

They can also work with expert witnesses and gather additional evidence–such as traffic camera footage–to help clarify the situation.

Uncooperative Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating parts of the car accident process. Insurance adjusters may offer lower settlements or deny claims outright. They hope that you will accept their initial offers or give up on pursuing compensation.

This is especially true if you are facing mounting medical bills and property damage costs. Insurance companies are in business to save money, not to hand out fair settlements.

An attorney experienced in handling car accident claims can step in and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. They know the tactics insurance companies use to reduce settlements and can make sure that the offer you receive reflects the true value of your claim. If necessary, your attorney can take the case to court to secure a fair settlement.

Multiple Parties Involved

If your car accident involves multiple vehicles, the situation becomes significantly more complicated. Multiple parties may have conflicting statements or claims. In these cases, your attorney will be instrumental in making sure the right party is held accountable.

When several individuals or entities are involved, an experienced lawyer can sort through the mess of blame and responsibility. They will see to it that you are not left paying for someone else’s negligence. They will identify the correct insurance policies that should be covering your expenses.

Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Car accidents can be even more complicated when the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance may need to cover the damages. This situation can quickly escalate into a legal nightmare without the help of an attorney.

A car accident attorney can help you deal with this complex situation and help you seek compensation from the appropriate sources. They can also help you understand your own insurance policy. This way, you get the full benefit of your coverage.

The Benefit of a Free Consultation

For many people, the cost of hiring an attorney is a major concern. Fortunately, many car accident attorneys offer free consultations. This means you can get expert legal advice without paying anything upfront. This gives you the opportunity to understand your rights, learn about your options, and determine if hiring an attorney makes sense for your case.

During the consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your accident, including your injuries, damages, and any insurance company dealings. As a result, you can make a more informed decision about whether to move forward with legal representation.

Maximize Your Injury Settlement with New Jersey’s Top-rated Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you deserve compensation. And you need an experienced team to fight for your rights.

At Bergen Law, attorneys Douglas Standriff and Marissa Messinger have over 30 years of expertise in securing maximum compensation for accident victims in Bergen County, NJ. We understand the stress you’re under. We’re here to provide personalized legal support every step of the way.

Don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and time is key. Call 551-231-8025 now for a FREE, confidential consultation with no obligation. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.