If you’ve been in an auto accident, it can be a life-altering occurrence. There may be some questions that you are facing, including whether or not you should sue after your accident. The truth is, it is not a cut and dry, yes or no answer.
So how do you decide? This article will discuss the common situations and factors that may influence whether or not you choose to sue in the event of a car accident. And keep in mind, you can always reach out to an auto accident lawyer and ask them to review your case at no cost. A car accident attorney can discuss all of your options with you and help you make the best decision moving forward.
Is it Worth it to Sue After a Car Accident?
It is worth it to sue after a car accident when you are not at fault in many cases. Here are some common situations when seeking financial compensation via a lawsuit may make sense.
- Injuries were sustained: While many common auto accident injuries, like bruises, internal bleeding, or a broken bone, may present themselves immediately after an accident, other injuries may take days or weeks to surface. These may include neck injuries, back injuries, or PTSD. Seeking medical attention following an accident can help you understand the extent of any injuries. If serious injuries were sustained, it may be worth it to sue.
- There are costly medical bills: If an injury presents itself, medical bills can add up quickly. In fact, over $23 billion is spent every year in the US on non-fatal car accident injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you are dealing with medical bills, it may be worth it to sue.
- Wages have been lost: In the event of a severe accident, you may find yourself unable to work for a period of time. Some injuries may even be so severe that they result in loss of employment. In either of these situations, suing to recoup lost wages may be worth it.
- The accident resulted in a death: A loss of life is tragic, and if it is a result of negligence on the other party’s part, suing may be worth it. By filing a suit, you could seek financial compensation for end-of-life expenses, loss of wages from the deceased, loss of companionship, as well as those expenses related to trauma and therapy.
- There was extensive property damage: While insurance companies can often handle the compensation associated with property damage, there are times when it may make sense to sue. For example, if the property damage was extensive or you struggled to deal with the other party’s insurance company, suing may be worth it.
Of course, not every accident warrants a lawsuit. Here are a couple of common occurrences where it may not make sense to sue.
- No injuries were sustained: If there were no injuries in your accident, you might not need to sue. In instances like this, insurance companies often take care of the financial compensation associated with vehicle damage without the need for legal action. However, you should seek medical attention following an accident to rule out potential injuries or complications that you may not be aware of.
- It does not make financial sense: Often, filing a lawsuit involves hiring an auto accident lawyer. If no injuries were sustained and the monetary Bluebook value of the vehicle is low, any monetary compensation won may not outweigh the fees associated with an attorney.
If you’re unsure whether it is worth suing after an accident, you can always schedule a free consultation with a lawyer. Rather than searching online for “car accident lawyer near me,” consider reaching out for a no-cost meeting with one of our experienced, caring lawyers at Broadwing Legal.
How Long Can You Sue After a Car Accident?
As you decide if it is worth it to seek legal action, it is helpful to know how long you can sue. The statute of limitations on car accidents varies from state to state. However, in Indiana, you have exactly two years from the date of an accident to file a claim. While two years may seem like a long time, issues with injuries, wages, medical bills, or insurance companies can arise in the days, weeks, or months following an accident. Additionally, it can take some time for lawyers to put together a claim and do due diligence, so starting the process sooner—if possible—can be preferable.
Broadwing Legal: Experienced Indiana Car Accident Lawyers
Finding a car accident lawyer in Indiana doesn’t have to be complicated. At Broadwing Legal, our team of attorneys has been working on auto accident cases for over a decade. With specialties in auto accidents and personal injury, our knowledgeable team of lawyers is dedicated to empowering you to make the best decision to help you move forward. While every case is different, what doesn’t change is our commitment to representing you to the full extent of the law.
If you would like to explore your options for taking legal action after an auto accident, we invite you to call for a free consultation today.
