For Korean immigrants in California, the aftermath of an accident comes with unique challenges. Beyond the physical and emotional trauma, you may face language barriers that make it hard to communicate with police and doctors, or confusion about a legal system that works very differently from the one in Korea. You might even worry about how your immigration status could affect your claim. Please know that your rights are protected here. A culturally aware pedestrian accident lawyer can be an invaluable guide, ensuring you understand every step of the process. This guide is here to answer your questions and show you how to find the support you need to secure justice and focus on your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Let a lawyer handle the fight so you can heal: A pedestrian accident attorney takes over the entire legal burden, from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus completely on your recovery.
- Protect your health and your claim from the start: Immediately after an accident, seek medical care to document your injuries, file a police report to create an official record, and contact an attorney before you speak with any insurance adjusters.
- Don't let common myths stop you from seeking justice: You can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault, and most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing unless they win your case.
What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for You?
After being hit by a car, your priority is healing. The last thing you want to deal with is complicated legal paperwork and aggressive insurance adjusters. This is where a pedestrian accident lawyer steps in. Think of them as your professional advocate, someone who takes the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better. Their job is to manage every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to fighting for the full compensation you deserve. They become your voice, ensuring you aren't taken advantage of during a vulnerable time. A pedestrian accident lawyer provides crucial support by guiding you through the legal process, investigating the accident, and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. From the moment you hire them, they begin working to protect your rights. They will answer your questions, explain your options in clear terms, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. This comprehensive support allows you to concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery, knowing a professional is handling the legal fight for you.
Investigate the Accident
One of the first things your lawyer will do is launch a thorough investigation into the accident. They act as a detective for your case, working to piece together exactly what happened and who is at fault. This goes far beyond just looking at the police report. Your legal team will collect critical evidence, which can include tracking down and interviewing witnesses, obtaining traffic or security camera footage, and gathering photos of the accident scene and your injuries. They will also review medical records and may consult with accident reconstruction experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf, proving the other party's negligence and demonstrating the true impact the accident has had on your life.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which often means paying you as little as possible. An insurance company has a strong incentive to reduce the value of your settlement or even deny your claim outright. A skilled lawyer understands the tactics adjusters use and will not let them undervalue your claim. They will handle all communications, present a compelling case backed by evidence, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Having a fierce advocate on your side prevents the insurance company from pressuring you into accepting a lowball offer.
Handle Claims of Shared Fault
Many people worry they can't file a claim if they think they might have been partially at fault, maybe for crossing outside of a crosswalk. In California, this isn't true. The state follows a "comparative negligence" rule, which means you can still recover money even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced lawyer will work to minimize your assigned portion of blame by presenting evidence that clearly shows the driver's primary responsibility. They will fight back against unfair accusations from the insurance company to protect your right to compensation and ensure you receive the maximum amount possible under the law.
Represent You in Court
While most pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court, sometimes the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. If this happens, you need a lawyer who is prepared and willing to take your case to trial. Simply hiring a personal injury lawyer shows the insurance company that you are serious about your claim. When an insurer knows your attorney has a strong track record in the courtroom, they are often more willing to negotiate a better settlement. If a trial becomes necessary, your lawyer will have the resources and legal strategies to effectively represent you in court and fight for the justice you deserve.
Your First Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
The moments after being hit by a car are chaotic and frightening. Your mind is racing, you’re likely in pain, and it’s hard to think clearly. While the situation is overwhelming, the steps you take right after the accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. It’s difficult to focus under stress, but having a simple checklist can help you take control. If you’re injured, your first priority is always your well-being. However, if you are able, taking a few key actions at the scene can make a significant difference in your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries later on. These steps help create a clear record of what happened and who is responsible.
Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health comes first, always. You should get emergency medical care immediately, even if you feel your injuries are minor. The shock and adrenaline from an accident can easily mask pain, and some serious conditions, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not have obvious symptoms right away. Calling 911 will dispatch paramedics to provide immediate aid. Seeking prompt medical attention not only starts your recovery but also creates an official medical record that documents your injuries. This record is essential for linking your physical harm directly to the accident, which is a cornerstone of any personal injury claim. If you are able, try to collect contact and insurance information from the driver and any witnesses at the scene.
File a Police Report
As soon as you can, call 911 to report the accident. This ensures that both medical help and law enforcement are sent to your location. When the police arrive, they will create an official report of the incident. This report is an incredibly valuable piece of evidence. It serves as a neutral, third-party account of the accident, often including details like the driver’s information, witness statements, a diagram of the scene, and the officer’s initial assessment of what happened. When you speak with the police, stick to the facts of what you remember. Avoid guessing, speculating, or admitting any fault, as even a simple "I'm sorry" can be misinterpreted by insurance companies later.
Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you are physically able to, use your smartphone to document everything. Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing the position of the vehicle, any relevant traffic signs or signals, crosswalks, and road conditions. Photograph the car that hit you, making sure to get a clear shot of the license plate. It’s also crucial to take photos of your injuries as soon as possible, as bruises and swelling can change over time. Don’t forget to document any damage to your personal property, like your phone, clothing, or glasses. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their testimony could be vital to your case.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After an accident, you should be focused on your recovery, not fighting with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible. Contacting a pedestrian accident attorney helps you protect your rights and ensures you have an advocate on your side. A lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company, investigate the accident thoroughly, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve. We can evaluate your claim and explain your options during a compassionate, no-obligation consultation. Taking this step allows you to focus on what matters most: healing.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
After being hit by a car, the focus is rightly on your physical recovery. But the financial side of things can quickly become a major source of stress. In a personal injury case, the goal is to recover compensation, legally known as "damages," for all the losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. It’s about getting the resources you need to cover your costs and account for the impact the accident has had on your life.
Damages are typically broken into two categories. The first is economic damages, which are the tangible, calculable financial losses. Think of these as anything you can show with a bill, receipt, or pay stub. The second is non-economic damages, which are for intangible losses that don’t have a clear price tag, like the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve experienced.
Calculating the full and fair value of your claim is a detailed process. It involves more than just adding up your current medical bills. It requires a forward-looking assessment of your future needs and a deep understanding of how to value your suffering. This is where having dedicated legal representation is crucial. A skilled attorney will work to identify every single loss to ensure you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to, allowing you to focus on what matters most: healing.
Medical Expenses
Your health is the top priority, and the costs of medical care after a pedestrian accident can be staggering. Compensation for medical expenses covers every part of your treatment, not just the initial emergency room visit. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, and physical or occupational therapy. It also covers any necessary medical equipment, like crutches or a wheelchair. Importantly, this compensation isn't limited to the bills you've already received. It also accounts for the estimated cost of any future medical care you'll need as a result of your injuries, ensuring you won't be left paying out-of-pocket for long-term treatment down the road.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Ability
Being unable to work while you recover can put a huge strain on your finances. You can claim compensation for the income you lost during your time away from your job. This includes not just your base salary but also any missed overtime, bonuses, or commissions you would have earned. In more serious cases, your injuries might permanently affect your ability to perform your job or force you to take a lower-paying position. In this situation, you can also seek damages for "loss of future earning capacity." This is a complex calculation that projects your lost income over the course of your working life, and it’s a critical piece of compensation for those with life-altering injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Some of the deepest impacts of an accident aren't financial. "Pain and suffering" is the legal term for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you endure because of your injuries. This includes the actual physical pain from the injury itself, as well as the mental anguish that often follows a traumatic event. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, or a general loss of enjoyment of life. While no amount of money can undo your suffering, this form of compensation is the legal system's way of acknowledging the profound human cost of the accident and holding the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused.
Property Damage
While your physical injuries are the main concern, you can also be compensated for any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident. This is a straightforward part of your claim that is easy to overlook. Did the impact shatter your smartphone screen? Were your laptop, headphones, or expensive prescription glasses broken? Were your clothes torn or ruined? You have the right to be reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing these items. Be sure to keep any damaged items and take photos of them before they are repaired or discarded, as this can serve as important evidence for your claim.
What if You Were Partially at Fault?
After an accident, it’s natural to replay the event in your mind and wonder if you could have done something differently. Many pedestrians worry that if they were even slightly to blame, they have no right to compensation. This is a common fear, and it’s one that insurance companies often use to their advantage. They might try to argue that you were distracted, not paying attention, or in the wrong place, all in an effort to reduce or deny your claim. Facing these accusations can be incredibly stressful, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries.
The good news is that California law recognizes that accidents are rarely one person’s fault entirely. Even if your actions contributed to the incident, you are not automatically barred from recovering damages. Understanding how shared fault works is the first step toward protecting your rights. An experienced attorney can help you counter the insurance company’s arguments and build a case that accurately reflects what happened. They will work to ensure the focus remains on the driver’s negligence and the full extent of your injuries, not on unfair blame placed on you.
How California's "Comparative Negligence" Rule Works
California operates under a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This is a legal way of saying that you can still get compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Instead of preventing you from recovering anything, the court will determine your percentage of fault and simply reduce your compensation by that amount. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you can still recover $80,000. This system ensures that you can get the financial support you need for recovery, even if you weren't completely blameless. An attorney’s job is to minimize your assigned percentage of fault by presenting a strong case.
What This Means if You Were Jaywalking
One of the most persistent common myths is that a pedestrian who was jaywalking has no right to pursue a claim. This is simply not true. All drivers have a duty of care to watch for pedestrians and avoid collisions whenever possible, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk. If a driver was speeding, texting, or otherwise distracted, they can still be held liable for hitting you, even if you were crossing mid-block. In these situations, a jury will weigh the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian to assign fault. Don't assume you have no case just because you weren't in a crosswalk; the circumstances are often far more complex.
How to Build a Strong Pedestrian Accident Claim
After the shock of an accident, it’s hard to think clearly. But the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can have a huge impact on your ability to get fair compensation. Building a strong claim isn’t about being an expert in the law; it’s about being diligent and protecting your rights from the very beginning. Think of it as laying the groundwork for your case, piece by piece.
The three most important pillars of a strong claim are preserving evidence, documenting your medical journey, and being careful about what you say. Each one helps paint a clear picture of what happened and how the accident has affected your life. While a lawyer will handle the legal complexities, your early actions provide the essential facts and records they need to advocate for you effectively. By focusing on these key areas, you can take control of your situation and put yourself in the best possible position for a successful outcome. We offer a free case review to help you understand your options and next steps.
Preserve Important Evidence
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Cars get moved, witnesses leave, and physical injuries begin to heal. That’s why it’s so important to capture as much information as you can, right away. If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of everything: the vehicle that hit you, its license plate, the street signs, any skid marks, and your injuries. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. This collection of details creates a snapshot of the moment that can be crucial later. A pedestrian accident lawyer can use this evidence to build your case and counter any attempts by the insurance company to argue that you were partially at fault.
Work With Your Doctors
Your health is the top priority. You should get medical help immediately after an accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious conditions, like internal injuries or concussions, don’t always show symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures you get the care you need and creates an official record that directly links your injuries to the accident. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep records of everything. If you’re worried about the cost or don’t have health insurance, let us know. We can often connect clients with medical providers who will wait for payment until your case is settled.
Avoid Mistakes That Can Weaken Your Case
What you say after an accident matters just as much as what you do. It’s natural to feel flustered, but it’s critical not to say anything that could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. When speaking with the police, only state the facts you know for sure; don’t guess or speculate about what happened. Later, when an insurance adjuster calls, be very careful. They may ask for a recorded statement, but you are not required to provide one. It’s best to politely decline and direct them to your attorney. Their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, and they may try to use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim.
What's the Timeline for a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When you're recovering from an injury, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated legal process. It’s natural to wonder, "How long will this take?" While every case is unique, most pedestrian accident claims follow a similar path. Understanding the general timeline can help you know what to expect as your lawyer works to get you the compensation you deserve. For many claims in California, the entire process from filing to settlement takes around six to twelve months, but this can change depending on the complexity of your case. The journey starts with filing a claim and can sometimes lead to a lawsuit if a fair agreement can't be reached.
Filing the Insurance Claim
The first step your attorney will take is to formally file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. This isn't just a simple phone call. Your lawyer will gather all the necessary documents to build a strong foundation for your case, including the police report, your medical records and bills, and any witness statements. They will then send a detailed demand letter to the insurer, which outlines the facts of the accident, establishes the other party's fault, and specifies the amount of compensation you are seeking for your injuries and other losses. This initial phase sets the stage for everything that follows and is a critical part of the process.
The Settlement Negotiation Process
Once the insurance company receives your claim, the negotiation phase begins. It's rare for an insurer to accept the initial demand without question. More often, they will review the evidence and come back with a counteroffer, which is usually much lower than what you deserve. This is where having an experienced lawyer is essential. Your attorney will handle all the back-and-forth communication, presenting arguments and evidence to counter the insurer's tactics and push for a fair settlement. This process can take some time, but it's designed to reach an agreement without ever having to step into a courtroom. Your lawyer's goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you through skilled negotiation.
When a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement during negotiations, the next step is to file a lawsuit. This might sound intimidating, but it's a standard part of the process and a powerful tool to show the insurer you are serious about your claim. Filing a lawsuit doesn't mean your case will definitely go to a full-blown trial. In fact, many cases settle after a lawsuit is filed but before the trial date arrives. Your lawyer will continue to negotiate on your behalf, but they will also prepare to represent you in court if that's what it takes to get you the justice you deserve.
California's Deadline for Filing a Claim
One of the most important things to know is that you have a limited time to act. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. While two years might seem like a long time, it's crucial to start the process much sooner. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories can fade, and building a strong case takes time. Contacting an attorney early on ensures that all critical evidence is preserved and that you don't risk losing your right to seek compensation. Don't wait until the deadline is approaching to protect your rights.
Common Myths About Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, a lot of common advice is based on myths that can stop you from getting the help you deserve. Let's clear up a few of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Understanding the truth can make a huge difference in your ability to recover physically and financially. These myths often prevent people from seeking justice, but knowing the facts empowers you to make the best decision for your situation.
"I can't afford a lawyer."
This is probably the most common worry we hear, and it’s completely understandable. The good news is that it’s usually not true. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This simply means we don’t get paid unless we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award. This approach ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You can get the help you need without any upfront costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery. A free case review is the best way to understand your options without any financial pressure.
"My injuries aren't that serious."
It’s tempting to downplay your injuries, especially if you can still walk and talk after an accident. You might think, "I'll be fine in a few days." However, even minor accidents can cause injuries with delayed symptoms, and what seems like a small issue can lead to significant medical bills and time off work. Insurance companies often use the fact that you didn't seek immediate or extensive care to argue your injuries aren't severe, trying to minimize what they have to pay. Having a lawyer ensures that your health is taken seriously from the start and that you are compensated for all your medical needs, not just the ones that appear right away.
"I can deal with the insurance company on my own."
While you certainly can speak to the insurance company yourself, it puts you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to protect their company’s profits by paying out as little as possible. They know the rules and how to use your own words against you to devalue your claim. Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field. We handle all communications with the insurer, protect you from their tactics, and build a strong case for the full compensation you deserve. With fierce advocacy on your side, you can focus on healing while a professional handles the legal complexities for you.
Challenges for Korean Immigrants After an Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is overwhelming for anyone. But if you're a Korean immigrant, you might face extra challenges that can make a difficult situation feel impossible. From language barriers to confusion about your legal rights, these hurdles are real, but they are not insurmountable. The good news is that you don't have to face them alone. There are specific resources available to help, and understanding these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them and protecting your right to compensation.
Overcome Language Barriers in Your Case
Navigating the legal system after an accident can feel like learning a new language, filled with complex terms and procedures. When English isn't your first language, this barrier can seem even more daunting. It's vital that you can clearly explain what happened and fully understand your options. Fortunately, you're not alone. Organizations like the Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles offer support by helping with legal forms and connecting people with language services. Getting this assistance is a key step in making sure your voice is heard and your story is accurately told throughout your case.
Know Your Rights as an Immigrant
After an accident, you might worry about how your immigration status could affect your ability to file a claim. Let me be clear: everyone has the right to seek justice and compensation if they've been injured due to someone else's negligence, regardless of their immigration status. Understanding your legal rights is the foundation of a strong claim. Groups like the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) are dedicated to empowering the community with this knowledge. They even offer a confidential hotline with assistance in Korean, so you can get clear answers to your questions and feel confident moving forward.
Find Culturally Aware Legal Help in Southern California
Finding a lawyer is one thing; finding a lawyer who truly understands your background is another. An attorney who is familiar with the Korean community's cultural nuances can make a significant difference in your experience. Research shows that many Korean immigrants face difficulties with the legal system, partly due to a lack of culturally competent legal assistance. A culturally aware legal team won't just handle the paperwork; they will understand your perspective, communicate in a way that makes sense to you, and advocate for you with a deeper level of empathy and insight. This kind of support can be invaluable as you seek the compensation you deserve.
How to Choose the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After an accident, choosing a lawyer can feel like another overwhelming task on a very long list. But finding the right legal partner is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your well-being and your future. This isn't just about hiring someone with a law degree; it's about finding an advocate who understands what you're going through and has the skill to fight for the compensation you deserve. The right lawyer will feel like a true partner. They will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions without using confusing legal jargon, and give you a clear, honest assessment of your case.
They handle the complex legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Think of this process as building your support team. You want someone in your corner who is not only experienced and strategic but also compassionate and dedicated to your specific needs. A good attorney recognizes that you are more than just a case file. They see the person who has been injured, whose life has been disrupted, and who needs help putting the pieces back together. The following steps will help you identify that person and make a choice you can feel confident about.
Look for a Specialist with a Proven Record
Not all lawyers have the same experience. While many attorneys handle general personal injury cases, you should look for someone who specializes in pedestrian accidents. These cases have unique complexities, from proving driver negligence to understanding the specific types of injuries pedestrians often suffer. A specialist knows what evidence is critical, what tactics insurance companies use to deny claims, and how to build the strongest case possible. Look for a firm with a proven track record of successfully handling cases like yours. This experience shows they have the knowledge and dedication to secure a fair outcome for their clients.
Make Sure They Communicate Well
You should never feel like you're in the dark about your own case. A good lawyer will make communication a priority. During your initial conversations, notice how they listen and how they explain things. Do they take the time to answer your questions fully? Do they explain your rights and options in a way that is easy to understand? The legal process can be confusing, and a great attorney acts as your guide, providing both legal and emotional support. You are going through a difficult time, and you deserve a lawyer who is not only a fierce advocate but also a compassionate ally who keeps you informed every step of the way.
Understand Their Contingency Fee Agreement
Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they worry about the cost. This is a valid concern, but most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure is designed to help people who have been injured. It means you don't pay any attorney's fees upfront. The lawyer's fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they win for you. If they don't win your case, you don't owe them a fee. This arrangement allows you to get high-quality legal help without any financial risk, ensuring your ability to seek justice isn't determined by your bank account.
Use Free Consultations to Find the Right Fit
Most pedestrian accident lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss your case. You should take advantage of this. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to share your story, get an initial opinion on your claim, and see if the lawyer is a good fit for you. Prepare a few questions ahead of time and treat it like an interview. Pay attention to how the team treats you and whether you feel comfortable with them. Trust your instincts. The goal is to find a lawyer you can trust completely, so use the free case review to make sure you've found the right person to represent you.
Related Articles
- Common Misconceptions About Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Fierce Advocacy for Injury Victims
- Know Your Rights: NAKASEC Resources
- Korean Resource Center Los Angeles Office
- Culturally Competent Legal Assistance for Immigrants
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't afford to hire a lawyer right now? This is a very common and understandable worry, but you don't need to have money upfront to get legal help. Most pedestrian accident lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we successfully win your case and recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for you to get started. This allows you to have a strong advocate on your side without adding financial stress while you recover.
Can I still get compensation if the accident was partly my fault? Yes, you absolutely can. California law recognizes that accidents are often complex, and it uses a system called "comparative negligence." This means you can still recover money even if you were found to be partially responsible, for instance, if you were crossing outside of a crosswalk. Your total compensation would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. A key part of our job is to build a strong case that minimizes your assigned share of the blame and focuses on the driver's negligence.
How long does a pedestrian accident case usually take? There isn't a single answer for this, as every case is different. A straightforward claim might settle in a few months, while a more complex case could take a year or longer. The timeline depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly. Our goal is always to resolve your case as efficiently as possible, but we will never rush a settlement at the expense of the full compensation you deserve.
Do I really need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer? You should be very cautious about accepting an initial offer from an insurance company. Their first offer is often an attempt to settle your claim quickly and for the lowest amount possible. It may not account for future medical bills, lost earning ability, or the full extent of your pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer can accurately calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate for a settlement that truly covers all of your losses, which is almost always significantly more than the first offer.
What if my injuries don't seem that serious right after the accident? You should always get a medical evaluation and speak with a lawyer, even if you feel okay. The shock and adrenaline from an accident can easily hide pain, and some serious injuries (like concussions or internal damage) may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking immediate medical care creates an essential record linking your injuries to the accident. Contacting a lawyer protects your rights in case your injuries turn out to be more significant than you first thought.