After a crash, most people ask themselves, Should I get an attorney for a car accident, or can I handle this on my own?
It’s a fair question. Some fender benders can be managed without legal help. But when the damage is serious—physically, financially, or emotionally—going it alone can cost you more than you think.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of Californians recover after serious crashes. If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, this guide is for you.
Here are seven signs it’s time to call a car accident attorney in California.
1. The Insurance Company Is Delaying or Denying Your Claim
Insurance companies know that delay equals frustration. The longer they take to respond, the more likely you are to give up or accept a lowball offer. If your calls go unanswered, your paperwork seems to disappear, or they deny your claim, it may be time to enlist an attorney.
A lawyer steps in with experience and authority. We hold insurance companies accountable, meet deadlines, and push your case forward when the other side drags its feet.
When should you hire an attorney for a car accident? If you’re getting the runaround from the insurer, the answer is right now.
2. Your Injuries Are More Than Just Bumps and Bruises
Not all injuries are obvious on day one. Some, like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, show up days later and require ongoing treatment.
If you’re facing any of the following, you need a lawyer on your side:
- ER visits or hospitalization,
- Surgeries or physical therapy,
- Missed work due to injury, or
- Long-term or permanent disability.
Once serious medical care is involved, the stakes go up. A car accident lawyer can help calculate the full value of your economic and noneconomic damages, including medical bills, lost income, and future care needs.
3. You’re Not Sure What Your Case Is Worth
Most people don’t walk around knowing the value of their personal injury claim. Insurance companies love that. The less you know, the more they control the conversation.
You’re not alone if you don’t know what a fair settlement looks like for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, you shouldn’t have to guess. A lawyer can give you an informed estimate based on California law and experience with similar cases.
So, if you’re asking, Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident? The answer, in many cases, is yes, especially when you have no idea what you’re leaving on the table.
4. You Were Blamed for the Crash (Even If It Wasn’t Your Fault)
Fault matters in California as it is a comparative negligence state, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. And insurance adjusters know how to shift blame fast.
If the other driver’s insurance points fingers at you, or if you’re being told you were partially or fully responsible, it’s time to get legal help.
We gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Our goal is to ensure that the truth is revealed and that fault is assigned fairly.
5. There Are Multiple Parties Involved
Multi-party accidents are a legal maze. The more people or companies involved, the more complicated things get. You might be dealing with multiple insurance companies, multiple stories, and a lot of finger-pointing.
A car accident lawyer helps you cut through the confusion. We’ll figure out who’s liable, coordinate with each insurance carrier, and fight to make sure your rights aren’t buried under the blame game.
6. You Got a Lowball Settlement Offer
The first offer is rarely the best. And once you sign that release, you’re locked in, even if you later need surgery or lose more work than expected.
Here’s what we’ve seen far too often:
- An offer that barely covers your ER visit,
- Zero compensation for pain and suffering, and
- No consideration of long-term costs.
You don’t need to accept an offer because it’s on the table. A car accident lawyer can review it, tell you what’s missing, and handle negotiations so you’re not pressured into a quick payout. If the offer doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and call an experienced lawyer for guidance.
7. You’re Stressed, Confused, and Tired
Even “simple” cases take time, energy, and emotional bandwidth, especially if you’re trying to heal or get back to work. And if you’re dealing with pain, paperwork, and pushy adjusters all at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
When you hire Wells Call Injury Lawyers, you hand off the legal stress. We take over the phone calls, emails, claim forms, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal side.
Why Work With Wells Call Injury Lawyers?
You’ve got options when it comes to personal injury firms, but here’s what sets us apart:
- We’ve recovered over $500 million for California clients since 1984;
- Wells Call Injury Lawyers has real local offices in Fairfield, Napa, Richmond, Vallejo, Woodland, and Vacaville;
- We treat clients like people, not case numbers;
- Our lawyers don’t use cheesy gimmicks or make empty promises; and
- And we actually care about getting you the best possible result.
If you’re wondering, should I get an attorney for a car accident? We can help you answer that question in a real conversation.
Contact Wells Call Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll listen, ask thoughtful questions, and give you honest feedback about your case. No pressure. No obligation. Just real support from legal professionals who know how to help.