When to turn on a lawyer after an accident

Many affected persons only turn to a lawyer after an accident if there are problems with claims processing. Often, lawyers only manage to limit the damage. A timely consultation by a lawyer, on the other hand, can avert disadvantages for the person concerned in advance. The lawyer can point out rights to which you are entitled that you have not even thought of.

Who pays the legal fees after a car accident

To put it briefly: if you are not at fault, you will not bear any costs after an accident. Therefore, if you became a victim of an accident through no fault of your own, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. The liability insurance of the opponent of the accident must cover the costs for your traffic lawyer. German law stipulates that the injured party should be in the same position after claims settlement as before the accident. The background is the establishment of an equality of arms, since the insurance companies involved are experts in matters of traffic law. They should therefore also have adequate legal assistance without incurring any costs.

If the parties involved are partly to blame for the accident, the legal fees will be reimbursed proportionately. Each party reimburses the other for the share of legal fees for which he is responsible according to the liability ratio.

For example, if a party A is credited with 30% of the debt, party B with 70%, A's insurance pays 30% of B's legal fees. B's insurance, in turn, pays 70% of A's legal fees. This principle also applies to all other damage costs.

Even after a culpable traffic accident, consult a lawyer

Even if you are to blame for a traffic accident, a lawyer can help you reduce costs. Even in such cases, it is important to react quickly and not to sign an acknowledgment of guilt on the spot. After the car accident, contact a lawyer who will deal with insurance. Perhaps you are only partially to blame. In this case, an expert should determine exactly what claims can be made against you.

Legal expenses insurance is worthwhile

After an accident, effective legal defense can become expensive. It is necessary to think here not only about the lawyer and court costs, but also about possible costs for appraisers. These can be very high. The state treasury bears them only if the proceedings are terminated with an acquittal. But even then, the costs are not always fully covered. If the proceedings are terminated, those affected almost always have to bear their own legal fees. The conclusion of a legal expenses insurance is therefore highly recommended.