Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?

When a car accident occurs, if the accident is serious, it's usually an unspoken rule that a lawyer will be involved, a lawsuit will be filed, and the at-fault party will be required to pay compensation to the injured party. What if, however, the accident is relatively minor? Is it worth it to hire an attorney? Can a person just deal with the insurer of the other driver themselves? 

The truth is that even a small collision can create a lot of cost. These include unexpected medical bills, accident-related insurance disputes, and long-term consequences. 

Powell Law Firm has been working with those who have been involved in a car accident in St. Louis, and they always have the best interests of their client in mind, no matter how minor the accident is. With a free case evaluation, there is no reason to try to handle a case like this without a car accident attorney. In addition to answering questions like Is it worth filing a claim if there were no injuries? Here is why it's worth hiring a car accident lawyer to represent a victim following a minor car accident. In

Defining a “Minor” Car Accident

When someone describes a "minor" car accident, what is meant by that? Typically, it's meant to be a low-speed collision that causes little damage to the vehicle. People may call this a "fender bender," and many times the car can drive away from the scene. Property damage may include small dents, cracked bumpers, or scratched paint. 

However, in this case, the term "minor" may be misleading. An auto accident with minimal property damage doesn't mean that no one suffered an injury or that even if someone feels fine now, they may develop injuries in the future. Even a low-impact, minor collision can cause concussions, back problems, or soft-tissue injuries. 

Common Issues That Can Arise After a Minor Accident - Hidden Injuries, Disputes with Insurance Companies, and Disagreements

People involved in an accident like this often expect it to be quickly resolved once they exchange insurance information and get the police report. This is definitely not the case, however. Several issues may arise in the days and weeks following an accident. These include: 

• Hidden injuries like whiplash, muscle strains, soft tissue injuries, or even mild traumatic brain injuries, like concussions.

• Insurance disputes over how much damage the vehicle has and whether all repairs were necessary.

• Disagreements with another driver about who holds liability in the case.

• Unexpected costs, including rental car fees, towing expenses, or additional medical treatment.

Complications like these can turn a simple claim into a frustrating process, and negotiations can quickly fail. 

Reasons People Avoid Hiring a Law Firm After a Minor Accident

Many people don't contact an attorney after a small accident for many reasons. These include: 

• They believe that the amount the lawyer takes from the case will be more than the recovery.

• They don't think they suffered injuries because when the crash happened, they might be fueled by adrenaline.

• They think they can handle the insurance claim on their own.

• They assume that the at-fault driver and their insurance company will be fair.

Unfortunately, these assumptions are not always true, and usually, a victim can get much more if they file a lawsuit with an attorney. 

How a Lawyer Can Help Even in Minor Accidents

Many victims in this situation may not realize what an experienced car accident lawyer in St Louis can do. Even a minor car accident can cause injuries and turn into a major issue where the victim could stand to lose a lot of money and take on a huge financial burden. An attorney can do the following: 

• Evaluating the cost of damages, which include medical care, lost wages, property damage, and other costs - this allows the victim to pursue compensation.

• Negotiating with the insurance company to ensure any settlement offer is fair and not the lowest it could be. 

• Gathering evidence to support your claim, including collecting statements from witnesses, collecting evidence from the accident scene, and looking at any phone records, text messages, or other evidence that could affect the outcome. 

• Protect against lowball settlements 

Understanding Missouri’s Comparative Negligence Law

An insurance adjuster, attorney and police will all work together to determine fault. In Missouri, the pure comparative fault system applies to car accident claims. This means that each person involved can recover damages even if they are partially at fault — but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a driver is awarded $10,000 in damages but found 20% at fault for the accident, they would receive $8,000. This rule applies even in smaller claims, which means determining fault accurately is essential. If the other driver’s insurance company tries to assign an unfair percentage of fault, an attorney can help challenge their findings.

When Hiring a  Personal Injury Lawyer Is Especially Worth It

While legal representation can be helpful in most accidents, certain situations make it even more important — even if the crash seems minor. These include:

• Injuries that might turn into chronic pain

• Injuries that may not show up right away

• Insurance company delays or denials of coverage

• When fault is disputed and there is a risk of losing fair compensation

• When multiple parties or organizations are involved

• Ensure the statute of limitations doesn't pass by

In these cases, working with a lawyer can make a big difference between a fair settlement and losing money. An attorney will notice things you might miss and help you get the fairest settlement possible. 

Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney After a Minor Accident

One of the biggest concerns people have is affordability, and because of this, they might not contact a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers, including Powell Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and the lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful.

The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict, which allows clients to get representation without financial risk. This arrangement makes it practical to hire a lawyer even when damages are smaller.

Steps to Take After a Minor Accident

Whether someone decides to hire a lawyer immediately or not, there are important steps to take after a minor crash to protect their rights:

1. Call the police to start the process of collecting evidence

2. Document the scene with photos and videos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.

3. Get immediate medical care and see a doctor, even for minor aches or discomfort.

4. Exchange information with the other driver and collect witness contact details.

5. Notify the insurance company about the accident.

6. Consider a legal consultation before accepting any settlement offer.

Following these steps can help preserve evidence and prevent costly mistakes. When you have a police report and you seek medical attention, you can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs and have the best chance of recovering compensation.

Do You Need an Attorney? Protect Your Rights with Powell Law Firm

A minor car accident may not seem like a situation that requires legal assistance, but the potential for hidden injuries, insurance disputes, and unexpected costs means it should not be taken lightly. Even small claims can benefit from professional evaluation, especially under Missouri’s comparative negligence laws.

By consulting with Powell Law Firm, individuals involved in minor accidents can better understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and secure fair compensation for their losses. A free case review can provide clarity on whether legal action is worth pursuing — and in many cases, it can make all the difference. Call today.