Sometimes life throws difficulties your way. When should you attempt to take care of business on your own, and when is it best to get a lawyer on your side?
Even if you know that professional legal assistance would be to your benefit, the extra cost of legal representation can be hard to shoulder when you’re already struggling to stay afloat.
Sometimes it’s okay to handle things on your own. But in other scenarios, you would be foolish not to hire a lawyer. But how should you know which is which? To help you make your decision, here are some cut-and-dry situations when you should pick up the phone and call a lawyer immediately.
You’ve Been Charged With a Crime
If you’ve watched any cop films, you’ll know this statement: “whatever you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” If you are charged with a crime, get a lawyer immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, try to defend yourself without legal representation. Even a minor accusation that you believe you can prove yourself innocent of can significantly damage your future when it comes to job prospects, immigration, and loans.
While you may think you have the circumstances straight, a courtroom situation can quickly become complicated, on top of being an extremely emotional time for you. The best thing to do is hire a lawyer, as they will be able to approach the situation in an unemotional and objective manner. Investing in top-rated court transcription services is also highly advisable, as you may wish to appeal your case. The quicker the turn-around, the better your chances of a successful appeal when it really counts.
You Crashed Your Car and Somebody Was Hurt
If you were unlucky enough to have been driving a vehicle that was involved in an accident, and somebody was hurt—or, God forbid, someone was fatally injured—there are a few things you should do urgently. One of these is to get legal representation. If passengers were injured in the crash, their medical bills could amount to high totals over the course of their recovery. In many cases, crash-related injuries can have implications for the course of someone’s life, and they will require treatment for many years. For example, a blow to the head that results in loss of speech facility could demand speech therapy for the remainder of the person’s life.
After an accident, you and the other driver will exchange insurance details, and the two insurance companies representing you will decide on the liability question. Even so, it’s well worth getting legal representation to ensure that your interests are looked after in the aftermath.
Accident-related Death
While it’s not nice to even think about, accident-related deaths are a reality. If a fatality occurred because of an accident that you were involved in, you would need a lawyer to help you ensure that the situation is appropriately handled. Whether the deceased was a worker in your factory or a passenger in your vehicle, it is vital that you make arrangements for suitable compensation to be paid to the family of the deceased or any other individuals who are entitled to compensation.
Whether it’s a minor scrape or a serious incident, not every situation demands the help of a lawyer. However, these situations are clear instances when you should not attempt to hand the situation alone, but get a legal team on side.
