When Should You Get a South Bend Car Accident Lawyer for a Car Accident?

July 5, 2025

Getting into a car accident on a South Bend roadway can feel overwhelming. From vehicle damage to severe physical injuries, the aftereffects of a collision can alter every part of life, leaving drivers and passengers wondering what steps to take next. Fortunately, a qualified legal professional understands how to navigate the complexities of the process and get things back to normal again. So, when should you get a South Bend car accident lawyer for a car accident? Join our team at Hensley Legal Group as we discuss your legal options following collisions in South Bend, IN.

When Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Beneficial?

In 2022 alone, 8,709 collisions occurred in South Bend and the surrounding communities of St. Joseph County. Many motorists involved in accidents will file police reports, notify their insurance companies to get their claims started, and go on with their lives.

But if you were injured, the collision caused financial loss, or there’s a dispute over who’s responsible, consulting with a South Bend car accident attorney should be at the top of your to-do list following the crash. A seasoned lawyer will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance, and represent you in court if necessary, so don’t delay in discussing your situation with one.

Handling a Car Accident Without Legal Representation

A car accident could leave you dealing with physical wounds, monetary loss, and even emotional trauma, and you’ll naturally want to be compensated for the entirety of your damages if the collision was due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence.

However, you might be wondering if it’s possible to build your South Bend car accident case on your own. You certainly have the right to go it alone, but insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of victims by devaluing their damages and presenting a host of additional obstacles to overcome throughout the process. Moreover, handling a car accident claim by yourself can present several challenges, including:

Lower Settlements – Insurance companies are known for offering lower settlements to unrepresented individuals, with hopes they’ll accept quick, insufficient payouts.
Missed Deadlines – Car accident claims and other legal documents will have specific deadlines. Missing these important dates could restrict you from seeking and receiving payment.
Difficulty Proving Liability – Gathering and presenting relevant evidence to prove the other party is at fault can be challenging without an attorney’s knowledge.
Being Unaware of True Damages – Many car accident victims are unaware of everything they’re entitled to, such as medical costs, lost wages, or mental distress.
Insurance Company Tactics – Insurance adjusters may use a wide range of tactics to minimize payouts or shift blame. This makes it complicated to protect your rights and receive everything you’re owed.
Understanding Legal Procedures – Grasping complex terminology and procedures, as well as making your way through the legal system, can be difficult for someone without the proper training.

A South Bend car accident lawyer will lead you through these roadblocks and ensure fair compensation for all injuries, including those that aren’t immediately apparent.

What a South Bend Car Accident Attorney Can Do for You

This may be your first car accident, but it won’t be the insurance adjuster’s first claim. As you can imagine, you may have an uphill battle ahead of you. To start off on the strongest possible footing, reach out to experienced legal practitioners right away, like the South Bend car accident attorneys at Hensley Legal Group.

A skilled car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your collision and everyone liable for it before Indiana’s Statute of Limitations expires, moving swiftly to amass the materials to support your claim. After assembling an airtight case against every defendant, your attorney can begin negotiations to recover economic damages for:

Medical bills
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Mental and emotional trauma
Diminished quality of life
Impaired mobility
Loss of consortium
Punitive and wrongful death damages (if applicable)

If neither party can agree upon an amount that reflects the true value of your case, your lawyer can ask for a verdict in court, where plaintiffs with representation are favored to win.

The advantages of hiring a South Bend car accident attorney are clear, which is why picking up the phone to have your questions answered should be one of the first things you do after a crash.

Contact Hensley’s South Bend Car Accident Lawyers Today

Getting into a car crash can be scary and stressful, but everything that follows can go more smoothly with our guidance, so contact Hensley’s South Bend car accident lawyers today to take the first step towards securing your future following a collision. With more than 25 years of helping Hoosiers across the state, we will fight for what you deserve, regardless of the facts surrounding your case.

To schedule a free consultation with a dedicated South Bend car accident attorney, please call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now.