Do I have to bear the legal costs for a traffic accident myself or will the insurance cover them?
April 6, 2024 | 65,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Hausdorf
Dear lawyer,
My name is Tina Eichenlaub and I have a question regarding legal fees after a traffic accident. Two weeks ago, I was involved in a traffic accident where another driver failed to give way to me. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but my car was significantly damaged.
After the accident, I contacted my insurance company to report the damage. I was advised to also consult a traffic law attorney to enforce my claims and protect my rights. Now I am wondering if I have to bear the costs for the attorney myself or if the insurance will cover them.
I am concerned that the legal fees as a victim of the accident could mean additional financial burden for me. Therefore, it is very important for me to know if the insurance can cover the costs for the attorney and how I should best proceed in this situation.
Can you please explain to me if I have to bear the legal fees for the traffic accident myself or if the insurance will cover them? Are there possibly other ways to minimize or avoid the costs?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Tina Eichenlaub
Dear Mrs. Eichenlaub,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding legal costs after a traffic accident. I am sorry to hear that you were involved in such an incident, but it is good to hear that no one was seriously injured.
It is generally advisable to consult a traffic lawyer after a traffic accident to assert your claims and protect your rights. The costs of hiring a lawyer can indeed be an additional financial burden, but in many cases, the insurance of the at-fault driver may cover the legal fees.
However, the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver depends on various factors. First and foremost, it is important that the other party clearly acted negligently and is responsible for the damage caused. In this case, the at-fault driver's insurance may also cover the legal costs for you.
It is recommended to contact your insurance company before hiring a lawyer to clarify whether the legal costs will be covered. Often, insurance companies work with specific law firms that bill the costs directly to the insurance company.
If the at-fault driver's insurance does not cover the legal costs, there are other options to minimize or avoid the costs. Some lawyers offer a free initial consultation where they explain the legal situation and possible courses of action. Additionally, there is the option of legal aid if you are unable to afford the legal costs.
I recommend contacting a specialized traffic lawyer immediately to secure your rights and claims. The lawyer will provide comprehensive advice and assist you in asserting your claims against the at-fault driver's insurance.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ralf Hausdorf
Lawyer specializing in fee law and traffic law
