Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and frightening experience, especially if you don't have car insurance. No matter the cause of the accident, if you are uninsured, it pays to consider hiring an auto accident lawyer or attorney to help you navigate the situation. Read on to discover four key reasons why an auto accident lawyer should be your first call if you find yourself in a crash while uninsured.

1) Driving Without Insurance Can Be Illegal

Depending on where you live, driving without car insurance can be illegal. That means you may get charged with a misdemeanor or felony if you are in a car crash while you are uninsured. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you understand the laws in your state and advise you on the potential consequences of driving without insurance. Your auto accident attorney can also help fight for you in the courtroom if a judge or jury decides to pursue legal action against you.

2) Insurance Companies May Not Take Your Case Seriously 

If you don't have car insurance and the other driver involved does, their insurance company may not take your case seriously when negotiating a settlement. You may find that your calls and emails go ignored about the case or insurance representatives speak rudely to you when you reach someone. Having an auto accident lawyer on your side can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve regardless of who has insurance and who does not.

3) An Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Expensive Mistakes

From filling out important paperwork to understanding complex legal terms and statutes, car accident cases can be confusing. An auto accident attorney can help guide you through the claims or legal process. Your lawyer can help you determine what to do—or what not to do—so that your case progresses as smoothly as possible.

4) You Can Get Help Without Breaking the Bank

You don't have to worry about breaking the bank to get help from an auto accident lawyer if you are uninsured. In many cases, auto accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means they don't get paid unless you do. In this situation, even if you don't have any money to pay upfront for legal services, an attorney can still help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours. You can find out more about legal fees and the scope of an auto accident attorney's practice by requesting a consultation.

Contact a local law firm, such as Distefano Law PLC, to learn more.