If you find yourself hurt or injured, you may be left wondering what to do next. How are you going to pay your medical bills? Will you be able to go back to work and continue bringing home a paycheck? How long will the recovery take?
These are all valid questions that, in certain situations, can be addressed with the help of a personal injury attorney.
Dealing with Serious Injuries
If your injuries are severe, resulting in significant medical bills, extended recovery time, or permanent disability, hiring a lawyer is definitely a smart move – no questions asked.
Serious injuries can have life-altering consequences, and you may be entitled to compensation beyond what initial offers from insurance companies might suggest. (Most initial settlement offers are worth a fraction of the full amount – sometimes as little as 15 to 25 percent.)
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the full extent of your legal rights and the compensation you deserve for things that go beyond medical expenses, including lost wages and pain and suffering. But even if your injuries aren’t what you would consider “serious,” you may still want to book a free consultation with a lawyer to get their opinion on your situation.
“Regardless of the extent of your injuries, it is a wise move to hire a personal injury attorney. And if your case winds up in court, the way a lawyer presents your claim could make all the difference,” attorney John Price says.
As tempting as it might be to attempt to handle things on your own, having discussions with a lawyer can give you clear guidance on how to proceed.
Facing Large Insurance Companies
Trying to navigate the world of insurance claims on your own is like trying to throw darts blindfolded after you’ve sipped on a couple of adult beverages. (It’s probably not going to go well.)
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they have teams of lawyers and adjusters to protect their interests. They do this every single day (and are really skilled at it). If you’re going up against these giants, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can level the playing field a bit. They know the tactics these companies use and how to negotiate effectively to ensure you get a fair settlement.
When Fault is Disputed
If there’s a dispute over who is at fault for your injury, having a lawyer becomes invaluable. Proving fault is a complex process that requires thorough investigation and understanding of the law. A lawyer can gather the necessary evidence, from accident reports to witness statements and surveillance footage, to build a strong case on your behalf. They can also handle the back-and-forth of legal arguments, making sure your side of the story is heard and adequately represented.
Complex Legal or Medical Issues
Sometimes, injuries involve complicated legal or medical issues, making the case more complex. For example, if you’re dealing with medical malpractice or injuries from a defective product, the legal intricacies of fault and responsibility can be mind-numbing. A lawyer with experience in these areas will have the specialized knowledge needed to navigate these complexities and deal with the technicalities.
Maximizing Your Settlement
It’s not just about whether you can get a settlement, but also how much. A personal injury lawyer will secure a much larger settlement than you could on your own, even after their fees are taken into account. That makes it a net positive for you. (It also means you’re giving up nothing to go this route.)
Skilled personal injury attorneys understand how to calculate the full value of your claim, considering not just immediate costs but also long-term implications of your injuries. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can push back against lowball offers and fight for a settlement that truly covers your needs.
When Litigation is Necessary
Some injury cases can’t be settled through negotiations alone and may require going to court. If this happens, you absolutely cannot represent yourself. Legal proceedings are complex, with strict rules about evidence and procedure – things lawyers go to school for years to learn. A personal injury lawyer can navigate these complexities and make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Adding it All Up
The decision about whether or not to hire a lawyer might seem like a difficult one at the moment, but after you think through some of the different benefits associated with “lawyering up,” it makes a lot of sense.
Hopefully, this article has provided some clarity on how to proceed so that you can maximize your settlement and get the outcome you deserve.
Featured Image by u_p66g98oss8 from Pixabay