Typically speaking, it would not be worthwhile engaging an attorney if your accident involved only property damage; however, even seemingly minor car accidents can lead to severe injuries that require significant medical treatment and could cause lost wages for both parties involved.
Insurance companies exist solely to make money, so they will do everything in their power to deny or reduce your compensation payout. A personal injury attorney will level the playing field and protect your interests.
1. You’ve Been Injured
If you have been injured, it is wise to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A legal professional will take charge of your case and help make sure important evidence is preserved, while also helping ensure any deadlines, such as statute of limitations (which varies by state) aren’t missed.
Insurance companies will often do everything possible to disprove or refute a claim, especially when they discover you don’t have an attorney representing you. They may assume you don’t understand the full scope of your injuries and only focus on meeting immediate financial obligations related to an accident.
Personal injury attorneys provide an essential level playing field between you and insurance companies. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help ensure you receive maximum compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering.
2. You’re Experiencing Any Issues With Insurance
Insurance companies frequently employ various strategies to postpone or even deny compensation for your injuries. Assuming you do not have legal representation and need money quickly for expenses stemming from an accident, they may attempt to persuade you to accept an inadequate offer of settlement from them.
Personal injury lawyers can conduct independent investigations of your case to demonstrate that the insurance company owes you compensation. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, conducting interviews and more – information which is critical in seeking fair compensation from those responsible.
Your injuries and damages have the right to financial compensation from drivers, property owners, nursing homes or government entities who breached their duty of care. A personal injury lawyer can help navigate the complex laws in your state while also negotiating with insurers to secure fair settlements on your behalf.
3. You’re Experiencing Any Issues With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often take advantage of injury victims by not understanding the full scope of their injuries and needs, delaying payments or offering inadequate settlements – which can make bills and expenses hard to bear when bills and expenses mount up quickly. An experienced personal injury lawyer can facilitate negotiations to hold those at fault accountable.
An attorney can help determine the full impact of your injuries both now and into the future, which allows them to negotiate a fair settlement for you. They’ll be able to calculate costs such as future treatment plans, lost income due to inability to work, quality-of-life impairment due to incapacitation and increased compensation payments if needed. Reputable lawyers often have connections within the community and can be recommended by friends or family who have worked with them previously.
4. You’re Experiencing Any Issues With the Government
An attorney can be invaluable when filing a personal injury case involving government entities, as they know all the rules and deadlines that need to be met in a timely manner. They will make sure all necessary paperwork is filed on time so your claim won’t be put on the backburner.
As part of an interview process with potential injury attorneys, it is crucial to assess their skills and experience. Ask about how long they have been practicing law as well as what percentage of their caseload are personal injury-related cases. Also pay special attention during initial consultation meetings – do they explain legal terms clearly and in an easily digestible format?
Ask the law firm what additional resources it offers, for instance a network of medical professionals willing to accept lien contracts to cover your medical bills from proceeds of settlement or verdict payments? This can save time and stress in the future.
