Personal injury accidents are sadly far too common. An accident can happen to anyone, and it can happen for any number of reasons. If you’ve been involved in an accident—whether it’s a vehicular, slip-and-fall, dog bite, or medical malpractice—it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney. You are entitled to know what legal options you have to protect your rights.
To help you decide if you should hire a lawyer, here are a few things to consider.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You With Your Claim?
1. A lawyer can guide you on how to file a personal injury claim.
For people who have never been involved in an accident before, filing an accident claim can feel intimidating. You most likely have no idea what to do and where to start.
This is why hiring a personal injury attorney is extremely beneficial. An attorney can answer all of your questions on what to do after an accident. An attorney can clearly explain the claims process to you. Additionally, they can help you determine the best course of legal action for your case.
2. A lawyer will investigate and gather information about your accident.
An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to understand all aspects of the accident. This will include reviewing the accident scene, police reports, photos and videos of the incident, medical records, witness testimonies, and more.
3. A lawyer will negotiate your settlement amount with insurance companies.
Dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company can be tricky, but personal injury attorneys know how to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will negotiate the settlement on your behalf based on the economic and non-economic damages that you have sustained.
Your attorney will submit a settlement demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company to inform them how much your claim is worth. After the initial demand letter, there will likely be significant negotiation, discussion, and adjustments regarding the value of the claim until an agreement is reached. Nevertheless, your attorney will see to it that you are properly compensated for your damages.
4. A lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit for you.
If your attorney and the insurance company can’t reach an agreement through negotiation, then your attorney might suggest going to court. This means that you will be filing a lawsuit against the insurance company.
A personal injury attorney will file the personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. He/she will take care of everything, from filing the summons to preparing you for discovery.
5. A lawyer will represent you in court.
Once the lawsuit has been filed and both parties still haven’t agreed upon a settlement, then the case will proceed to trial. You don’t have to go through the trial process alone—your attorney will represent you in court.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
One of the most common questions asked by accident victims is “When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?”
The answer is as soon as possible. Once you’ve received the proper medical attention for your injuries, you should start working with a lawyer as soon as you can. This way, you and your attorney can work on your personal injury claim right away.
The statute of limitations should also be taken into consideration. This is the maximum amount of time in which you have to initiate legal proceedings. You must file a lawsuit before the allowed time period expires. Otherwise, you will be barred from bringing a claim against the at-fault party.
Take note that the statute of limitations is case-specific, so it’s best to consult a personal injury attorney to know how much time you have to pursue a claim.
