While you might want to try and resolve a personal injury claim on your own, you may run into problems. Perhaps the insurance company extends a lowball offer, or you inadvertently say something that hurts your case. There are a number of reasons why you should consider hiring a Lancaster personal injury attorney. The top six reasons include:
No Fees if You Don’t Recover
One of the biggest reasons to hire an attorney is that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only take a fee if you are successful in winning your case. However, you may still have to pay for certain expenses, which is why it’s important to discuss the attorney’s fee arrangements in your initial consultation.
Personal Injury Attorneys are More Objective
Because it’s your case and your injuries, you are emotionally invested. You may lack the objectivity needed to resolve the case. Your Lancaster Personal Injury attorney is used to handling these matters and can keep you from making a rash decision or saying something that hurts your case.
Attorneys Have Experience
Along with objectivity, your personal injury attorney likely has hundreds, if not thousands, of cases under their belt already. This means you have the benefit of their years of experience and knowledge of how various insurance companies, courts, and defense attorneys work. Your attorney can tell you right from the start if you are better off settling early or pursuing the case through to trial.
Access to an Investigative Team
When you hire a personal injury attorney, you are hiring more than just him or her. You get the benefit of the firm’s support staff and referrals to some of the best plaintiff experts in the field. If you need to hire an expert to testify, your attorney has a list of people he or she has successfully worked with. Your Lancaster Personal Injury attorney will know how this person testifies, whether a jury will like them, etc. This can eliminate any surprises if the case goes all the way to trial.
Saves Time
Obtaining and reviewing medical records, police reports, and conducting an investigation can take a long time. Most people have work and a family to take care of, so they can’t devote nearly enough time to the process. And, it may feel overwhelming as this is not a process you are likely familiar with. Your attorney knows how to get things expedited and can move the process along quicker, which hopefully results in a timely settlement.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Lancaster Personal injury attorneys are also well-versed in alternative dispute resolution or ADR. These are options to resolve a case outside of a lengthy and expensive trial. Your attorney will know when one of these methods, like mediation or arbitration, are better suited for your particular case. ADR can save you money, time, and stress.
Retaining a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney
If you need a Lancaster personal injury attorney, contact the Elrod Pope Law Firm at 803-599-3080 to schedule an initial consultation.
