On the list of common causes of death in the United States, personal injury ranks number 3.
Suffering a personal injury can be a dark and confusing time. Among other things, like medical trips and expenses, managing pain and injury, you may start to wonder if hiring a personal injury lawyer is necessary.
Are you curious about whether or not an attorney would work in your favor? Read on to discover who a personal injury attorney is, and why you need one.
What is An Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney is an attorney that represents a person who has experienced an injury. The cause of the damage could be from car or motorcycle accident, or even negligence from a company, owner, or organization. Injuries are not limited to physical harm, but psychological as well.
Many injuries covered by a personal injury attorney, such as:
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls
- Animal bites
- Burns
- Bike accidents
- Construction accidents
- Wrongful death
If you’ve suffered any of the above, you might qualify for a case. An attorney does the work of investigating your claim to see if it will hold up in court.
The decision to hire an attorney is always a personal one, but there are several benefits to doing so.
7 Reasons to Hire A Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury lawyers are a valuable asset if you need additional help. Here are seven reasons why you should consider hiring an injury attorney.
1. Experience With Insurance Companies
Your insurance company representative might be a friendly face, but when it comes to accidents, they’ll do whatever they can to avoid liability. An injury lawyer has experience in dealing with insurance companies and other lawyers.
Insurance companies know they can offer you the lowest settlement possible because regular citizens don’t fully grasp the law or understand all the terms associated with claims. Bring a lawyer into your case increases the settlement amount.
2. Understand Your Claim Better
Because attorneys have experience with other cases, they will have a much better idea of how much your claim is worth. They incorporate many facets to building your case, such as:
- The extent of your pain
- Foreseeing and preparing for insurance company tactics
- Cost of ongoing medical expenses
All of these and more can factor into a settlement and work in your favor towards getting you the highest amount possible.
3. Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
The truth is that claims are filled with paperwork. Forms and documents must be filled out, signed, processed, and so forth. For the average person, this is incredibly overwhelming and seemingly impossible to understand without the knowledge of an attorney.
Injury attorneys are familiar with all the documents necessary in a claim and understand the process of filing them. Not filling them out correctly could cost you, in both time and money.
4. Paid When Settled
Most attorneys work on what’s called a contingency basis. This means they receive no compensation unless your case is settled. On top of everything you deal with during a personal injury, attorney fees should not be one of them.
Also, because they don’t receive payment until the case has ended, they will be more motivated to work your case. Some firms provide a free consultation in which they review your case and offer you a possible settlement amount.
Not every law firm offers these services, so ask upfront before you hire an attorney.
5. Attorneys Mean Trial
Again, insurance companies know they have more bargaining power over the layman, so they will have no difficulty getting you to settle outside of the courthouse. However, with an attorney on your side, they know you mean business, and you’re serious about settling your case.
Not only that, but insurance companies want to avoid going to trial, so they will also be motivated to settle quickly.
6. Know the Law
Arming yourself with knowledge about the legal process is a good start, but an attorney knows it much better. They’ll be able to explain terms, point out flaws and loopholes, and overall, fight for the highest settlement possible when coming face to face with insurance companies. Remember, they’ve done this before and have the education and experience to know what they’re doing.
An expert in the law increases your chances of settling your case in your favor.
7. Reduces Your Stress
A personal injury, especially a severe one, could turn your life upside down. You might need extensive therapies, doctor’s visits, and so on. Having to juggle your claim while recuperating only puts more stress on yourself.
Focusing on improving your injury should be your primary concern. Save time and mental energy by hiring an attorney, and allow them to handle all the dirty work that’s involved in a personal injury claim.
How do I Hire an Injury Attorney?
There are so many injury attorneys available, but only a few you can trust. You don’t want to hand your case over to anyone, so here are a few tips before you shake hands.
Do your research, read reviews and testimonials on their website
Interview the lawyer and ask questions about how they operate, how many trials they’re working on, and if they can personally handle your case
Check their credentials, experience, and education. Discuss fees and receive everything in writing before signing a contract.
Avoid hiring a lawyer from billboard ads or if they make grandiose promises, and especially if they refuse to put anything in writing.
Is A Personal Injury Lawyer Right For You?
The benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney are worth every penny. They work hard for you and won’t rest until your case is settled.
Do you think you might have a case? Contact us today for a free consultation and let us assist you.
