While there are no set guidelines or timelines for when an individual must employ the services of a personal injury attorney, it is critical to do so as soon as possible, especially if the injuries are the result of car accidents.
A personal injury lawyer helps you pursue a favorable settlement offer. They can also help you demand adequate compensation for your injuries. If your claim goes to trial, it is best to have legal representation from the best lawyers and law firms that could handle every process of filing a lawsuit.
Some personal injury claims do not require the assistance of an attorney. However, having a consultation with someone who has knowledge of personal injury law and experience conducting case reviews can help you win your case.
In this article, you'll learn more about personal injury lawyers, how they fight to win your case, and when to hire a personal injury lawyer.
The Liability Of The Accident Is Being Contested
If you want to be eligible for personal injury compensation, you must be able to prove that the other party's negligence, errors, or wrongdoing resulted in your injuries. For example, if you cannot prove that the other driver is the reason for your car accident or pedestrian accident, you will not be able to receive compensation. If the other party denies liability, you should immediately seek the advice of a car accident lawyer.
A consultation with an attorney can help you with case evaluation in order to determine how your injury occurred and who is at fault. A lawyer collects evidence and information to build a legal case against the other party.
You Are Being Blamed For Your Injury
The other party’s insurance company might accept liability, but it could claim that you have partial responsibility for the occurrence of the accident. For instance, they might claim that you were speeding at the time of your auto accident.
Therefore, you are partially at fault for contributing to the crash, even though the other driver failed to yield the right of way. In this situation, you are still eligible for compensation for the damages caused by the accident. However, the final settlement amount you will receive is reduced by a certain percentage.
Contributory negligence allows insurance companies to lower the amount they have to pay for personal injury settlements. An attorney can help you even on the playing field in fighting such allegations.
Multiple Parties Are Involved In The Case
You can benefit from hiring a personal injury lawyer when multiple parties are involved in a personal injury case. The majority of the cases involving multiple parties involve medical malpractice lawsuits, construction accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, and product liability claims.
Attorneys have the skills and resources to deal with the additional challenges that arise in situations involving multiple defendants.
You Sustained A Serious Injury Or Permanent Disability
Personal injury lawsuits involving serious injuries and permanent disabilities present unique issues. One issue that may arise is that of non-economic and punitive damages as a result of your handicap or impairment.
A personal injury attorney can assist you in obtaining a reasonable personal injury settlement that fully compensates you. This includes coverage for your medical bills, pain and suffering, missed wages, disability benefits, and other types of losses. Moreover, personal injury attorneys have access to professional doctors and financial experts that can assist in placing a value on your settlement payout.
The Insurance Company Is Acting In Bad Faith
There are instances where the insurance company of the defendant is not interested in providing you with compensation for your injury and loss. To slip out of paying, some insurance providers will prolong the settlement negotiation so that the statute of limitations expires and people lose their right to file a lawsuit.
It is not uncommon for an insurer to act in bad faith against plaintiffs. Below are some examples of an insurance company acting in bad faith:
- Refusing to pay for your medical expenses and other costs you incur for your recovery
- Failing to hire investigators to investigate your claim
- Making false allegations of contributory negligence
- Claims your injuries are not covered by their insurance policy
- Committing fraud against the victim by telling them lies about their legal rights
When you believe the other party is dishonest, it is best to consult a personal injury law firm.
The Claim Involves A Government Entity
Suing the state government for a personal injury claim is far more complicated than a lawsuit for auto accidents. In many circumstances, governments are immune from liability and damage compensation due to specific laws. However, there are exceptions, and personal injury attorneys are familiar with this.
Lawyers can help you understand and protect your legal rights and provide guidance and support throughout the litigation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
As accident victims, we find the process of filing a personal injury claim complex and confusing. It is common to ask questions to better understand a personal injury claim and the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Lawyers who work hourly can charge thousands of dollars in legal fees, which you probably can't afford as you have just been injured. Hence, it is best to seek the counsel and guidance of a personal injury lawyer who operates on a contingency basis.
This means that the lawyer's fee is contingent upon the amount you receive in the settlement. If your lawsuit is successful, your lawyer will receive a certain percentage of the final compensation amount as a form of payment.
There are many personal injury attorneys in the United States. A quick Google search will most likely find the website of a personal injury law firm near you.
You may also ask for referrals from family and friends for personal injury lawyers with a good reputation and a credible track record. For legal concerns regarding personal injury claims, it is ideal to have a lawyer handle things on your behalf, especially when your claim goes to court.
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