While you can claim compensation for an injury or seek no fault benefits without hiring a lawyer, in many circumstances a lawyer can make your life easier and help you get the compensation you deserve.
When you are injured, meeting deadlines and even making basic phone calls to your insurance company can be difficult. A lawyer can help reduce your stress and make the legal process as clear and simple as possible.
Below, you’ll learn more about when it may be a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer and how a lawyer can benefit you.
When to Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
The law does not require anyone to hire a lawyer in order to go to court, but in many cases having the support of a personal injury lawyer is indispensible. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so it is usually worth it to at least meet with a lawyer. That way, you can learn more about your rights and the compensation you are entitled to.
There are several situations when getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer for a consultation is recommended. First, if your injuries are serious and they are having a major impact on your life, it is crucial that you contact a lawyer right away. This is because the more severe your injuries are, the more complicated the settlement process can be. When major injuries occur, high levels of compensation are often needed to care for yourself and your family. A lawyer can ensure that you get the maximum settlement. They can also offer expert insights to help you understand the types of compensation you are entitled to. Many of these concepts can be difficult to grasp on your own.
Because an injury can have a major impact on your family life, it is important to do everything you can to make the recovery process easier on yourself and your loved ones. A lawyer will reduce your stress by completing paperwork, explaining complex legal processes, and ensuring that you meet important deadlines. Once these burdens are alleviated, you and your family can focus on your recovery.
Finally, if your injuries have been caused because of another party’s negligence, that party should be held responsible for your financial, physical, and emotional issues. Recovery from an injury can be expensive and the person who caused your injury should be held responsible for the financial burden.
The Benefits of Working with a Law Firm
Although many people think working with a lawyer will be too expensive or too much of a hassle, the reality is that this isn’t the case. Below are several benefits you will experience when you hire a lawyer:
1. Accurate Estimation of Financial Needs
Hiring a lawyer will provide you with the expertise you need to ensure that you don’t underestimate your past, present, and future financial needs. A lawyer will also guide you through the complicated legal process.
2. Trial and Mediation Experience
Lawyers have extensive experience with trials and mediation. If you decide to represent yourself, your lack of knowledge about legal matters may create stress and cost you substantial time.
3. Help Dealing with Insurance Companies
In personal injury cases, insurance companies are almost always involved. If you receive a settlement offer from your insurance carrier, it will almost always be less than the amount you will actually need. A lawyer will negotiate with all insurance companies involved to ensure that you are fairly compensated.
4. Access to Experts and Resources
Expert testimony is one of the most convincing forms of evidence in any legal case. When you work with a personal injury lawyer, your lawyer will have access to a wide range of experts whose testimonies can support your case, improve your chances of receiving compensation, and even increase how much you receive. Lawyers also have access to a wide range of other resources that can support your case and improve your chances of winning.
What You Should Know When Working with a Lawyer
If you decide to seek legal advice, here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible.
Claims Adjustment
When you make a claim, an adjuster will be appointed by your insurance company to determine whether your claim is fair. It is important to keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company and is acting with their company’s best interests in mind, not yours. Adjusters are experienced at negotiating injury claims because they deal with many each day.
Your lawyer will play a key role in this process by acting in your best interests and ensuring that your rights are protected. It is your lawyer’s job to obtain a settlement that is fair to you, not to the insurance company. Your lawyer will also gather evidence about the accident and medical information that thoroughly describes your injuries. They will use this information to determine how much compensation is appropriate for your situation.
Finally, remember that most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if your lawyer is unable to settle your case out of court, your case will be taken to court to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
Don’t avoid seeking legal help because you are afraid you can’t afford it. Many lawyers have policies that support helping even those without extensive financial means. Many lawyers offer free consultations where they can help you better understand your rights, so you can determine whether you should hire a lawyer.
During any consultation, it is a good idea to discuss fees with your lawyer, so you understand how the process will work. Many lawyers require no fees unless they win your case. If your lawyer does win your case, you can pay on a contingency fee, or percentage basis. Contingency fees typically range from 20 to 30 percent of the compensation you receive, and usually include any expenses your lawyer incurred during your case. This type of payment is not collected until your lawyer receives money from the insurance company.
If you do not pay on a contingency basis, the costs of expenses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. If you pay on an hourly basis, you will likely have to pay a retainer (where you put down a specific amount of money for a deposit), which will pay for your lawyer’s estimated future bills. You may also have to pay fees throughout the legal process.
Now that you know more about when to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer, book a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to better understand your claim.
