When you’ve been injured in an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but navigating the legal system isn’t easy. That’s why hiring a personal injury lawyer is so important. Let’s look at some benefits of having a personal injury lawyer on your side.
Personal Injury Lawyers Are More Likely to Win Your Case
According to a recent survey by Nolo, hiring a personal injury lawyer is the most crucial step you can take to increase your chances of getting compensation. More than 9 out of 10 of those surveyed with legal representation received a settlement or award, compared to about half of those who proceeded independently.
Legal representation also significantly impacted the amount awarded in personal injury payout. Readers who hired a lawyer walked away with an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to an average of $17,600 for those who handled their own injury claims.
They Have Expertise in Legal Matters
Personal injury lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of accidents and injuries. They know how to navigate the legal system and understand how to effectively represent you in court if necessary.
Your lawyer will also be well-versed in insurance laws and regulations to help guide you through the process and ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries. They'll be able to analyze your case from all angles and build a solid argument on your behalf.
They Give Advice and Guidance throughout the Legal Process
Navigating the legal system is difficult enough when you're not injured or dealing with an unfamiliar situation — but when both those factors are present, it becomes even more complicated. Having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the process can save time and stress by taking care of paperwork, filing deadlines, court appearances, and any other legal necessities associated with your case. They can also provide helpful advice and answer your questions every step of the way so that you feel confident moving forward with your claim.
They Can Determine Liability
After an accident, it’s essential to determine who was at fault for the incident. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if multiple parties are involved in the accident.
A personal injury lawyer has the experience and expertise to investigate the accident’s circumstances and pinpoint who was responsible for causing it. This helps ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
They Give Timely Representation
If you try to handle things yourself, getting the compensation you deserve could take longer. However, iIf you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, they will fight for your rights quickly and efficiently by ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. This alone can save you time and money since any delays could have serious consequences down the line.
They Negotiate with Insurance Companies
You will likely need to negotiate with insurance companies when seeking compensation after an accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for offering victims as little money as possible — or no money at all if they can get away with it. According to a recent survey by Nolo, 70% of people who held out for a better deal received settlements that were $30,700 higher compared to those who accepted the insurance company’s first offer.
A personal injury lawyer knows how to work with insurance companies and fight for your rights so that you receive fair compensation for your losses. They will also ensure that any settlement offers from insurance companies meet all of your legal requirements before signing anything on your behalf.
They Have Expertise in Court Proceedings
In some cases, court proceedings may be necessary to receive compensation after an accident. If this happens, having a personal injury attorney by your side can make all the difference in getting a favorable outcome from the court system. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 3 to 4 percent of personal injury cases go to trial.
Personal injury lawyers have extensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations and courtroom experience, which can help strengthen your case in court proceedings.
They Can Prevent Critical Errors in Your Claim
Insurance companies may try to contact accident victims soon after they have been injured. They may send an adjuster who claims they need to get your side of the story and may ask you to make a recorded statement. It's important to remember that adjusters are loyal to their employer's interests, not the interests of the accident victim. If you agree to give a recorded statement, the insurance company may use it against you in your claim. The insurance company may also send release forms to get access to your medical records. They may tell you that they need you to sign the release form to verify your injuries, but they may be trying to find something else to blame your injuries on.
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer before making any statements or signing anything for the at-fault driver's insurance company is essential. Your lawyer can help to protect your claim and your rights to compensation.
They Can Take the Stress Out of the Situation
You may also be dealing with emotional and psychological trauma if you've suffered severe injuries due to someone else's actions. Dealing with a personal injury claim on top of this can be stressful.
By hiring a personal injury attorney shortly after your injury, you can have peace of mind knowing that they will handle your case properly. Your attorney can take care of all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing.
Even if your accident was minor, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is still highly recommended because they can help ensure that everything is taken care of properly without any unnecessary delays or complications arising along the way.
With their expertise in legal matters, timely representation, and experience negotiating with insurance companies, they'll be able to secure fair compensation for your injuries while ensuring that all paperwork is handled correctly and according to the law.