Annually, over 40 million people visit the emergency room for injuries for a number of reasons. A person can cut their hand on a knife or break an arm playing football, and this will warrant medical care. However, if the negligence of another party led to the injuries, hiring a personal injury attorney may help you protect your rights.
If you’re unsure whether or not you need to hire an attorney, our guide below can help.
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When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Your injury may or may not warrant you hiring a lawyer or seeking damages. If you were in a car accident or victim of medical malpractice, the at-fault party may be held liable. All personal injury cases revolve around the following questions:
- Were the injuries to the victim (you) due to someone else’s negligence (at-fault party)?
- Did the at-fault party owe you what is known as a “duty of care?”
- Did the at-fault party breach this duty of care?
In the above scenarios, the at-fault party will owe you a duty of care and may be held liable for your medical bills, property damages, lost wages and more.
Proving liability is key to your case, and this can be as simple as the other driver being intoxicated at the time of an accident or the owner of a commercial building failing to fix a known hazard that caused you to trip and fall.
The circumstances revolving around your case will dictate whether or not it’s viable to hire an attorney and seek damages.
If your injuries cause disability, lost wages or your insurer will not cover all of the damages adequately, consult with an attorney who can help you navigate this challenging time in your life.
What Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury claim to make it as stress-free as possible.
Specifically, an attorney can:
Analyze Your Case and Explain Your Rights
An attorney will review the facts of your case to determine whether you have a strong claim and help you understand your rights.
They may also conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence and better understand the circumstances of your accident and injuries.
Advise on Legal Strategies
Once your attorney has all the facts, they can advise you on potential legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Deal with the Insurance Company
When you’re recovering from an injury and the trauma of the accident, the last thing you want to deal with is the insurance company.
Your attorney can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurer, so you can focus on what matters most: your health.
Analyze Settlement Offers
The first settlement offer is almost always a low-ball offer. Without experience and knowledge, you may not know how to analyze the offer to determine whether it’s fair or how to negotiate effectively with the insurance company.
An attorney will leverage their years of experience to analyze offers and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Represent You in Legal Proceedings
Most personal injury claims are settled outside of the courtroom, but if you are unable to come to an agreement settlement, filing a lawsuit may be the best option.
Your attorney will represent you in all legal proceedings, whether it’s a trial or mediation.
Is It Worth Getting An Attorney For a Car Accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident, you may question whether you need to hire an attorney. There’s no law requiring you to have an attorney to seek compensation for your damages.
However, an attorney will make the process less stressful and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
The reality is that the insurance company will have its own legal team. If you’ve suffered injuries and losses, the insurance company will likely be more interested in protecting its bottom line than offering a fair settlement. You may be facing an uphill battle that you are unprepared for if you choose not to hire an attorney.
Should I Get A Lawyer For a Minor Car Accident?
If you’re involved in a minor fender bender with another driver, your first thought may not be to hire an attorney. However, depending on the circumstances of the accident, it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney.
Here’s why:
The Damage May Be More Extensive Than You Think.
Even minor accidents can cause costly damage to a vehicle. You may assume that repairing your vehicle will be as simple as filing a claim with the insurance company and getting a check in the mail.
However, the reality is that the process may not be as simple or seamless. You may find yourself in a battle with the insurance company to get the compensation you need to repair your vehicle.
Having a lawyer in your corner can make all the difference in the outcome. Your lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance company and advocate for your interests to help secure fair compensation.
You May Have Suffered Injuries That Haven’t Presented Yet.
Car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable. The adrenaline rush and shock of the accident may lead you to believe that you aren’t injured and don’t need to seek medical attention.
However, even minor accidents can cause injuries that take days or weeks to present, including:
- Head injuries, which can cause headaches, blurred vision, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears, confusion and other symptoms.
- Soft tissue injuries, which can cause pain and stiffness, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms.
Injuries such as these, especially head injuries, may require extensive medical care. An attorney can help you seek compensation for your medical care, pain and suffering and other damages.
However, failing to get medical attention immediately or shortly after the accident can complicate your claim if you don’t have an attorney advocating for your interests.
Conclusion
A personal injury attorney can handle more than just car accident cases. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, by a dog bite, through medical malpractice or another type of accident, a personal injury attorney can likely help you seek compensation for your injuries.
At Keller Swan, we fight for our clients and will pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.