When is the best time to hire a lawyer following an injury or accident? What circumstances call for the involvement of a personal injury attorney? Can you go it alone? These are some of the queries that might buzz around your head.
The legal professionals at Hale Law understand the many concerns most people have after an accident. To this end, they offer insights into when you may need to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Here’s a non-exhaustive discussion of the reasons to consider such a move.
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Disputed Liability
Mostly, for you to get compensation following a slip-and-fall accident or other types of mishaps, you have to prove negligence. Otherwise, you’re unlikely to get a financial award. And if you’re injured and believe another party is to blame, you may wonder if you should hire a personal injury lawyer. While it is possible to handle your claim, working with an experienced attorney has its benefits.
For instance, they can help to investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine the responsible party and, by so doing, build a strong case. And by gathering sufficient evidence, they can formulate a strategy to prove liability.
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Looking Beyond Legal Assistance
An attorney shouldn’t just offer legal help. While such assistance is beneficial, you generally have more pressing concerns following an accident. Chief among them is getting the proper medical attention. A knowledgeable attorney can help you access the right physicians. In turn, such experts can double as key medical witnesses if your claim goes to trial.
They can testify and explain the impact of your injury on your future. By so doing, you can get a justifiable outcome, which may include a significant financial award. Also, a personal injury lawyer can:
- Help reduce the amount of stress you’re currently experiencing.
- Offer support and guidance throughout the entire process.
- Ensure your rights are fully protected.
- Field questions from the police so you can focus on getting better.
Some firms also have medical professionals on staff. Such personnel can interpret medical records or evaluate your claim to know whether you can pursue matters in court or otherwise. They can also determine your type of claim and the likely compensation you can get. What’s more, they can ensure you receive the attention and care you deserve after an accident.
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Dealing with Insurers
A personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. For starters, insurers have plenty going for them – the financial and legal resources at their disposal come to mind. How likely are you to win against an insurer if you don’t even have the playing field by getting legal assistance?
Truth be told, any insurer (yours or the other party’s) will strive to guard their interests. As such, they may offer the least possible compensation or even deny your claim. In contrast, a personal injury lawyer knows how to level the field and get you a favorable settlement. Once you report your claim to the insurer, it’s best to let your lawyer handle future communication, including negotiations, with the insurer. Still, a lawyer can represent you in court if your case goes to trial. If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, choose one with experience handling similar cases and who you feel comfortable working with.
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When The Other Party Shifts Blame to You
Despite your injuries, it’s not uncommon for the at-fault party to blame you. For instance, in case of a slip-and-fall mishap, they may claim that you were not watching where you were going or that your shoes were worn out and didn’t offer much traction or grip. Or, in an accident, the other party may argue that you were driving beyond the speed limit.
In effect, an insurer may claim you had a part to play in the accident – what is commonly referred to as contributory negligence. If they can prove their claim, they would pay less than they should. This explains why you need an attorney on your side to fight such claims. In short, if the other party is trying to blame you for the accident, it may be in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.
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Traumatic Injuries
You will likely require long-term medical care if you sustain catastrophic injuries in an accident. In some cases, the injured party may never recover fully or be able to work again. If this is the case, having a lawyer in your corner is essential to help you get a justifiable outcome. Traumatic injuries or permanent disabilities can negatively affect every aspect of your life. For one, you may need costly medical attention. Also, if you cannot return to work, you may wonder how you’ll care for yourself and your family.
A personal injury lawyer can document the damages, including pain and suffering, and pursue the deserved compensation. This might be the case if you’re dealing with an insurer that defends its position aggressively or wants to reduce your claim. Regardless of the nature of your accident, it helps to partner with someone who understands the inner workings of the legal system. Hence, they can safeguard your rights and interests. Plus, if push comes to shove, a competent personal injury can pursue matters in court and help you get a favorable outcome. That said, we hope you’re now familiar with some of the situations where such a professional might come in handy.
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