5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of an injury can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies or at-fault parties. However, hiring an attorney can make the entire process much smoother.

Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

You might be nervous about the prospect of hiring a lawyer – especially if you’ve never hired one before – but this could actually be the wisest decision you make throughout this ordeal.

“When you or someone you love has suffered injuries because of another individual or business’ negligent actions, compensation, unfortunately, is not automatic,” Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa explains. “Instead, the burden is on the injured victim to prove the at-fault party’s negligence.”

Trying to handle things on a DIY basis weakens your chances of proving negligence.

Hiring an attorney can make all the difference. Here are a few reasons why:

Increases Your Chances of a Higher Settlement

A personal injury attorney increases your chances of receiving a higher settlement. Insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to pay out as little as possible. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers who are skilled at minimizing claims, and if you go up against them on your own, you might not get the compensation you deserve.

A personal injury attorney, however, knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. They understand the tactics insurers use and can counter them effectively. Attorneys also know the true value of your claim, taking into account not just your immediate medical expenses, but also future costs like ongoing treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Helps You Navigate Complex Legal Procedures

Filing a personal injury claim involves more than just filling out a few forms. It actually requires understanding legal terminology, meeting strict deadlines, and following very specific procedures. If you make a mistake or miss a deadline, it could jeopardize your entire case.

A personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of the legal system. They’ll handle all the paperwork and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time. In other words, they’ll hold your hand and guide you through the process. This allows you to focus on your recovery instead of worrying about legal technicalities.

Can Handle Claim Management

Dealing with a personal injury claim involves negotiations and paperwork, but it also includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with medical professionals. This can be a lot to manage, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury.

When you hire a personal injury attorney, they handle all aspects of claim management for you. They’ll collect and organize all the necessary evidence to support your case, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They’ll also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked.

Will Represent You in Court (If Needed)

While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, some do go to trial. If this happens, you’ll want an experienced attorney by your side to represent you. Going to court without legal representation can be risky, as the opposing side will likely have their own lawyers who are well-versed in trial procedures and can make you trip over yourself pretty easily.

A good personal injury attorney is trained to represent clients in court. They know how to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling arguments on your behalf. Having an attorney in court also shows the judge and jury that you’re serious about your claim, which can work in your favor.

Provides Peace of Mind

Dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be emotionally draining. The stress of managing your recovery, handling paperwork, and negotiating with insurance companies can take a toll on your well-being. When you hire a personal injury attorney, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re also gaining a source of support.

Your attorney will take on the burden of managing your case, allowing you to focus on getting better. They’ll answer your questions and keep you informed about the progress of your case. (There’s no replacement for having this sort of guidance when you need it most.) Knowing that a professional is handling your case can provide you with a little bit of comfort and reduce the emotional strain of the situation.

Adding it All Up

While you can technically opt to handle this process on your own, this isn’t the wisest use of your time or resources. You’re much better off hiring a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling cases like yours. They’ll make the process much simpler and increase your chances of a better outcome.