If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence (or stupidity), the last thing you want to do is be patient. It’s human nature to want to make things happen quickly. But in reality, these situations often drag on, and the best thing you can do is hire a lawyer.
The Case for Hiring an Attorney
Most people are a little hesitant to hire an attorney – especially in a situation where you haven’t done anything wrong. But the reality is that attorneys exist to give people like you access to the outcomes they deserve. You might be hesitant, but that doesn’t mean you should try to do this on your own.
Here are five specific reasons why hiring a personal injury attorney is the right move:
- Expertise in Negotiations
You might think you can handle negotiations with an insurance company yourself, but personal injury lawyers have strong negotiation skills that have been honed by years of experience.Insurance companies are adept at negotiating settlements and will do everything in their power to pay as little as possible. They will use a combination of manipulation, psychology, and financial maneuvering to devalue your claim and offer you as little as 20 cents on the dollar.
A personal injury attorney knows the tactics these companies use and can counter them effectively. They understand how to present your case in the most favorable light to maximize your compensation, as well as how to approach the case.
“Most personal injury cases are settled out of court and many claims are settled without ever having to file a lawsuit,” attorney Steve Foley says. “Only if the insurance company handling your case refuses to engage in fair dealings will your attorney advise you to bring a lawsuit and possibly a trial.”
With a skilled negotiator on your side, you’re more likely to secure a settlement that truly reflects the pain and losses you’ve endured.
- Comprehensive Legal Knowledge
Personal injury law is complex and varies widely by state. An experienced lawyer is fluent in the legal landscape of personal injury law and understands how to navigate the specific rules and regulations that will affect your case. This includes knowing which legal precedents apply to your situation.Without this sort of legal expertise, you may miss out on key aspects of your case that could increase your compensation. Even a small oversight could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. This is why hiring an attorney is always a good idea.
- Ability to Accurately Value Your Claim Underestimating the value of your claim can lead you to settle for less than you deserve, while overestimating might make negotiations drag on unnecessarily. Personal injury attorneys have the tools and knowledge to accurately estimate the value of your claim, considering not only your current medical bills and lost wages but also future medical treatments, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handling Complex Paperwork and Procedures
The amount of paperwork involved in a personal injury case can be overwhelming. From filing claims with insurance companies to submitting important documents to courts, each step must be handled correctly to avoid errors that could delay or damage your case.Personal injury lawyers are pretty well-versed in all the procedural aspects of handling a case. This includes deadlines and the formatting required by the courts. By entrusting these tasks to a professional, you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of complex processes that you don’t understand.
- Representation in Court
Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. Representing yourself in court is not something you want to do. You need an experienced professional on your side who can take the lead.A personal injury lawyer will know how to develop a strong argument on your behalf, present evidence effectively, and argue persuasively in front of a judge and jury. Their ability to navigate the courtroom increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
Adding it All Up
While technically “optional,” you shouldn’t delay in hiring a personal injury attorney. This is something that you want to do as quickly as possible. As explained throughout this article, an attorney brings a level of skill, knowledge, and expertise to the table that it’s impossible to replicate on your own.
Not only that, but they’re an objective third party who can remove emotions from the equation and develop a sound strategy for helping you maximize your payout.
