Dealing with an accident is already a daunting experience; it takes a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental state, not to mention the physical injuries you might be dealing with due to the accident.
Add to the equation the relentless fight insurance companies put up in order to reduce the settlement amount, and you got yourself a living nightmare. Insurance adjusters are hired specifically for this reason. This is why getting all the help you need is essential to recover from the emotional trauma and turmoil while being financially able to get the medical treatments you need.
The sole mission of personal injury lawyers is to support their clients in every way possible in all kinds of personal injury cases. But does that mean that they are always worth your time and money? Here are some factors that will help you decide whether you need a lawyer or not.
They Have Practical Experience for the Battlefield
Dealing with insurers is not at all smooth sailing. The main mission of insurance adjusters is to try as much as possible to reduce the settlement amount. Even if you’re in the right state of mind, which is a rarity for individuals who have just suffered from physical injuries or emotional trauma, you probably don’t have enough practical experience to level with someone who negotiates for a living.
Advocating for yourself effectively in the face of a big insurance company isn’t the smartest move to make, especially if you need to be compensated for more than just your physical injuries. Fortunately, that’s every personal injury lawyer’s forte.
They Have a Better Understanding of the Law
Playing dirty isn’t uncommon for big insurance companies. After all, it makes sense that they will try to minimize their losses in every way possible. The Dallas-based lawyers from Tate Law Offices explain that every state has different rules and regulations when it comes to personal injury cases. The first step any lawyer pays close attention to is understanding all the ins and outs of your case to help you get the highest settlement you can possibly get for your troubles.
Without a perfect understanding of the law in your state and enough practical experience, you will not possibly know what you are and aren’t entitled to claim. For example, in Texas, victims get compensated for any missing paychecks, turmoil, and mental issues, such as PTSD, that resulted from the accident, in addition to any physical damages. To get the best representation possible, be sure to hire a locally based lawyer who is familiar with your state’s laws.
Your Money Won’t Be Wasted
Exorbitant lawyers’ fees are enough to discourage anyone from seeking the help they need. People often feel reluctant because of the costs they have to take care of. However, the majority of personal injury lawyers understand that the victims won’t always have enough money to cover their fees, which is why most of them bill their clients on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you don’t have to pay anything or lose any money unless you win the case. If they do win your case, the lawyer will get a specified percentage – that you agree on from the start – of your settlement when you receive it.
This means that working with a lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll risk your money. On the contrary, most personal injury attorneys share the same interests as you, which is increasing your settlement amount, because this is how they earn their living. Knowing that your lawyer has a strong incentive to handle your case well will certainly give you some peace of mind.
Do They Make a Difference?
The short answer is yes. In personal injury cases, having the support of an astute lawyer makes all the difference in the outcome of your case. The kind of help you get will determine how much money you receive and what aspects you will be compensated for. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that not all lawyers can help.
Seeking the help of a lawyer you already know might make you feel more at ease, but this isn’t always the right thing to do.
While asking for recommendations and collecting the names of prospects you have already worked with in the past might seem easier, it won’t help your case. When handling a personal injury claim, you must understand that only specialized lawyers who have enough practical experience in your state will be able to help you.
Feeling confused and overwhelmed is a completely normal reaction after being involved in any sort of accident. But overwhelming yourself with complex legal issues and dealing with the insurance company will make an already tough situation much worse.
Seeking the help of a professional lawyer who understands the ins and outs of personal injury law and has your best interest in mind will not only give you the compensation you deserve, but it will also give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Interesting related article: “What is Compensation?“