Have you or a loved one recently been injured, and you are wondering if it makes sense to hire a personal injury lawyer? Each situation is unique, which is why it is best to consult with an experienced legal team about your case.
The truth is that there is no specific timeline that you must hire a lawyer. But sometimes there are statutes of limitations for a personal injury claim. Plus, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better your chances at winning the case – because your lawyer will be there to help you collect solid evidence every step of the way.
Simple Answer: When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The easiest answer is that you should always call for legal representation if you were injured in an accident and these injuries were caused by the wrongdoing or negligence of another person, business, or entity.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer not only increases the chances that you will be able to receive compensation. But this legal action also helps you seek justice for the harm that was done.
You deserve to have a legal advocate who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive what you deserve.
The Sooner, The Better
Even though you can hire an attorney at any point, the rule of thumb is that it’s best to hire them as soon as possible. You deserve to have an expert who will handle communication with the insurance company, manage the legal paperwork, and gather appropriate evidence to build your case.
When an accident attorney is involved early in the process, then they have a front row seat to understand all details of your case. It’s easier to build a strong case when evidence and information is being collected along the way, instead of trying to put a case together after the fact.
Your personal injury attorney will stay by your side every step of the way. They will protect you against the large corporations and insurance companies who will be aggressive in trying to reduce the compensation you receive.
Signs You Need to Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
If you are unsure about whether to call an attorney, keep in mind that it never hurts to have a free consultation. Most legal offices will provide a complimentary meeting to learn more about your case and determine whether it makes sense for you to move forward with these legal services.
So, if there are any doubts in your mind, then reach out to our experienced team.
Also, you can ask yourself a few questions to help you determine whether you need legal help to file a personal injury lawsuit:
- Have you been seriously injured or even disabled?When the injuries are severe and require ongoing medical treatments, it can be complicated to determine the amount of money that will be needed for care in the future. Additionally, it’s important to understand the financial consequences of someone who is unable to work for the remainder of their life. A personal injury attorney can help you calculate future damages. This process can result in a much bigger payout when handled correctly.
- Is it necessary to prove liability?In order for you to receive compensation, you need to be able to show that the defendant is liable for your injuries. It’s common for the other party to dispute liability as a way to get out of paying for the injuries. You need an attorney who will complete the investigation and build your case, proving the responsibility of the defendant. Most victims don’t have legal experience, which is why they need an experienced attorney who can help with building a viable strategy for the case.
- Is the defendant trying to get out of payment?One common challenge is that the defendant and/or their insurance company don’t show any interest in paying for your injuries. Either they will try to get out of the claim, or they will send a lowball settlement offer to try to finish the case as quickly as possible. Your attorney can help you negotiate effectively, especially when the other party is acting in bad faith.
- Are you being blamed for causing your own injury?One strategy that corporations and insurance companies will use to avoid payout is trying to prove that the victim contributed to their injuries. If they can show that you are even partially at fault, then it will decrease the compensation you receive. For example, if you are in an accident and it is determined that you were 50% responsible, then your compensation will be cut in half. An experienced personal injury attorney can help by proving responsibility and showing that you were not at fault.
- Are multiple defendants involved?A personal injury lawsuit can be complicated if there are multiple possible defendants. For example, if you are the victim of a construction accident, then liability could be held by the construction business owner, the property owner, or even the heavy equipment manufacturer. Unique issues can be raised when there are multiple defendants, which is why you need a knowledgeable attorney who can sort through the evidence and protect your interests.
Remember that the other party most likely has a team of experts working to manage the case: insurance experts, lawyers, and more. The team will be working against you to protect their own interests. You also deserve to have legal representation to defend your case.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
As the victim, you won’t need to pay anything upfront for these legal fees. A personal injury lawyer gets paid an agreed percentage when your settlement comes through. So, you don’t need to worry about any out-of-pocket fees to get started.
Who is the right attorney to hire?
Make sure you choose a personal injury lawyer who has experience working on other cases that are similar to your situation. Hire a team with a long history of success.
Does it make sense to handle my case without legal support?
There are rarely situations where it makes sense for a victim to take a DIY approach. Keep in mind that skipping legal services means that you are likely leaving money on the table.
Call the Personal Injury Experts
Our team at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. is just a phone call away. We are here to assist with your personal injury lawsuit. Call our team to learn more about available services: (504) 522-2304.
