Although technically, it is possible to handle your claim on your own, seeking the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney can put you at a huge advantage.
Oftentimes, people still have the common misconception that approaching lawyers equals expensive legal fees. But that is not actually the case, these days attorneys give free initial consultations to their clients and some law firms follow a contingency fee basis, which means they won’t even make you pay until they win your case.
With that said, you shouldn’t be afraid to contact a lawyer, especially if your case requires it. Handling your own case while recovering from serious injuries can be quite challenging and may affect the results of your claim.
Now, here are some reasons why hiring a personal injury attorney can help you in getting fair compensation.
Your case involves complicated legal issues
There are very few personal injury claims that do not involve some sort of complicated legal issue.
In order to qualify for compensation, an injury victim must prove:
- That the defendant owed them a legal duty of care,
- That the defendant breached this duty,
- That the plaintiff was injured as a result, and
- The exact value of the victim’s losses.
Each of these is a separate legal element with a particular meaning. Experienced injury lawyers understand each of these elements in detail, and they know what type of evidence it takes to persuade a claims adjuster or jury. It is difficult – if not impossible – for an injury victim without legal experience to understand and prove these elements. Even if they provide evidence, the insurance company may simply deny that it meets the legal standard. An injury attorney knows how to fight back on complex legal issues, but you cannot be expected to know everything about this area of law. And you really shouldn’t have to learn about personal injury law while you are trying to recover from painful injuries, make your medical appointments, and catch up on lost hours at work.
They will immediately work on your personal injury case
Once you hire a personal injury lawyer, they won’t waste any time. They will immediately work on your case and conduct their own investigation and analysis. Attorneys can expedite on your personal injury case as you focus on your own recovery. They understand that time is important and that California law only gives you up to two years to file your personal injury claim. Starting early will also give you the advantage of being prepared in case there are any setbacks.
They’ll save you time and stress
Hiring a personal injury attorney can spare you a lot of time and stress. If you handle your case on your own, you’re going to have to communicate back and forth with insurance adjusters and the other parties involved. This can be quite overwhelming especially when you’re still recovering from your injuries. Your personal injury attorney can assist you in acquiring medical records, medical bills, insurance liens, reviewing police reports and medical charts. They can also communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
They work on a contingency fee basis
If you are contemplating on getting an attorney because you are anxious about the legal fees, the majority of attorneys in California actually follow a contingency fee basis. This means that they don’t require any upfront payment. Most attorneys are also willing to give their clients a free initial consultation. During the initial consultation, they will examine your case and thoroughly explain how they will be able to help you.
They can tell you when to settle or when to file a lawsuit
Personal injury cases can be quite complicated. It can be confusing especially for people that are unfamiliar with how the law works. Your attorney is professionally trained to determine when you should settle or when you should file a lawsuit. There are circumstances where insurance companies or the other party will attempt to trick you to settle for less, which can put you at risk in receiving significantly less financial compensation.
If you have an attorney by your side, they will be able to advise you about how much your case is worth. Attorneys have the experience and knowledge that can help you in making the right choices for your case.
They will handle the paperwork for you
Filing a personal injury claim involves a long tedious process and a lot of paperwork. The contracts and fine print written by the involved parties can be quite confusing and overwhelming to read on your own. A personal injury attorney can handle all the paperwork on your behalf. They are capable of understanding and reading through the fineprint so that you won’t get tricked to sign your rights to these corporations.
They can get you a higher settlement
Retaining an attorney can potentially increase your chances of getting a higher settlement. Even with the lawyer fees, injured victims can get higher compensation from their case with the help of their attorney. Most of the time, victims seek help from attorneys after insurance companies deny them the compensation that they deserve.
It usually pays off in the end
One of the most common reasons injury victims do not want to hire a lawyer is the cost. First, it is crucial to understand that many personal injury lawyers do not require payment upfront. They work on a contingency. But even knowing that fact, some injury victims do not want to share their settlement proceeds with a lawyer. While this, too, is certainly your decision, it misses one fundamental fact. Personal injury cases that are handled by an attorney consistently settle for more than cases where the victim negotiates the claim on his or her own. By refusing to hire a lawyer, you could end up with less money in your pocket anyway.
Arash Law Attorneys are trained professionals that will vigorously fight for your rights and ensure that you will receive the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
