As a society, we tend to scoff at lawyers. However, when you are in a tight corner, or if someone who owes you money isn’t paying what you deserve, having a lawyer on your side can be of great benefit.
Before you decide to take care of everything yourself, especially in the event of a personal injury, think about your situation, and consider the ways that a personal injury attorney might provide you with advantages:
Knowledge of the Law and Processes
In many cases, the biggest advantage offered by an attorney is knowledge. You might be smart and knowledgeable in your area of expertise, but you might not have the experience necessary to successfully navigate the legal system. Because the law can be complex, it makes sense to work with someone who has training in what is required in your particular case.
Without a lawyer, it’s possible that you might not know exactly which documents to file, where to file them, and when they need to be filed. If you are injured badly, you might not have the ability to take care of everything in a timely manner.
A personal injury attorney knows just what needs to happen in your state for you to claim your compensation. Your lawyer knows about statutes of limitations and deadlines. He or she might also know people working in the system, and be able to leverage those connections. Knowledge of the laws, processes and people involved can go a long way, and you just might not have that expertise. You’ll benefit from understanding that you need to hire someone who has strengths where you have weaknesses.
Understanding of What’s Fair
It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to offer an injured person a settlement that is less than truly “fair.” If you aren’t represented by someone who has a solid grasp of what is “reasonable” for your injury and situation, you could agree to a settlement that pays out less than you truly deserve. In the long run, this could mean higher medical bills for you, or inadequate compensation when it comes to lost wages and abilities.
Your personal injury lawyer has seen cases similar to yours. He or she understands what you should receive, and can advise you. He or she can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, making sure that you receive a settlement that makes sense, and asking for more if the insurance company is trying to get away with a lesser settlement.
You might not know what is fair, or you may not have seen the far-reaching effects of the injury you have sustained. A knowledgeable lawyer, on the other hand, has a good idea of what you should expect, and can fight for you.
Someone on Your Side
When you are injured, you need someone on your side, looking out for your best interests. Plus, you need time to heal. You can’t focus on healing when you are buried in paperwork or caught up in the difficulties associated with preparing a court case. Your personal injury attorney is someone on your side who can handle those items.
Your lawyer shows the other party (and their insurance company) that you need to be taken seriously, and that you are ready to fight for what’s fair. Whether you go to court, or settle outside of court, an attorney is on your side, representing your best interests. When you are hurt and trying to recover, you need all the help you can get.
Those with personal injury attorneys are more likely to be treated fairly by the courts and by insurance companies than those who choose to represent themselves. They are also more likely to see fairer settlements and awards. If you want to ensure that you are compensated appropriately for your injuries, hiring an attorney is a good start.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
