You have a serious injury following a collision with a car, motorcycle or truck. Perhaps you lost a loved one in the crash. Bills are piling up, but your injury is preventing you from returning to your job. You may feel capable of settling your injury claim on your own, but a personal injury lawyer could be a valuable asset.
In addition to taking some of the stress about the settlement off of your shoulders, personal injury lawyers bring a wealth of experience to the table.
1. Practiced in tracking deadlines
It is very easy to make a simple error that could hurt your chance of receiving compensation by missing a deadline. Lawyers regularly track multiple deadlines that shift and change as their cases progress. They often have staff designated for that very concern. A personal injury lawyer can track deadlines for necessary communications and court dates to ensure that no important deadlines get overlooked.
2. Skilled in gathering evidence
Personal injury cases require lots of evidence. Accident reports, police photos, witness statements and medical records can all help to prove your case. Personal injury lawyers can obtain this evidence quickly because they deal with medical records departments and police departments frequently. They know who to contact and how to request the information properly.
3. Knowledgeable in dealing with insurance companies
After a motor vehicle collision, there is a lot of communication with insurance companies. There is discussion over getting claims paid as well as negotiations regarding settlement offers. A person without a personal injury lawyer may not be aware of all their options and will often settle for less than they could have received, since they’re just happy to be able to pay their medical bills. Insurance companies recognize that personal injury lawyers know what their cases are worth and will take them seriously during negotiations.
Do not let concern over the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer deter you from seeking assistance for your case. Personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis, which means their fees are based solely on a percentage of whatever you recover through a settlement or a verdict in court; they are not paid unless your case is successful.