How to tell whether or not you need to hire a lawyer after an accident or injury.
After an accident or injury, you may find yourself in a position where you contemplate whether you need to contact a personal injury lawyer. For most people, the thought of getting legal help can be daunting and anxiety-inducing.
In the case of a severe accident or injury, hiring a lawyer may be a no-brainer. Still, in most cases, it’s not as straightforward. It’s not uncommon for victims to downplay their condition or circumstance and question whether it warrants getting a personal injury lawyer involved.
Sometimes you may not need a lawyer, but it can still be worth it to get one. If you’re on the fence about it, there are factors to consider that may make your decision easier.
Factors to consider
How severe are your injuries?
If you’re involved in an accident where there are little to no injuries to yourself or any party involved, you probably won’t need a lawyer. Suppose there is severe property damage or you sustained injuries that resulted in permanent or long-term disability and medical care. In that case, you should definitely contact one.
Your injuries don’t need to be severe; pain and suffering or mental health struggles from any injury or accident can have long-term impacts too. If you’re unsure about the severity of your injuries, there’s no harm in consulting with a personal injury lawyer and seeking a professional opinion.
Dealing with insurance companies
In a perfect world, insurance companies would be fair and cooperative; unfortunately, that’s far from the reality. There’s a very good chance that they’ll offer you an unfair settlement or deny your claim altogether. When negotiating with insurance companies, your best course of action is to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle it for you.
Liability issues
Determining fault in your accident can significantly influence your insurance claim. If there are any uncertainties or confusion about liability or multiple parties are involved, consult with a lawyer before filling out any insurance forms.
Understanding the law and your rights
Regardless of the severity of your situation, you have rights. The law is complicated; every situation is unique and often confusing for the average person. If the thought of navigating the process alone seems overwhelming for you, or if you’re unsure what rights you have, a personal injury lawyer will help you.
Compensation
You deserve fair and total compensation for your injuries and any medical costs, financial losses, or emotional distress that you experience as a result. The guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer is precious when it comes to compensation. Without them, you could accept a settlement offer that’s lower than you truly deserve, or you may be completely unaware of what compensation is available to you.
Consulting a personal injury lawyer is never a bad idea.
In reality, you should always contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident or injury. However, that’s not always possible, and it’s much easier said than done. At the end of the day, if you’re going back and forth about whether or not you need one – you probably do. Consulting with a lawyer is usually free. There’s no commitment necessary; they’ll advise you on the best way to move forward.
