Last Updated on Apr 8, 2020 by James W
Sustaining a personal injury can be a life-altering event. Depending on the extent and type of the injury, your life may be different after getting involved in an accident caused by someone else’s reckless act or mistake.
After an injury-causing accident, you may be able to handle some things through the insurer or small claims court but, in many cases, it is important to seek the skills of an experienced personal injury lawyer, thus avoiding the stress and anxiety of seeking compensation and going through a difficult negotiation process. Here are seven reasons to hire a personal injury attorney:
Objectivity
Personal injuries range from car accident injuries and assaults to dog bites and slip and fall injuries. When you get injured, it is hard to remain objective and calm, and your emotions can make it difficult to make the right decisions. An experienced personal injury lawyer brings the much-needed outside perspective and can provide a realistic view of your situation.
Handling Paperwork and Meeting Deadlines
Handling a personal injury claim will involve a few strict deadlines and detailed paperwork. Even if you have an idea of what your compensation might be, you will be unfamiliar with the legal processes involved in mediating or litigating a claim. This includes not knowing the legal documents to file, how to accurately complete the forms and the applicable statute of limitations. Lack of legal knowledge may allow the insurer to beat you on a legal technicality. Therefore, hiring a lawyer will give you peace of mind, knowing that a professional is ensuring that all the important documents are ready and have been filed on time.
Experience
An experienced attorney has the knowledge of the personal injury law, understands insurance company maneuvers and has enough experience handling similar situations. That experience and knowledge can be invaluable in assuring the best outcome of the situation.
Gathering and Preserving the Evidence
Failing to hire a lawyer earlier can result in the destruction of evidence, which can restrict you from filing or proving certain claims in a lawsuit. You may also not realize what evidence is significant and lack time to interview the witnesses or corporate representatives. An attorney will help you build and strengthen your claims, ensuring that the evidence and memories are well preserved so that you are ready to go trial in case settlement talks fail.
Alternative Solutions
When insurance companies do not offer a fair settlement, alternative methods of dispute resolution are necessary. If you find yourself in such a situation, you will need a good lawyer to handle your arbitration, mediation, or trial.
Trial
If your situation is one of those that end up going to trial, the chances of winning are few when you represent yourself. Therefore, you need an attorney representing you if you go to trial.
No Fees Unless You Win
Most personal injury lawyers offer their services on a contingency basis, meaning they will only receive their payment if you get the settlement. This makes hiring a good lawyer possible in the first place and increases your chances of getting a higher settlement. According to statistics, people who hire personal injury attorneys receive higher settlements than those who do not.
When you need compensation for lost work, physical pain, emotional suffering, and medical expenses, do not risk your chances of getting the right settlement by trying to handle the situation by yourself. The skills of an experienced personal injury lawyer are worth it. Therefore, if you have been injured by the careless actions of another person, contact the Alexandria personal injury law office to set up a meeting with a member of our legal team.
