When you need to hire a lawyer after an accident, you should always look for a personal injury law firm. Lawyers specialize in certain aspects of the law. This means a personal injury lawyer will have specialized knowledge that a different type of lawyer does not. They will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on behalf of personal injury clients. These parties will also take the case more seriously if they know there is a lawyer involved. This will get you your personal compensation faster.
If you end up in injury litigation, it is essential that you hire a lawyer. Personal injury victims are not generally experts in the law. They can’t protect themselves against any tactics that the other side might use to keep from paying them what they deserve. This decreases their chances of getting any money at the end of the case. When you have a lawyer, they can fight these tactics and keep things going fairly and legally. They’ll also likely take their fee out of your compensation, meaning you don’t need to worry about losing any money by hiring them.
In an ideal world, filing car accident claims, medical malpractice claims, workers compensation claims or anything along those lines would be simple. You’d simply let the other party know about their personal injury liability and they’d agree to a fair settlement. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case — especially when you’re dealing with an insurance company that hires adjusters for the sole purpose of making sure the company has to pay out as little as possible in personal injury cases. So what can you do when the other party denies personal injury liability altogether? Here are five steps you’ll want to take:
- Stay Calm and PoliteIt’s easy to get angry when someone is dismissive of the injury you’ve suffered. But your best chance of getting everything settled to your satisfaction is staying calm and analytical.
- Really Read “the Law” Often, people will try to intimidate you by saying that “the law” doesn’t place personal injury liability on them. You should question that assertion: What law, specifically, are they basing that statement on? You’ll want to read it carefully (and probably discuss it with a qualified lawyer).
- Gather EvidenceThe best way to back up a personal injury claim is with solid evidence. Collect police reports, medical paperwork and even witness statements that back up what happened and why you think you deserve compensation.
- Prepare to FightKnow going in that you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit if your claim is unsuccessful. An insurance company is far more likely to agree to a pre-trial settlement if they know you’re willing to take a case as far as you need to.
- Get Help Without DelayWhile you aren’t required by law to hire an attorney even if you plan to file a lawsuit, you should know you’re likely to see much better personal injury outcomes, in general, if you get help from a professional. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning that their fees are calculated as a percentage of what you recover in a settlement — and they only get paid if you do get a settlement. So there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least consult with some attorneys about your case.
Do you have anything to add? Leave your feedback in the comments.
