Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents happen every day, and we often have to deal with their unpleasant consequences. If your accident was due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, however, you may be able to recover compensation. Working with a personal injury attorney is the best way to maximize your damages. You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Some people wonder whether it’s worth hiring an attorney. After all, lawyers can be expensive. However, you’re not likely to get the results you want if you represent yourself or try to negotiate with the insurance companies on your own. Here are some of the major reasons you should hire a personal injury lawyer:
- Contingency fees: Lawyers might charge more money than you can afford at the outset—but personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency agreement. If you don’t win a settlement or trial, you won’t have to pay. Instead, your lawyer will take a percentage of the compensation when you receive a settlement or damages. While the fee may go up if the case has to go to trial, you won’t need to put any money down at the outset. This is a great option, especially if you’re already burdened with medical bills and other costs.
- Experience with the law: Your attorney has training and experience with the law, which is a huge boon to plaintiffs with complex cases. You might be able to effectively negotiate a settlement for economic damages, like lost income, medical bills, property damage and other easily determined categories. However, many cases entitle you to pain and suffering damages, which are considered non-economic. Chances are, you don’t know how to put a value on these nebulous concepts. Your attorney, on the other hand, will know exactly what to do and be able to advocate on your behalf.
- Experience with similar cases or injuries: Your injuries might seem minor at first, but they can worsen over time. Personal injury attorneys are more likely to be familiar with your case and injury type. If they suspect that your injuries might get worse, they’ll be wary of accepting lowball settlement offers. Based on their prior experience, your personal injury attorney will be able to strategize to maximize your compensation. Most laypeople simply don’t have the experience or training to advocate for themselves in the same way.
- An advocate for insurance negotiations: Finally, your attorney will help you negotiate with insurance companies. Many people make the mistake of thinking that their insurance company is on their side. They’re not—insurance companies have a vested interest in paying as little as possible. Personal injury attorneys have seen every trick in the book, and will be able to ensure you get the best possible settlement.
If your accident was extremely minor, you might be able to represent yourself or negotiate with your insurance company. Otherwise, you need a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc. today for a consultation.
Categorised in: Personal Injury Lawyer