In this article, we explore the advantages of an experienced When to Call a personal injury attorney, and when you might actually need one. We also cover some misconceptions about attorneys and their services.
The Advantages of an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney with whom you feel comfortable and have faith in is one of the most important factors in getting a good result. Personal injury attorneys focus on making sure you get the money you deserve and can help you deal with insurance companies, medical billing, and more.
Most people don’t realize that hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t like hiring any other service provider. It’s a big decision, and the more carefully you research your options, the more likely you are to get a qualified attorney and get fair compensation.
In any kind of personal injury claim, whether through an automobile accident or a slip and fall injury, there are issues that only an attorney would understand because of their knowledge of personal injury laws and regulations. For example:
· Medical billing statements: Doctors’ bills for medical care often have mistakes and omissions that can raise your costs significantly. Lawyers know how to fight for a fair bill and negotiate with insurance companies.
· Insurance company mistakes: You may not be aware of it, but an insurance adjustor can get the medical bills for their own purposes, especially if they ask you to sign a denial of benefits form. Don’t assume the adjuster’s payment will cover it—your lawyer may be able to fight for a fair claim.
· Work comp claims: Work injury claims can be complicated. Your lawyer can provide guidance on your rights and the insurance company’s handling of your claim.
· Insurance settlements: If you settle for a reduced settlement with an insurance company, you may be giving up your right to go to court in the future. A personal injury attorney will advise you on what is best for you and all of your options.
· If you have a lawyer, the attorney will file a court appearance for you. The more time between your accident and the court appearance, the less chance there is of getting a fair recovery.
When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
It is important to recognize that most personal injury claims are never actually resolved in court. They are settled out of court either by negotiation or through mediation. In order to receive a fair settlement, it’s important to be prepared for every possibility. Two issues are:
1. You need to have certain documents on hand and be prepared to make decisions immediately following the accident
This includes things like property damage estimates, police and insurance company investigations, immediate medical bills and other expenses. Your attorney will advise you on these issues.
2. You need to hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced in dealing with your insurance company’s adjustor, the police and others who may be involved with your claim. It may be an attorney who specializes in either auto accidents or slip and fall injuries. In some cases, it may be advisable to hire a larger law firm which has the resources to quickly gather information and make a decision on your behalf. An experienced attorney will advise you on all of these issues.
It is important to remember that there is no time limit for filing a lawsuit.
The reason for the delay is that you need to wait for the insurance company to investigate your claim. If it was an accident in an automobile, that investigation may take up to a year or more. At that point, if you’re not satisfied with the amount of compensation you receive, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit which begins the clock on when a personal injury attorney is needed. If it’s a slip and fall injury, the investigation may take even longer.
Misconceptions About Attorneys and Their Services
It’s important to remember that personal injury attorneys don’t offer you a magic solution. They will make sure that you get the compensation you deserve and have a good chance of winning your case. That is their job. However, there are many people who don’t understand the difference between attorneys and insurance agents. Here are a few things that you should remember if you’ve been injured:
· Insurance agents do not make the decision of whether or not to pay your claim. Their job is to convince you that they will give you a fair settlement. However, it’s the insurance company itself that makes the final decision of what they will pay. Your attorney can deal with an insurance agent and make sure your rights are protected from the beginning of negotiations through any settlement agreement or litigation.
· Insurance agents do not draft the settlement agreement or propose a settlement to you. Instead, they create an offer which they submit to the insurance company. The part of that offer which is your best interest is often in dispute. You will want to have an attorney examine that offer before agreeing to it.
In Conclusion
The more you understand about personal injury claims and hiring an attorney, the more clearly you can evaluate whether it’s the best option for you and get a fair recovery. Personal injury claims can take time, and the longer you wait, the greater your chances of losing out on a settlement. When you hire a personal injury attorney, it’s important to decide what is best for you and your family.
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Attorney?
If you decided to call a personal injury attorney, then it is time for you to find a reputable one. You may not want to work with all attorneys you find on the internet. In this regard, you highly recommend the reviews that previous clients left on their websites or Google.