Many people do not hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident because they assume they can do everything themselves. While this is true in some cases, there are times when a personal injury attorney can help you in many ways.
The sooner you hire an attorney after an accident the better. They can help resolve your case and get you a higher settlement than you could obtain yourself.
They can help with injuries
Every auto accident has different injuries, some more serious than others. Serious injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or amputations always need a personal injury attorney. These injuries are life-changing and a large reward from the insurance company can help someone pay medical bills and for extended medical treatments.
However, small injuries also warrant an attorney. Even little injuries can keep you away from work or may need physical therapy. Having an attorney can help get you money to better manage these life changes as a result of your automobile accident.
Multiple compensations
When there is an accident, there are usually multiple parties that are liable that your lawyer can target. This is harder to do if you are trying to work on your own.
For example, if you were in a truck accident, your lawyer can help seek compensation from the driver as well as his place of employment.
Your lawyer will be able to get your settlements from several different places and be able to explain your options to you.
They can communicate with you
Some people contact a lawyer after their insurance claim gets denied or delayed. However, it is better if you contact the lawyer before you contact the insurance company.
This is because the lawyer can better communicate with the insurance company and knows all the questions that need to be asked.
Attorneys also have access to information that normal people don’t. For example, they can access logbooks, past accidents, and repair reports. Many of these items are public information, but lawyers can look them up quicker.
They will get you a higher settlement
Almost all insurance companies will try to offer you a low settlement because most people are afraid to negotiate. Negotiating is an attorney’s job though. They know how to do it professionally and successfully.
The first offer from the insurance is the minimum that they think they can get away with giving you, but the actual amount you can get is much higher.
If you accept the original offer, it is usually much harder to get additional compensation later. Also, call your lawyer before accepting any compensation or settlement.
They can appeal decisions
If your settlement or claim was denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision. Once the company knows you have retained an attorney, they are more likely to communicate more and get a claim going for you.
This is especially helpful if your payment is delayed. They can also explain to you the penalties that insurance companies face when they ignore your claim.
If your claim is denied, the attorney will provide evidence to help increase your chances of getting a successful settlement.
Offer you advice
Sometimes insurance companies can be sneaky and look into your records or social media accounts. An attorney can help offer your advice on how to manage this violation and help you know your rights.
For example, if you claim you cannot complete certain activities, an insurance company may check your Facebook or other accounts to see if you post yourself doing anything that you claim you can’t.
An attorney may advise you not to post anything on social media during your claim. They can also help you know what a company may be searching for and help you avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Keep your offer valid
Some claims have an expiration date. Hiring a lawyer can help you know how long your offer is valid and what kind of compensation is being worked on.
They can also let you know how long it may take for your claim to be settled and offer you liability information.
Get your records in order
Filing a claim that caused you damage requires a massive amount of paperwork and documents. Consolidating them and getting everything in order can be a pain, especially when you have been in the hospital or are suffering from injuries.
An attorney can organize and analyze all the evidence and records for you. This means you won’t have to spend hours going through papers and trying to figure out what they mean.
Bring resources to the table
An attorney has hundreds of resources at their disposal. This includes documents, investigators, and a dedicated staff.
Their staff and experts can bring new light and ideas to your case. Having a team on your side can help you feel supported and heard.
The attorney’s staff will work with the lawyer and you to make sure everything gets done in a timely and efficient manner.
Works with the doctor
An attorney can tell your doctor and medical staff exactly what information you need for the verdict and settlement. The attorney can write a note to the doctor to give detailed records and opinions on what caused your injury or disability.
They can also discuss how long your injury will last and what extended treatment you need. This will help complete the records you need to file a claim.
Sometimes doctors and nurses can get very busy and won’t respond to your record request for a long period of time. They are more likely to respond quickly if they get correspondence from a lawyer as it is recognized as serious and time sensitive.
Key Takeaways
No matter your accident or injury, retaining a personal injury lawyer provides numerous benefits. It can take away much of the stress that is related to getting into an accident.
With the lawyer doing the work for you, you can concentrate on recovering, receiving treatment, and getting healthy again. It will also help you get back to work sooner.
