When accidents happen and someone is injured, it’s often a challenging, stressful, and confusing situation. One of the key questions that many personal injury victims face is whether or not they should hire a personal injury attorney to handle their case. To make this decision, it’s helpful to understand some of the common types of personal injury cases and when a lawyer can be most beneficial.
Examples of Personal Injury Case Types
There are countless situations that can result in personal injury claims. Some common examples include:
Car Accidents: Easily one of the most common personal injury claims, car accidents are often caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. A personal injury attorney can help establish fault and make sure the responsible party is held accountable.
Slip and Fall Cases: Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Slip and fall cases arise when a person is injured on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions.
Medical Malpractice: When healthcare providers fail to provide an appropriate level of care, patients can suffer serious harm. Medical malpractice cases require extensive medical knowledge and legal expertise to navigate.
Defective Products: Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe products for consumers. When a product is poorly designed, manufactured, or marketed, it can lead to personal injury claims.
When You Need an Attorney for a Personal Injury
In the following circumstances, you should contact a personal injury lawyer right way:
After an Accident Resulting in Significant Injury
If you’ve been severely injured due to someone else’s negligence, time is of the essence. In such cases, it’s wise to consult with an attorney who can help you assess the extent of your damages, guide you through the complexities of a personal injury case, and negotiate with insurance companies.
This is especially important when your injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or result in permanent disability, as these costs will add up quickly.
Hit and Run
A hit and run occurs when a driver hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist and intentionally leaves the scene without providing any identifying information or offering assistance. Legally, this is a severe offense that can lead to criminal charges. In these cases, hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential.
They can gathering evidence and attempt to identify the guilty party so you can get the compensation you deserve. If the driver can’t be found, a lawyer will investigating possible sources of insurance coverage, like underinsured or uninsured policies.
When the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay or Engages in Bad Faith Tactics
Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with, particularly when they refuse to pay a valid claim or engage in bad faith tactics such as deliberately delaying, underpaying, or denying your claim altogether. In such instances, having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side is crucial. They will be your advocate and aggressively pursue a fair settlement from the insurance company.
You Think You’re Partially to Blame
In some cases, you may believe that you are partially at fault for the accident. Even if this is true, it’s still possible to recover compensation under comparative negligence rules (depending on your state and how much you are deemed to be at fault).
An attorney can help determine the extent of your fault and the potential recovery based on the specific laws in your jurisdiction. Don’t assume that just because you may share some blame, you aren’t entitled to compensation.
The Claim Involves a Government Entity
In some cases, you may have a case against a government entity, in which case a lawyer will be incredibly helpful. For example, you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a government vehicle or employee, or you were injured because of road hazards that a government entity caused, you may have a personal injury claim against them.
One key reason to enlist an attorney’s help when filing a personal injury claim against the government is due to the shorter statute of limitations requirements that come into play when filing a claim against the government.
In addition to the shorter statute of limitations, there are typically strict notice requirements as well. These notices are legally required documents that inform the government agency of your intent to file a claim.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Even though you aren’t required to hire a lawyer, there are numerous benefits to working with one, including the following:
Reducing Stress
A personal injury can cause significant emotional stress for victims and their families. An attorney can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring you have a knowledgeable ally in your corner. Knowing that a skilled professional is looking out for your best interests can provide significant peace of mind as you focus on recovery.
Proper Valuation of Your Claim
Every personal injury case has unique circumstances, making it difficult for individuals to accurately assess their own claims. A personal injury attorney will help you evaluate your case and determine the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. If you don’t know how much you deserve, you can’t make a determination about what a fair settlement is.
Access to Resources
Finally, personal injury attorneys often have access to resources that you simply don’t have. This may include medical and economic experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators who can gather evidence to support your claims. Additionally, attorneys are often well-networked within the legal community, which can help with finding expert witnesses and other resources.
Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney
Considering the many personal injury lawyers available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to hire. Here are some tips on picking the right personal injury attorney for your case:
Find a Lawyer with Specific Experience in Personal Injury Law
Experience matters when it comes to personal injury law. A lawyer who specializes in these cases will have a better understanding of the nuances and tactics needed to secure a favorable outcome. It doesn’t matter how much experience a lawyer has if it’s in a different area of the law; make sure you find someone who specifically handles personal injury cases, and the type you’ve experienced.
To find experienced personal injury lawyers, ask friends and family for recommendations, or use online resources such as the American Bar Association’s directory or Avvo.
Consider the Lawyer’s Reputation
A law firm’s reputation is critical because it reflects the quality of their services and their ability to successfully represent their clients. A lawyer with a stellar reputation is more likely to provide exceptional legal representation and have a proven track record of success. You should read online reviews and check local bar websites to see if there have been any disciplinary actions taken against the lawyer you’re considering hiring.
Evaluate the Lawyer’s Personality and Communication
It’s essential to find an attorney you can trust and feel comfortable with. Schedule consultations with potential lawyers to gauge their personality and communication style. During these meetings, ask questions about their approach to cases, how they will keep you informed about the progress, and their values regarding personal injury law. Taking the time to get to know your potential attorney can help ensure a strong and successful working relationship.
Understand the Fee Structure
A key factor to consider when choosing a personal injury attorney is their fee structure. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they won’t get paid unless you receive compensation. Be sure to discuss the percentage they would take from your settlement or court award, as these fees can vary.
Ask for a clear explanation of their fee arrangement, including expenses you may be responsible for even if you don’t win. Understanding the financial implications of your decision can help prevent any hidden surprises later.
Trust Your Gut
Lastly, trust your instincts when making a decision. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable with a particular lawyer, it might not be the best fit for your case. Listen to your intuition and choose an attorney who instills confidence and makes you feel heard.
Deciding whether or not to hire an attorney for your personal injury case largely depends upon the specifics of your situation. While there are instances when you may not require professional legal representation, most of the time, it makes sense to hire one. It’s always advisable to at least consult with a personal injury lawyer so you can make sure you are protecting yourself and getting what you’re entitled to.