If you have found yourself reading this blog, it is likely you have been injured or affected by an outside party. Questions and concerns about hiring a lawyer after an accident typically center around whether you were injured; if you or the other party are insured; and how much “this” will all cost. These concerns are valid and can shed light on the benefits of hiring an injury attorney. In the most basic sense, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the questions and next steps after an accident, and ensure you receive the best resolution possible.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Below we will review five standard questions that accompany accidents and break down the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer. Upon reviewing our notes, you should hopefully feel better informed and confident in your decision to call a lawyer, should you need one.
Did You Suffer Injuries from an Accident?
If you suffered injuries after an accident, a personal injury attorney may be a valuable advocate that will help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. From navigating the insurance agencies to managing claims and suits, an injury lawyer can handle the paperwork while you focus on healing and recovering. It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer if your accident resulted in any of the following:
- Permanent disability
- Temporary disability
- Severe injury
- Pain and suffering
Do You Know Who is Liable?
Do you know who is at fault in the accident and for your injuries? If you are unsure, speaking with an attorney can help you clarify responsible parties and fight for your rights as a victim.
Further, if liability is unclear, it becomes your responsibility to prove your innocence in court and to insurance companies. Likewise, it is your responsibility to prove the negligence of the other party. To accomplish this, you need evidence which can include photos, police records, reports, medical records, and testimonies, among others. The gathering of and presentation of proof takes time, relationship management, and understanding of your state’s liability laws.
If you are/were the party to blame, then you should certainly seek the counsel of an attorney.
Can You (Successfully) Negotiate with an Insurance Company?
Do you have experience negotiating with notoriously challenging insurance adjusters? This aspect of an injury case can make or break an end result.
Your goal as a party with injuries is to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Settlements are meant to cover medical bills, property damages, lost income, and the management of pain and suffering. What you consider fair is not necessarily what an adjuster considers adequate, and intensive negotiations are often required to reach an agreeable sum. An attorney experienced in working with insurance companies can help ensure your needs are met.
Can You Afford a Personal Injury Attorney?
We like to ask you this in return: Can you afford to not hire an attorney? There are two reasons why hiring injury lawyers are financially beneficial to you if you.
- Nearly every personal injury lawyer works on a contingency fee, meaning they receive nothing if you do not win your case. This means you pay no up-front or out-of-pocket expenses when hiring a lawyer such as Cohen and Newmark. Payments to your attorney are made after a settlement is reached, and are a sum you and the attorney agreed upon prior to the firm taking your case.
- Victims with lawyers usually receive larger settlements. Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to compile and present the necessary information to the parties involved. Their diligence and negotiation skills often result in better compensation outcomes. According to a study performed by The Insurance Research Council, people who were represented by lawyers received nearly 3.5 times more than those who were not represented. This sum is after attorneys’ fees were paid.
Are You Ready to Go to Court?
If you cannot reach a settlement with the liable party or the insurance company, your case may need to enter litigation. Representing yourself is rarely recommended, and hiring a personal injury attorney is a simple and positive way to relieve the stress and burden, and increase the potential outcome, of presenting your case to the court.
If you are considering your options, the personal injury attorneys of Cohen & Newmark are available to discuss your case. A free consultation will help you decide if your injuries are worth seeking compensation and how our attorneys can provide the representation that will yield the best outcome.
