There is so much stress after an injury accident. Most victims are not only trying to heal but figure out how to stay employed, pay medical bills (no, the at-fault isn’t paying bills during your treatment time!), and trying to keep some normalcy in their home life.
It is usually the non-accident stressors that prove to be too much. For this reason, from a stress-related mental health perspective, hiring a personal injury lawyer can save your sanity and your legal case. However, even absent all of the stress, hiring a lawyer after a car accident can often lead to a better settlement for several reasons:
Legal Expertise
Personal injury lawyers specialize in handling cases like car accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents and many other types of injury-related accidents. They understand the legal complexities, know how to navigate insurance companies, and are familiar with the tactics that can maximize your settlement.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Personal injury firms have the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate the accident. They gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, medical records, and expert opinions, which can strengthen your case and support your claim for a higher settlement.
Negotiation Skills
Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can effectively communicate and advocate on your behalf with insurance companies. They know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can negotiate for fair compensation that reflects the true extent of your injuries and damages.
Understanding of Damages
Experienced lawyers know how to calculate and present damages comprehensively. This includes not only medical expenses and lost wages but also future medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. Additionally, personal injury attorneys know what evidence will be required to prove loss should your case go to trial. You can’t just claim losses; they must be proven with specific evidence.:
Courtroom Experience
While most cases settle out of court, having a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial if necessary can put pressure on insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. Lawyers understand the litigation process and are prepared to take your case to court if negotiations fail. Furthermore, insurance adjusters are not lawyers so they often do not fully appreciate the legal and financial risks that are present in a case. In many situations, you need to file the lawsuit so you can move from a non-lawyer insurance adjuster to an experienced insurance defense attorney who can appreciate the legal issues of your case. If you are not a lawyer, this can be the step that is simply too overwhelming but, if you wait too long to bring an attorney on board, many firms do not want to “un-do” the mistakes of a mismanaged case that will negatively impact a case at trial.
Contingency Fees
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or win your case in court. This arrangement means they are motivated to maximize your settlement amount.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a lawyer should be based on the specific circumstances of your case. Consulting with a lawyer during a free initial consultation can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation after an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to our attorneys 7 days a week. (360) 792-1000
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Whether you choose to handle your case alone or engage the Witt Law Group, being informed and prepared is essential. Early involvement of an attorney can significantly impact your chances of a fair recovery, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle negotiations with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for your injuries.