Today’s world places a lot of value on do-it-yourself solutions. When you can do something yourself, it’s possible to save money and get a good result. Sometimes, though, doing it yourself doesn’t pay off as you would wish.
One of the areas that a DIY approach doesn’t work out well is personal injury. If you have been injured, it’s tempting to deal with the other person’s insurance company on your own, in order to save some money. Unfortunately, this might not provide you with the best outcome. Before you decide to go it alone, consider these 3 reasons to hire a lawyer when you’re injured:
1. Potential for a Larger Settlement
According to a study from the Insurance Research Council, settlements for injured auto accident victims were 40 percent higher for those with attorneys. An insurance company’s job is to pay you as little as possible for your injury. You might not know how much those with similar injuries have received, and you might accept the first number offered by the other person’s insurance company.
However, an attorney knows what is “normal” for your injury, and what you are entitled to. More importantly, the insurance company knows that your lawyer knows. An insurance company understands that it will have a harder time pulling the wool over the eyes of an experienced attorney. That’s why settlements are potentially higher when you involve an attorney.
Even if you have to pay a lawyer to represent you, the reality is that you will likely still come out ahead, due to the increased size of your settlement.
2. Less Worry Over Filing Paperwork
When you’ve been injured, you’re already stressed. There’s a lot of paperwork involved with filing an injury claim, and when you’re stressed and trying to recover, the last thing you need is to worry over paperwork. This is where a personal injury attorney can help. Your lawyer knows what paperwork needs to be filed — and when it should be filed.
Many claims are denied because of a missing piece of documentation, or you might be offered a lower settlement as a result of incomplete paperwork. Your attorney can help keep you organized so that you know what needs to be turned in, and when it should be turned in. In fact, your lawyer can help you by filing the paperwork on your behalf. You don’t have to do anything, other than provide statements and documentation that your attorney asks you for. This makes the entire situation a little easier to handle.
Instead of worrying over whether or not everything is in order, you can concentrate on recovering from your injury. This provides you with peace of mind, and it ensures that everything moves along as it should.
3. Help Dealing with Insurance and Court Systems
It’s not always just about the paperwork. You might have to give statements, and you might end up going to court to enforce your injury entitlement. If you say the wrong thing, you could damage your case. A lawyer can represent you and help you navigate the insurance and legal systems.
A personal injury attorney is experienced with the jargon that often pervades the system. He can decode things for you, help you frame things properly, and even speak for you if you are unsure of what to say. You can consult with your lawyer on the steps that you can take, and how to approach your case so that you end up with the fairest possible outcome.
There is a lot to be said for experience and expertise when it comes to getting what you deserve as the result of an injury. Hiring a good personal injury attorney can keep you on track, and help you get through this time as efficiently as possible.
3 Reasons to Consider Hiring a Lawyer When You're Injured by James Sorrels