Frequently Asked Questions
Helping You Get Back On Your Feet After an Accident
How do I know if I need a personal injury lawyer?
It’s important to evaluate how badly injured you are. Not every case requires an attorney and the money received in personal injury cases is generally related to how hurt you are. If your injuries are not that severe, then the attorney's fees and expenses might be too much to justify hiring a lawyer.
You should also consider whether you were at fault, if you are willing to go to court, if the wrongdoer can pay you compensation, and if there was negligence involved. You can still recover compensation if you were at fault, but your compensation may be reduced. If you have too much fault, you may not recover enough money to justify hiring a lawyer. If you are unable to settle your case, you may have to go to court to try your case before a judge or jury. If you are not willing to see the case through to the courtroom, you may not be able to get adequate compensation to justify hiring a lawyer. If the wrongdoer does not have insurance coverage or the financial means to pay damages, you may never be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Finally, you can only be awarded compensation if there was some kind of negligence that caused your injuries. Sometimes accidents just happen and no one is at fault. If you cannot show that the wrongdoer most likely acted with negligence to cause your injuries, then you will not be able to receive compensation.
If you meet the criteria listed above, it may be worth consulting with a personal injury attorney who can advise you on the value of your case and walk you through your options. Do not wait too long or you may find that the statute of limitations to pursue your case has passed, leaving you with few or no legal options.
The difficulty of recovering from a personal injury cannot be overestimated. You shouldn't have to live with the consequences of someone else’s actions, and if you are motivated to improve your life despite your injuries, the compensation from a personal injury settlement can be a valuable tool to help you move forward.
Is it worth it to hire a personal injury lawyer?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney to assist you in your personal injury case. However, with a personal injury attorney you may be able to receive more compensation. In every case, the insurance company wants to pay you as little as possible; that’s where your attorney can help to fight for more. If a case can't settle, for whatever reason, then you will have to go to court and likely try your case before a judge or jury. You have to be willing to go the distance to obtain justice. If not, you might not get adequate compensation from the wrongdoer or their insurance company. An attorney can be a valuable partner in what can sometimes be a long and emotionally draining journey to the courtroom. Your attorney also can provide perspective on how receptive judges and jury’s in the county you file your case are to personal injury cases.
If you are not sure whether or not you would like to hire a personal injury lawyer, contact an attorney to learn more. They can advise you on the value of your case and discuss your options for moving forward. Do not delay exploring your options to hire an attorney or you may find that the statute of limitations to pursue your case has closed, leaving you with little or no recourse. Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your attorney secures compensation for you. This alleviates the risk for you as a client and ensures you won’t go into further debt paying your legal fees as a result of your injury.
A serious injury can have devastating consequences for your finances, your career, your health and your relationships. In the midst of medical bills, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma, you have no time left to chase down insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. You should not have to shoulder this burden alone. Having an attorney who will advocate and work on your behalf could help you to secure significant compensation for medical costs, recovery of lost wages, and more, changing the course of your recovery and getting your life back on track.
How do I choose a good personal injury lawyer?
It’s important to pick an attorney that will listen to you and support your case. Through research, referrals, and reviews, you will be able to find many options. You should like the attorney, trust they will be easy to work with, and know that they will fight for you. It is also important to select a personal injury attorney who provides a free consultation to evaluate the merits of your case, as well as one who works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay the attorney if they are successful in securing compensation for you. This alleviates the risk for you as a client, ensuring you won’t go into debt as a result of paying your legal fees if you lose your case.
When evaluating personal injury lawyers, look for an attorney who has a successful track record in representing and securing compensation for personal injury victims. Reviewing the attorney’s testimonials and case results can help you feel more confident in your selection process. During your consultation, the attorney should collect basic information about your case and be able to advise you on what to expect, how he or she can help you, and the predicted length of time to get the matter settled. Your attorney should make you feel that your case matters and that they are committed to standing up against large corporations, insurance companies and others to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive. Your attorney should also be easy to reach and responsive, providing easy ways to contact him or her directly and keeping you in the loop on any updates or developments with your case. If your attorney is working with a team, ask to meet the other members of the team who will be working on your case to make sure you are comfortable with everyone involved in the process. It is also a good idea to conduct an online search through your state’s bar association to make sure your attorney does not have a concerning disciplinary record that could jeopardize your case.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer who can help you handle the complex claims process. In the immediate aftermath of your accident, you are likely focused on getting your injuries treated, handling property damage, and dealing with the emotional toll of the car crash. A lawyer can help remove some of the stress from the process and fight for justice on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
The compensation you are entitled to from the accident can vary widely. Depending on the severity of your injury, it could take months or longer to resolve, whereas other injuries may permanently impact your quality of life that you enjoyed prior to the accident. A lawyer can also help you evaluate additional factors that impact compensation including: property damage, transportation costs, medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Most car accident claims are resolved through a settlement that is negotiated with the insurance company. Remember that insurance companies will typically try to settle or pay claims at the minimum amount possible. Without a lawyer, it can be hard to evaluate what a fair settlement would be as you may be dealing with the stress of medical bills, rehabilitation, and financial consequences of missing work. If you sign off on a settlement that is too low, you can’t go back and ask for more money if you experience complications in the future that require more treatment or financial resources. This is why it’s important to consult with an attorney early in the process who will help protect you and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Most lawyers offer a free case evaluation to meet the attorney, gather details about your case and provide you with information on your options. In addition, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you will only pay the attorney if they are successful in securing compensation for you. This minimizes the financial risk for you as a client, protecting you from legal fee debt if you lose your case.
Suffering an injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence can be a devastating and life-changing burden, and it’s important to have a dedicated and caring lawyer who can help you navigate the additional stress of the insurance claims and legal process so you can focus on getting back on your feet.