If you have been involved in an accident, you want to find a good personal injury lawyer to represent you. Hiring a personal injury lawyer takes a lot of stress off your shoulders and lets you focus more on recuperation. However, there is a common misconception among injured victims as to when is the right time to call on a personal injury lawyer. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another person and wonder when to hire a lawyer, read on.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer After Your Accident
There is no set guideline as to when to hire a personal injury lawyer. Some injured victims hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as they have been admitted to the hospital. Others may choose to hire them at a later date. However, hiring a personal injury lawyer gives you an edge, especially as you’ll be going against insurance companies. With an injury lawyer in your corner, you’ll learn more about the dos and don’ts of a personal injury case, how you can keep your case alive, how to avoid falling for the antics of insurance companies, and more.
While you are at liberty to decide when you should hire a personal injury lawyer, below are some of the times when having a personal injury lawyer is recommended.
When Discussing with Insurance Companies
There is a huge chance that you will be having one or more discussions with your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster. You should note that insurance companies are in the business of protecting their pockets. What this means is that they can use your words against you to get out of paying you what is right in compensation. To avoid complicating the issue at hand, it is recommended that you hire an attorney.
Your personal injury lawyer is familiar with insurance companies and how they operate. They also know what you can say and what you shouldn’t. Your injury lawyer will prepare you for the meeting with the insurance companies and ensure that the process goes smoothly. As part of your discussion with the insurance company, you may be presented with a settlement offer. Your attorney will read through the offer to determine whether it is right or not. In most cases, the insurance company will offer you a ridiculous amount which should be rejected.
When you have been injured by Medical Providers or Defective Medical Products
Healthcare professionals are trusted to do what is right and necessary to help patients maintain a clean health bill. However, in some cases, they may act out of turn or in an unprofessional manner. If you have suffered injuries or health complications due to the negligence of your healthcare provider, hiring a personal injury lawyer is recommended. Your medical malpractice lawyer knows that the healthcare provider or facility is unlikely to admit to wrongdoing and will ensure that proper investigation is carried out to establish liability.
Fighting a medical malpractice case can be complex. Going against big corporations with millions of dollars to spend on legal fees can be overwhelming. However, your personal injury lawyer can do the needful to ensure that you get what is due in compensation.
When Accident Investigations are Insufficient
Accident investigation is important to establish the at-fault party and prove liability. However, in some cases, insurance companies and the police department may be limited in the extent they can go to prove liability. In such a case as this, having a personal injury lawyer is recommended.
Your personal injury lawyer will work closely with investigators to collect relevant information and evidence that will prove liability while also giving you a better chance to recover more money in compensation.
When Facing Permanent Injuries or Disabilities
Some accidents lead to permanent injuries and disabilities. Such injuries can change the course of the victim’s life forever. The victim loses their earning potential and is also faced with possible lifetime medical bills. In cases like this, your personal injury lawyer can carefully estimate the monetary value of your losses, including the past, present, and future medical bills. Your accident lawyer can also estimate your pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages that you may have suffered.
With help from your attorney, you can get back a reasonable amount that will cover your future medical bills without other out-of-pocket costs.
Before the Statute of Limitations runs out
States across the US set a statute of limitations on cases. When the statute of limitation runs out, the case expires, and evidence may not be admissible in court. In most states, personal injury cases have a 2-year statute of limitations, after which the victim may be unable to pursue a claim. To avoid running out of time, contact a personal injury lawyer.
