Accidents are unfortunate, but they can happen to anyone. When they do, they can leave people dealing with injuries. If you are in this situation, you may note five signs that you should consult with a personal injury attorney.
1- You’ve Suffered a Serious Injury
The more serious your injuries, the more likely it is that your case will be complex. Also, depending on the nature of your injury, it can adversely affect your life in many ways for the long term or even permanently. Because of these issues, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can ensure that you get all of the information you need and how to proceed. Your personal injury attorney will also fight to ensure that you are able to get a settlement in your case that is more than fair to compensate you for your medical expenses and continuing treatment.
2- You’re Not Being Paid Lost Wages
Suffering an injury that’s bad enough usually causes a person to miss time from work. In some cases, that missed time might be significant. While you’re out of work, you may not be prepared. If your injuries don’t stem from a work-related accident and you aren’t receiving workers’ compensation benefits, this can lead to financial hardship. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you recover all economic damages you are due, including lost wages and lost earning capacity if you’re out of work long-term or permanently.
3- Liability Isn’t Clear
One of the biggest reasons why a personal injury case is complex and you need a lawyer’s assistance is that liability isn’t clear. If you aren’t sure who was at fault for the car accident, slip-and-fall, or other situation that directly led to your injuries or if multiple parties might be responsible, you need help. An attorney can get the facts of what happened by using an investigative team if necessary. This can bring to light who is liable.
4- You Have to Go Through an Insurance Company
Depending on your state and the circumstances of the accident leading to your injuries, you may need to go through an insurance company to get your settlement. In that situation, you absolutely need a personal injury attorney on your side. Insurers habitually try to take advantage of injured victims who try to go it alone in their cases. However, they don’t try the same tactics with attorneys because they know they won’t accept a lowball offer. Lawyers also know how best to negotiate a good settlement amount with insurance company representatives to ensure that you get a satisfactory offer.
5- Your Case Ends Up Going to Trial
In some cases, an injury case fails to settle. Both sides may disagree with a failed settlement or dispute the facts of the case as a whole. In that situation, the case would have to be moved to trial. This is another reason why it’s vital to consult with a personal injury attorney. They have the knowledge and experience needed to handle your case in court, which makes it far better than handling your case on your own.
These are the most compelling reasons to consult with a personal injury attorney. You can get peace of mind knowing that your legal rights are protected with a lawyer on your side.