Over 60 million Americans suffered a personal injury in 2021, according to recent statistics from the National Safety Council. If you or a loved one has recently been injured, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to help with your case. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when deciding if a personal lawyer is right for your situation.
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What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer represents clients who have been physically or psychologically injured, usually by another person’s negligence. These types of lawyers specialize in a specific area of civil law called tort law. The main roles of a personal injury lawyer after an accident may include:
- Investigating your accident to build a strong case.
- Gathering evidence like medical reports, police reports and eyewitness statements.
- Determining other parties that may share liability, such as a property owner.
- Calculating the compensation you may be owed for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering – the average cost of medical treatment from a car accident is around $15k.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached – this can take from 1-3 years.
Key Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
According to Mark Anderson, an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, there are several compelling reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer can benefit you after an accident. These include:
Maximizing Compensation
Personal injury lawyers thoroughly understand injury law and what kind of injury compensation you deserve. Relying solely on an insurance company after an accident often results in inadequate settlements. However, an experienced lawyer has the skill to maximize your compensation in court if needed. This pays off because their fees usually range from 25% to 40% of your total settlement.
Leveling the Playing Field
Large insurance companies have whole teams of lawyers helping them reduce payouts. It can feel very intimidating and complex to take on these corporations alone. Hiring your own lawyer helps level the playing field so you can get fair compensation without being taken advantage of.
Taking the Burden Off Your Shoulders
Dealing with the fallout from an accident is stressful enough without having to build a legal case at the same time. Personal injury lawyers handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing from your injuries. A good lawyer will communicate every step of the process so you feel informed and reassured.
When You May Not Need a Personal Injury Attorney
While there are clear benefits, you may decide hiring a personal injury attorney is unnecessary or too expensive for your situation. Many accident cases with clear liability and small damages can be effectively handled through your own car insurance company. Here are two examples of minor accident cases that likely do not require a lawyer:
- A fender-bender resulting in minor vehicle damage and no injuries
- An accident with minor injuries where the other party admits fault
Every accident is unique, so there is no definitive rule on when you need to hire a personal injury attorney. But in many cases where injuries or damages are significant, like the 43k fatal crashes that happen each year, lawful representation is highly recommended.
Taking Legal Action After an Accident
Suffering an injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence often warrants legal action to pursue compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer advocating for you can make all the difference in reaching a positive outcome. While every situation is unique, in many cases, hiring professional legal representation safeguards your rights and financial recovery. Taking time to research the qualifications and specialties of attorneys in your area is key to getting started on the road to justice.
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