According to the CDC, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States is accidental injuries. It’s no wonder there are over 400,000 personal injury cases every year!
But knowing when to hire a lawyer after an accident can be tricky. You’re likely unfamiliar with insurance companies or the legal system and feel overwhelmed. Not to mention that your main focus should be your health, getting better after the injuries suffered in the accident.
That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in. A personal injury lawyer can navigate the pitfalls of the system on your behalf. Read on to learn more about hiring a personal injury lawyer and find one in your area today!
What Is an Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer helps clients receive compensation for injuries or losses. Personal injury lawyers handle car accidents, slip/trip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. They may also help clients file lawsuits against companies and products that have caused them harm.
- An injury lawyer will work with you to build a case demonstrating that the other person was at fault for your injuries. Your lawyer will manage every aspect of your case. They’ll conduct investigations and negotiate with insurance companies.
If you are successful in your claim, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?
There are many things personal injury lawyers do. Still, their key responsibilities include investigating accidents, gathering evidence, filing legal documents, and negotiating settlements.
Personal injury lawyers will:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Handle all the paperwork and legalities
- Deal with the insurance company on your behalf
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Handle all the aspects of your claim and potential lawsuit so that you don’t have to worry about it
Personal injury lawyers may work for private law firms. They may also specialize in individual injury cases, such as automobile accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice cases or product liability claims.
Lawyers must always act in the best interests of their clients. That means negotiating the best possible settlement while protecting their client’s rights throughout the legal process. Also, a personal injury lawyer should never negotiate a case without approval from the client he/she is representing.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
There are many benefits of hiring an injury lawyer that’s committed to your best interests. One of the most important is that they can help you get the money you deserve. They can also help reduce the stress and anxiety of dealing with an injury.
Personal injury lawyers have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies, so they can handle all the paperwork and negotiations for you. That means you can focus on your recovery while they take care of everything else.
Another benefit is that they will give you honest advice about your case. They will tell you whether you have a strong case and what to expect during the legal process.
They can also help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive proper medical care and compensation for your injuries.
Factors To Consider First
Not all injuries are severe enough to warrant hiring a personal injury lawyer. You would likely have a strong case if the other person were at fault for your accident. Consider the following factors to determine how strong your case is:
The Severity of Your Injuries or Damage
If you’ve suffered injuries and severe, long-term injuries due to the accident, it’s worth hiring a lawyer. The more severe your damages, the more likely you’ll be able to recover compensation. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the necessary steps in order to maximize your recovery.
The Amount of Time Since the Accident Occurred
Generally, if it’s been more than a few weeks since the accident happened, your chances of winning a lawsuit may be smaller since crucial evidence may have been lost. However, every case is different and it’s probably still worth calling a personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.
But it could be that you just started experiencing symptoms from your injuries suffered in an accident. In that case, it’s still worth getting in touch with a lawyer to discuss your case. Again, a lawyer will provide you with a free case evaluation.
Who Was at Fault for the Accident
If the other person involved in the accident was at fault, you might not need to hire a lawyer to prove it. But if the fault gets disputed or you were partially at fault, you may need legal help to get the compensation you deserve.
Also, you must be aware of the extent of the injuries you suffered and whether there are any future medical issues. You cannot rush and settle for whatever the insurance company is offering you immediately after the accident.
How Much Money Is at Stake
If you’re only seeking a small amount of money in damages, it may not be worth the cost of hiring a lawyer. But if you expect the insurance company to fight your claim, it’s worth getting legal help. An insurance company will always make low ball settlement offers to an injured person.
The Severity of Your Injuries or Damage
If you’ve suffered injuries and severe, long-term injuries due to the accident, it’s worth hiring a lawyer. The more severe your damages, the more likely you’ll be able to recover compensation. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the necessary steps in order to maximize your recovery.
The Amount of Time Since the Accident Occurred
Generally, if it’s been more than a few weeks since the accident happened, your chances of winning a lawsuit may be smaller since crucial evidence may have been lost. However, every case is different and it’s probably still worth calling a personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.
But it could be that you just started experiencing symptoms from your injuries suffered in an accident. In that case, it’s still worth getting in touch with a lawyer to discuss your case. Again, a lawyer will provide you with a free case evaluation.
Who Was at Fault for the Accident
If the other person involved in the accident was at fault, you might not need to hire a lawyer to prove it. But if the fault gets disputed or you were partially at fault, you may need legal help to get the compensation you deserve.
Also, you must be aware of the extent of the injuries you suffered and whether there are any future medical issues. You cannot rush and settle for whatever the insurance company is offering you immediately after the accident.
How Much Money Is at Stake
If you’re only seeking a small amount of money in damages, it may not be worth the cost of hiring a lawyer. But if you expect the insurance company to fight your claim, it’s worth getting legal help. An insurance company will always make low ball settlement offers to an injured person.
Signs You Need a Physical Injury Lawyer
Certain signs indicate you need to hire a personal injury lawyer. If any of the following apply to you, it’s likely time to seek legal help:
- You suffered serious injuries
- You’ve lost work
- You have proof of financial loss
- The other person was at fault
- The insurance company has denied your claim or is only offering a low settlement
- You have a long or short-term disability as a result of the incident
- You’re not comfortable dealing with the insurance company or legal system alone
Most lawyers will meet with you for a free initial consultation if you’re unsure whether you have a strong case. During this meeting, you can discuss the details of your accident and get advice on whether it would be worth your while to hire a lawyer.
When to Contact a Lawyer
The short answer: immediately. Here’s why:
After an accident or injury, the other party’s insurance companies will begin to build a case against you right away. They’re not interested in what’s best for you. They’re only interested in protecting their interests and paying as little money as possible.
If you plan to file a claim, you should immediately contact an attorney who can investigate the accident and protect your rights.
Your lawyer can level the playing field by dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case so that you have the best chance of recovering the maximum compensation possible.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means they only get paid if they win your case and will take a percentage of your settlement as their fee.
This arrangement is beneficial because you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get legal help. You won’t owe anything if your lawyer doesn’t win your case.
The exact percentage you’ll pay will depend on your lawyer and the details of your case. However, in South Carolina, it’s usually between 30% and 40% of your total recovered settlement. The percentage depends on type of the case and whether or not a lawsuit will ultimately have to be filed.
You should also be aware that you may have to pay other costs related to your case, even if you hire a lawyer. These costs could include filing fees, hiring expert witnesses, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Your lawyer will likely advance these costs on your behalf and deduct them from your settlement. It is wise to get an estimate of all the expenses you may be responsible for in writing before hiring a lawyer.
What If My Case Goes to Trial?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 4% of personal injury cases go to trial. Most cases get settled out of court through negotiation between the lawyers representing both sides.
What Happens If I Don’t Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a personal injury claim, and there are some advantages to handling your case.
The most significant advantage is that you will not have to pay a lawyer’s fees if you don’t hire one. You will also have more control over your case if you handle it yourself.
However, there are also some disadvantages to self-representation. Most importantly, you will be up against experienced insurance adjusters and lawyers who know how to devalue and deny claims. These lawyers and adjusters know the insurance law inside out and they will use it to your disadvantage.
You must also follow the same rules and procedures as experienced lawyers. If you make even a tiny mistake, it could jeopardize your entire case.
Representing yourself in a personal injury claim is generally not a good idea. It’s only worth it if you have experience in the legal system and are confident in navigating it.
If you’re unsure whether to hire a lawyer, you can always consult with one for a free initial consultation. During this meeting, you can discuss the details of your case and get advice.
The exact percentage you’ll pay will depend on your lawyer and the details of your case. However, in South Carolina, it’s usually between 30% and 40% of your total recovered settlement. The percentage depends on type of the case and whether or not a lawsuit will ultimately have to be filed.
You should also be aware that you may have to pay other costs related to your case, even if you hire a lawyer. These costs could include filing fees, hiring expert witnesses, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Your lawyer will likely advance these costs on your behalf and deduct them from your settlement. It is wise to get an estimate of all the expenses you may be responsible for in writing before hiring a lawyer.
What If My Case Goes to Trial?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 4% of personal injury cases go to trial. Most cases get settled out of court through negotiation between the lawyers representing both sides.
What Happens If I Don’t Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a personal injury claim, and there are some advantages to handling your case.
The most significant advantage is that you will not have to pay a lawyer’s fees if you don’t hire one. You will also have more control over your case if you handle it yourself.
However, there are also some disadvantages to self-representation. Most importantly, you will be up against experienced insurance adjusters and lawyers who know how to devalue and deny claims. These lawyers and adjusters know the insurance law inside out and they will use it to your disadvantage.
You must also follow the same rules and procedures as experienced lawyers. If you make even a tiny mistake, it could jeopardize your entire case.
Representing yourself in a personal injury claim is generally not a good idea. It’s only worth it if you have experience in the legal system and are confident in navigating it.
If you’re unsure whether to hire a lawyer, you can always consult with one for a free initial consultation. During this meeting, you can discuss the details of your case and get advice.
How Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Affect My Claim?
The simple answer is that it usually increases the money you recover. Insurance companies are much more likely to take your claim seriously and offer you a fair settlement if an experienced lawyer represents you.
Get Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
If you are successful in your claim, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and other damages. Contact The Dejeu Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We will fight hard to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
