Technically, you don’t need a lawyer to represent you in court, whether it’s a criminal or civil case. Most people know the old saying, “he who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Non-lawyers usually don’t have the education or experience to negotiate with other lawyers or insurance companies. While you don’t have to hire a personal injury attorney, if your case is serious, you should definitely consider the benefits of having one on your side.
What Does Your Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another party, you are probably dealing with their insurance company, who most likely doesn’t want to give up any more money than necessary. You may even be offered a settlement. You might be tempted to take it, just to resolve the matter. Then, you wonder if the offer is fair. This is when you need an objective advocate who knows the law that can provide an assessment of your options.
Your lawyer does much more for you than simply gives you options. A good attorney:
- Represents your interests in negotiations with the insurance company.
- Calculating your losses to determine what a fair settlement is.
- Documenting evidence and interviewing witnesses in case your claim needs to go to court.
- Responding to your questions and listening to your needs.
- Ensuring your paperwork is filled out correctly and filed in time.
Your lawyer takes a lot of stress off you while you’re healing from your injuries.
Choosing Your Lawyer
It’s important to trust your personal injury lawyer, because it could take months to settle your claim. Don’t let this discourage you. It could take that long to fully estimate the extent of your injuries and to negotiate a settlement. What should you look for in a good personal injury attorney?
Your attorney needs to have experience in personal injury cases. Even better, the attorney should have experience in your particular type of claim. A slip-and-fall injury is different from a car accident. Bike accidents are not the same as a truck accident. Ask how often your attorney handles cases like yours.
An attorney cannot guarantee an outcome, but you should get information about the potential for your case. You should get an understanding of what could affect your case and what might work against you. This will help you make better decisions about how to proceed.
You may not be required to have a personal injury lawyer, but your attorney brings a lot to the table. Contact a lawyer today to help you deal with your claim.