When life takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, one of the biggest questions you might ask is, “Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney?” It’s a fair question. Let’s break it down simply, so you can make the best decision for yourself.
First, let’s discuss what a personal injury attorney actually does. Personal injury attorneys are legal experts who help those injured in accidents.
They work to get their clients fair compensation for their injuries. This might include money for medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. They handle all the legal aspects so you can focus on getting better.
Leveling the Playing Field
When deciding if it is worth hiring a personal injury attorney ask yourself “is it a fair fight?”. Dealing with insurance companies is no easy feat. They have teams of skilled lawyers working against you to minimize claim payouts.
These experienced lawyers find ways to reduce or deny your compensation. They use tactics that can leave you feeling powerless and frustrated.
However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A personal injury attorney can fight for the fair pay you deserve.
The insurance company’s lawyers are not like your personal injury attorney. Your attorney works only for you and has your best interests at heart.
Your personal injury attorney will navigate the complexities of your case and counter insurance companies’ strategies.
Having a dedicated lawyer on your side levels the playing field, increasing your chances of securing a fair settlement.
Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to make money, not to pay out large claims.
They have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to minimize what they pay. If you try to settle your claim alone, you might not get what you deserve.
A personal injury attorney knows how to negotiate with these companies and fight to get you a fair settlement.
Accident Victims Represented by Lawyers See Increased Settlement Amounts
Most importantly, to decide if is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney, you must know everything you can claim.
While medical care is your top priority, the financial burden of recovering shouldn’t add to your stress. The law recognizes this and allows accident victims to seek compensation for more damages than you might realize. Damages could include:
1. Medical Expenses: This covers all costs associated with your accident-related injuries, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor appointments
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
These costs can include both past and future medical needs.
2. Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can get compensation. It covers the wages you lose during your recovery. This may also include benefits you miss out on, such as paid time off or contributions to your retirement plan. In some cases, if your injuries hurt your future earning ability, you can get compensation for that too.
3. Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience.
4. Other Damages: The circumstances of your accident may entitle you to compensation for other damages. These include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Loss of consortium (the impact the accident has on your relationship with your spouse)
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of mobility
When is it Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
Following a car accident, the focus should be on your health and well-being. However, the financial implications of injuries and lost wages can quickly complicate your recovery. Here are some situations where having the right personal injury attorney on your side is especially important:
1. Serious Injuries Requiring Extensive Medical Care:
If your injuries require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, or rehabilitation, the medical bills can quickly pile up. An attorney can document and include all your medical expenses in your claim. They can also negotiate with medical providers to potentially reduce your bills.
2. Permanent Disabilities Impacting Future Earning Potential:
Serious accidents can sometimes lead to permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work and earn a living. A lawyer can evaluate how your injuries will affect you in the future and help you get money for lost wages.
3. Unclear Fault in the Accident:
Determining fault in an accident isn’t always straightforward. If it’s not clear who caused the accident, the insurance company might deny your claim or say you’re partly to blame. An attorney can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and fight to establish a clear picture of what happened.
4. Dispute with the Insurance Company:
Insurance companies focus on their bottom line. They may deny your claim, offer a lowball settlement, or try to downplay the severity of your injuries. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies. They can ensure you receive a settlement that includes the full extent of your damages.
These are just some of the situations where an attorney can be worth hiring. Remember, you shouldn’t have to fight for the compensation you deserve on top of dealing with your injuries. An experienced attorney can be your strongest ally. Your personal injury lawyer gets you medical care and the financial resources to move forward with your life.
What If I Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
You might be thinking about handling your claim on your own. While this is an option, it’s not always the best one when faced with severe injuries or complicated cases.
Without legal experience, you might not know the true value of your case. You might accept a low offer because you don’t realize you could claim more. Plus, the legal process can be complicated and stressful.
You could also miss the statute of limitations. If you miss legal deadlines, you might not be able to recover any compensation.
Having an attorney handle everything can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything upfront for legal representation.
When it makes sense to manage your own case
While you might be considering handling your case yourself, there are specific situations where it might be achievable. Success typically hinges on specific circumstances.
- No Injuries or minor injuries
- You’re comfortable negotiating
Before representing yourself, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer. Even if you believe you can manage your case on your own.
Speak with a Top-Rated California Personal Injury Attorney
So, is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney? In most cases, the answer is yes. They can handle the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. With their help, you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery.
About Us
We are an award-winning personal injury law firm with offices in Los Angeles and Orange County. Our focus is on representing injured victims in personal injury cases throughout California.
Contact us today at (213) 985-1120 for a no-obligation, free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. With El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, you’re not just another case; you’re our top priority. Act now and reclaim your peace of mind!