Every year, more than 3 million people get injured in car accidents alone in the United States. While many of those injuries are minor and easy to settle with insurance companies, others are much more complex.
You have to prove that your injuries are severe enough to warrant a fair settlement from the insurance company. This takes time and can often leave you feeling frustrated and at the end of your rope.
Hiring a personal injury attorney can help streamline the process. However, if you’re like most people, you’re likely not sure when to handle things on your own and when to find a personal injury lawyer.
Here are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to get legal help.
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You Want Expert Advice
Anytime you’re injured in an accident, you’re going to have a lot to deal with. You’ll need to negotiate with the insurance company, deal with the other parties involved in the accident, and navigate the claims process.
This can be confusing even if you’ve had to file insurance claims in the past.
Getting expert advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is a great way to help you simplify the claims process. Even better, they’ll work on your behalf to help you get the biggest settlement possible.
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You’re Not Sure Who’s Responsible
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, fault determines who pays for the other person’s injuries and damage. Proving fault can be difficult.
Hiring a lawyer for PI lawsuits is key if you’re not sure who is at fault in the accident.
They’ll be able to look at the paperwork, police report, and witness statements to help you make your case. If you’re at fault, they’ll do what they can to mitigate the damage and reduce the amount you’ll owe on a settlement. However, if you’re inured, they’ll work to present your case to get the most money possible.
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There Are Several People Involved
Most accident cases are relatively simple. They involve two parties and, once fault gets determined, reaching an agreement is easy.
However, some accidents involve more than two parties and making sure the claims get filed correctly and that you receive compensation from the right people isn’t simple.
Your attorney will be able to work with the different insurance companies and deal with those different parties
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Your Injuries Are Serious or Debilitating
Serious injuries require extensive medical treatments and that means you’re going to spend more money on your recovery. Unfortunately, most insurance companies offer settlements that barely cover the basics.
You’ll need to find a personal injury lawyer to help you show the insurance companies just how severe your injuries are.
Remember, it’s in the insurance companies’ best interest to give you the smallest settlement possible. Your attorney will help you create a strategy so you can better focus on your recovery.
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Your Employer Isn’t Being Understanding
Unfortunately, employers often view injuries as nothing more than an inconvenience to their business. They need you to get back to work as soon as possible. Any delay in that process means they stand to lose money.
To hedge against that loss, many employers drag their feet when you file a short or long-term disability claim with your insurance provider. If you’re injured on the job, getting accommodations for your injuries can be even tougher.
If your employer isn’t being understanding or willing to work with you to help you recover, it’s always best to speak with a personal injury law firm. They’ll help you figure out your options.
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The Insurance Company Keeps Stalling
It’s normal for insurance companies to delay issuing settlements or processing claims for as long as they possibly can. This allows them to hold onto their money longer and gives them a chance to find ways to decrease the settlement you receive.
Hiring a personal injury attorney is a great way to speed up the claims process and hold the insurance companies accountable. They’ll speak with the right agents and make sure you get the money you’re owed quickly.
They’ll be able to keep the insurance companies on-task and make sure they’re processing your claim. Your attorney will also be able to keep you up to date on the progress and any issues that may come up.
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The Settlement Offer Is Too Low
When an insurance company offers a settlement, you’re not required to accept it. You’re free to demand a larger amount so you can afford to pay your bills and recover without worrying about your finances.
However, contesting a settlement isn’t easy and it’s always best to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you make your case.
They know how to present your situation and negotiate with the insurance companies to maximize the amount you’ll receive. If you end up having to go to court to receive that larger settlement, they’ll represent your case to the best of their ability.
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Medical Treatment Made Things Worse
When you receive medical treatments after an injury, you expect those treatments to help you get better faster. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. If you find that your condition worsened after seeing a doctor, don’t wait to see how things pan out.
Work with an injury attorney and let them represent your case. You deserve the best medical care possible and doctors that cut corners or treat conditions improperly shouldn’t be practicing.
Your attorney will help you file the appropriate lawsuits and negotiate a settlement so you can receive the treatments you need.
Is It Time to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’re dealing with an injury resulting from an accident, don’t try to handle the settlement process on your own. Find a personal injury lawyer and let them help you make your case.
They’ll work for you, not the insurance companies, and can help you better focus on getting well rather than spending your time negotiating with uncaring insurance reps. Just remember to take your time and choose an attorney that you can trust.
Looking for more tips on handling insurance claims and finding the best attorney for your personal injury case? Check out our latest posts.
