Why Pay a Lawyer?

Many people feel as though they can save on legal fees by handling their personal injury cases on their own. Those people fail to realize that having a legal professional’s experience and resources on your side can save you money in the long run. In some situations, such as going to small claims court or fighting a speeding ticket, you may not need to seek out an attorney, but in many others, you should always have legal representation.

While every person’s case is different, as a rule of thumb, the level of your injury is an excellent way to determine if you should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer before processing your claim. Consultations are free, however, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with a lawyer about your case and the amount of work it will require.

Should I Consider Managing My Own Case?

The answer to this question is always “no.” Trying to handle your case on your own can be highly complex and add unnecessary stressors to an already tricky claim process. Understanding what’s at stake in your case and possible issues that might arise can help you determine if you should speak to an attorney who can handle your claim.

Our initial consultations are always free, which is why it is in your best interest to schedule a meeting with our legal time to best determine if you should hire an attorney.

The following are some situations in which you might consider handling your case yourself, but should instead set up a free legal consultation:

• A car accident with little or no injuries – For instance, someone might rear-end you at a low speed, causing minor damage to your bumper. Filing a claim should be efficient and cover all expenses related to your car and any injuries you’ve sustained. However, even simple claims can go wrong, and when complications arise, you should always seek professional help.
• Your case seems fairly straightforward – Even straightforward cases involve complicated legal concepts and procedures. To understand the particulars of an injury claim, you must put a lot of time and energy into researching. Hiring a trained professional with extensive knowledge of the law will help you avoid making mistakes with the complicated details of your case.
• You live in a state with no-fault laws – In certain states like Florida, the no-fault insurance laws limit you to recovering damages only from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, even if you file a claim with your own insurer, you can face obstacles. If your injury is serious, you might have the right to step outside PIP restrictions, and a lawyer can advise you of your options.

Even if you suspect you might handle your case independently or sustained seemingly minor injuries, you should consult with a legal professional before filing your claim. Most people are reluctant to hire an attorney because they fear they couldn’t afford one. Discover how a contingency fee agreement could be beneficial if you choose to hire an attorney.

When Should I Consider Hiring a Lawyer?

There isn’t a simple answer when it comes to the question of hiring a lawyer. Evaluating several factors in your case could help you decide if you might benefit from some professional guidance. If you’re trying to avoid the additional expense, you could end up losing more money deciding to handle your case on your own. Especially if the party you are bringing your claim against decides to hire a lawyer to represent them.

Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney:

• Minor injuries turn into major ones: You may be reluctant to hire an attorney if your accidental injuries seem minor, but these injuries can worsen, and complications can arise over time. You shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer you receive because you don’t know what might happen in the coming weeks and months. Our lawyers will determine how much you deserve once you understand the full extent of your injuries.
• You might deserve damages for emotional pain and distress: Insurance settlements often fail to include these types of damages, especially for unrepresented claimants. Hiring a lawyer can help you determine all the damages you deserve.
• You suffered a severe injury: The law is complicated and even injured lawyers with experience don’t tend to represent themselves in court. Without the help of a trained professional, not having a lawyer may end up costing you more in the long run. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, a lawyer can explain all of your options to you and build a strong case on your behalf so you can get the maximum amount of compensation in your case.

In your case, there are several factors that you are at risk of overlooking without the proper legal training. You may find yourself struggling to file certain documents on time or make an error that could cause a claim denial.

Avoiding legal headaches down the road starts with setting up a free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer you trust. During your meeting, one of our attorneys can help you decide if your case requires legal representation.

What About My Insurance Company?

It might be surprising, but the interests of your insurance company are directly at odds with yours. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible so they can make a profit. While you may feel as though your insurance company is on your side, a lawyer can often secure additional compensation in your claim that you couldn’t receive on your own—even through your insurance company.

If you fear a lawyer’s fees, in most personal injury cases, a lawyer takes cases on a contingency fee agreement. This pays your attorney a percentage of your settlement, which means you won’t have to cover any legal fees unless your case settles or prevails at trial.

A Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help You

Contact a personal injury attorney near you today for your free consultation to discuss how to get the best results in your case.