There were more than
35k car accidents in 2020, and according to the CDC, 139.8 million people visited the ER in 2023, many of whom were involved in accidents. Being in any kind of accident can be stressful and overwhelming. You may be dealing with injuries, property damage, insurance claims, lost wages, and more. With so much going on, you may wonder if hiring a personal injury lawyer is necessary or if you can handle your claim on your own.
This article examines the key reasons why having a personal injury lawyer can benefit you after an accident.
You Were Seriously Injured
If your injuries from the accident are serious, having an attorney is crucial. Serious injuries like broken bones, burns, spinal cord damage, brain trauma, and others can be complex when seeking compensation. It’s worth noting that figures from the CDC indicate 214,110 people were hospitalized during 2020 for traumatic brain injuries, so don’t assume it won’t ever happen to you. A further 69,473 people died from TBIs in 2021.
The laws surrounding serious accident injury claims and how compensation amounts are calculated can be confusing. An experienced lawyer understands these intricate details. Personal injury lawyers can build a strong case to fight for the maximum settlement you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
The Insurance Company is Difficult to Deal With
Insurance providers are focused on paying as little in claims as possible. They may try denying your claim, delaying negotiations, or offering you an unfairly low settlement. Without legal guidance, you may get pushed around or give up too easily. A tenacious lawyer with negotiation skills can deal with stubborn insurance carriers for you while you focus on recovery.
You Are Unsure If You Have a Valid Claim
Determining if an accident injury or loss qualifies you to file a lawsuit can be complicated. There are different types of cases like motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, defective products, and more. The laws relating to evidence, negligence, liability, and deadline for taking legal action vary greatly between them. A lawyer can evaluate your specific case facts to advise if seeking damages through a lawsuit is warranted and your best course of action.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Portland personal injury lawyers state that when multiple parties share fault for an accident, it gets even more convoluted when placing blame and getting compensated. For example - a multi-vehicle crash, a slip and fall incident due to poor premises maintenance, or a workplace injury because of faulty equipment or lack of safety training are all complex claims. Experienced personal injury law professionals have the skills to carry out thorough investigations, get evidence, and build a strong argument regarding
shared liabilities. This improves your odds of a favorable outcome.
After being hurt in any kind of accident, always consult with a trusted personal injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement offers from insurance companies. Having competent legal representation looking out for your best interests can make all the difference in getting fair compensation and being able to move forward from the unfortunate event.