Accidents, whether it is a slip and fall, a car crash, a bike accident, or a dog bite, can happen and leave you injured. When this happens, the role of a personal injury lawyer might seem unnecessary at first, especially if the at-fault party apologizes or the injury appears to be minor. But the truth is, the aftermath of a personal injury can be complicated very quickly.
No matter the state of your injuries, you must deal with hospital bills, recovery time that could lead to lost wages, and more. What looks like a minor injury can become worse over time. That simple neck or back pain could turn into something that requires long-term treatment or therapy. Hospital bills aside, there is the paperwork, reports, and statements; you may not know what to say.
One wrong word or a signature on a document you do not fully understand can work against you and hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. “A lawyer helps you navigate the legal and financial mess that can follow an accident,” says Attorney Antony E. Gluck of the Law Offices of Antony E. Gluck, PC. Here is why contacting a lawyer immediately after your injury matters.
- They Help You Understand Your Rights
After an accident, most people are not even aware of what their rights are. If you decide to deal with the insurance companies and other parties involved yourself, they may try to downplay your claim or push you into accepting a quick settlement. A personal injury lawyer can help to explain your rights in simple terms, let you know if you have a valid claim, and guide you on what to do next.
- They Help You Realize You Might Be Entitled to More
It is common to believe you are only entitled to compensation for medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses. However, in personal injury law, you are entitled to more, depending on the severity and aftermath of the incident. Your lawyer helps you determine if you are entitled to compensation for
- Lost wages (if you missed work)
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other out-of-pocket expenses.
Without the guidance of a personal injury lawyer, you might not know what your claim is worth and settle for far less than you need to fully recover.
- They Deal with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Your lawyer acts as your buffer, negotiator, and communicator. It has been proven that insurance companies are more likely to offer better settlements when you have a lawyer to represent you. This is because they know that the lawyer will settle for unreasonable offers, can deal with their tactics, and is ready to go to court if necessary.
- They Take Care of all the Paperwork and Legal Process
Filing a personal injury claim can sometimes involve a lot of paperwork, strict deadlines, and complex procedures. To ensure you are not drowned in all of these while still trying to recover from your injuries, you can enlist the services of a lawyer. They can gather evidence, file the necessary documents, track deadlines, and build a strong case for you, so you can focus on healing.
- They Can Go to Court If Needed
If you are unable to reach a clear settlement with the insurance companies, your case will have to be taken to court. Having a lawyer from the start works in your favor as they have been with you right from your time in the hospital, the negotiation process, and more. They are ready to argue your case effectively before the judge and get you the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Do not wait or assume that doing everything yourself will work out just fine, especially when it involves a personal injury claim. There are some loopholes and hidden tactics that you are not able to see or navigate, but that can impact your case. If you are in California, the earlier you speak to a personal injury lawyer for your case, the better. That way, you can increase your chances of getting a strong case and a favorable outcome.
Also Read; When Can I File a Personal Injury Claim?
