After an unexpected accident, you may ask yourself if you should retain a Bakersfield personal injury attorney. Hiring a lawyer can deliver significant advantages to your case, but in some situations, you may wonder if it is worth the cost. To identify whether you should hire a personal injury attorney, it is important to understand the pros and cons of retaining legal representation.
Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
The benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer far outweigh the potential disadvantages. Personal injury lawyers have strong knowledge of your case area and the processes that you will need to follow to recover compensation. By hiring a lawyer to represent your case, you gain access to valuable skills, resources, and experience that you can leverage to prove your claim.
A Lawyer Can Fully Investigate Your Case
After a recent injury, you may not have the time, energy, or resources to investigate your accident. However, an investigation is necessary to identify the at-fault party and gather enough evidence to prove his or her liability. In these situations, your personal injury lawyer can help.
A California personal injury attorney can leverage the full power of his or her firm’s resources to investigate your claim. Your lawyer could consult with expert witnesses, like medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, who can testify on your behalf.Â
An Attorney Can Negotiate on Your Behalf
Many personal injury claims involve negotiation, whether it occurs during an insurance claim or before a lawsuit heads to trial. Navigating a negotiation can be extremely stressful without experience or the right skill set.
Your attorney will have significant experience negotiating with insurance representatives and defense attorneys. He or she will be able to advocate aggressively for your best interests and fight against proposals that harm your recovery.
A Lawyer Can Help You Calculate Damages
In a personal injury claim, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, you may not know the full extent of the compensation that you qualify for. A personal injury lawyer can identify all possible avenues to compensation and accurately calculate your settlement, helping you avoid an insufficient settlement.
Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Generally, there is only one disadvantage to hiring a personal injury lawyer: the perceived cost of legal services. After a recent injury, you can face significant financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Some lawyers charge hourly fees that can be very expensive, making it difficult to afford proper representation.Â
However, many firms operate on a contingency fee basis. Under this type of arrangement, you will only pay legal fees if the attorney secures a settlement on your behalf. To limit your out-of-pocket costs, your attorney will take an agreed-upon percentage as payment.Â
What to Do After an Unexpected Accident
If you are involved in an unexpected Bakersfield car accident, it is important to remain calm and seek help as soon as possible. Call 911 if necessary and file a police or incident report. Seek emergency medical attention and save all records related to your injuries.Â
While a lawyer may not be necessary in all situations, you still want to protect your best interests following your accident. After receiving treatment for your injuries, contact a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Your lawyer will evaluate your claim and help you identify your optimal path to maximum compensation.