Suffering injuries in a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or another incident can lead to complex and difficult legal matters for the victim. Phone calls from insurance companies, medical bill collectors, and legal fault for the accident are all elements the victim may have to navigate. If you recently sustained an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may benefit from the services of a personal injury lawyer. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you can receive professional counsel without cost or obligation.
How Serious Are Your Injuries?
Serious injuries temporarily or permanently disable the victim. They can include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, burns, spinal cord injuries, eye injuries, neck injuries, and loss of a limb. Serious injuries can cost thousands of dollars in hospital bills during treatment and rehabilitation. They can also cost the victim thousands in lost wages. If you suffered serious injuries in an accident, or a loved one died and you wish to file a wrongful death claim, hire an attorney.
A lawyer is important in serious cases, because the victim is facing hefty losses. Rather than settling for less than the case is worth, a victim should hire an attorney to fight for full and fair compensation for major injuries, disabilities, and damages. Hiring a Bakersfield personal injury attorney can help an accident victim get the financial recovery he or she needs to move forward. Personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency-fee basis, so you will not pay for services unless your lawyer wins your case. You will pay from your settlement or judgment, not out of pocket.
Does Your Claim Involve the Government?
You could benefit from the assistance of a lawyer if a government agency or employee caused or contributed to your personal injuries. Claims against the government in California are possible, but they are more difficult than typical injury claims. According to the California Tort Claims Act, lawsuits against the government must come within six months of the date of the accident. This is different from the standard two-year statute of limitations. Missing your deadline generally means losing your right to file the claim. Hiring a lawyer can ensure you do not miss an important filing deadline in a tort claim against the federal or state government.
How Confident Are You as a Negotiator?
Insurance company claims adjusters, or the people who review and evaluate claims, are expert negotiators. They have had training and experience in convincing accident victims to settle for as little money as possible. It is the adjuster’s job to save the insurance company money by minimizing settlements. When a victim does not have legal representation, it is easier for a claims adjuster to take advantage of the situation.
Unless you have experience negotiating settlements with insurance carriers, hire a lawyer to take over negotiations for you. The act of hiring a lawyer alone could result in a higher settlement, since the insurance company knows you have the power to take your case to trial and will try to avoid this. A lawyer has experience going up against large insurance corporations in pursuit of fair financial recovery. He or she could achieve more positive results on your behalf.
Could You Benefit from Experts?
A law firm grants accident victims access to resources and professionals that can be helpful during a claim. These may include subject matter specialists, reputable doctors, investigators, and expert key witnesses. Experts can strengthen a case and help prove the plaintiff’s point. A medical expert on a malpractice claim, for example, can help establish a doctor’s duty of care and explain to a jury how the doctor in the case breached this duty. Most personal injury cases can benefit from the help of professionals. Consult with a lawyer for free about your case, and discover all the ways an attorney could benefit your recovery.