Have recently been in an accident that you did not cause? Well, you have the right but not the obligation, to hire legal counsel. Since you did not cause the accident, you may think that it will be easier, quicker, and least costly to file your claim yourself, rather than working with an attorney. Many people think that since the accident was not their fault, that they will have an easy case. However, this is not always the way things work out. Sometimes you will need to defend against allegations of contributory negligence.
While you certainly can file your claim without representation, you may be limited to only what the insurer feels is a fair offer. Without legal help, you may find yourself with a settlement check that does not even cover all of your medical costs. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you can concentrate on recovering from a painful and traumatic accident, as they take care of the case and the filings.
How A Lawyer Can Help Your Case
If you have suffered damages and losses both economic and non-economic, from an accident that someone else caused, you should not be responsible for the financial burden that their negligence placed on you. By working with a qualified attorney, you have access to a wealth of knowledge on the claims process and answers to any questions you may have. You will also benefit from their priceless professional expertise.
Your lawyer will do the difficult job of finding and obtaining evidence that helps strengthen your case. They will often get a copy of the official police report to begin. They may also speak with witnesses and gather admissible testimony. In some cases, your attorney may consult with experts and accident reconstruction resources. Doctors and other medical professionals may be consulted regarding your records, do ensure accurate case valuation.
What Types Of Damages Can I Seek?
Each case is different, but generally speaking, you will be able to collect multiple types of damages with your claim. Common damages will include:
- Medical costs – Both current expenses and projected future costs can potentially be recovered.
- Lost wages – If you needed to miss work, work at reduced capacity, or now have a reduced capacity to earn as a result of the accident, you may be able to seek lost wages.
- Pain & suffering – Your injuries likely caused you significant psychological trauma. Your lawyer is experienced in adding a component for pain and suffering in monetary terms.
Your Lawyer Is Your Advocate
When you work with a lawyer, you gain an ally that fights hard for you. They are with you at each step of the claims process. They will take care of the paperwork, the filing, and the stressful phone calls. While you are concentrating on physically and emotionally recovering from your injuries, your attorney will be managing your case and negotiating with the insurer for you.