6 Ways a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Personal Injury Claim

If you have suffered an injury in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury claim. With the median award $31,000 across all types of personal injury cases, it’s well worth pursuing compensation. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injury can help ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Here are six key ways a personal injury attorney can help with your claim.

Assess Liability and Build Your Case

A personal injury lawyer will review the details of your accident and determine who is at fault. They can gather evidence like police reports, footage, photographs, and witness statements to prove negligence. An experienced attorney knows what evidence is needed to prove liability and get you the best settlement – the largest one to date has been the Tobacco Master Settlement in 1998, which came to $206 billion.

Calculate Damages

There are economic and non-economic damages in personal injury claims. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, property damage and loss of future earnings capacity. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering. Your lawyer will calculate and document all your damages so you can recover them in a settlement or court award.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their companies, not yours. A lawyer levels the playing field by negotiating aggressively on your behalf. They know common negotiation tactics adjusters use and won’t be persuaded to settle for less than full compensation. 

Take Your Case to Trial if Needed

If a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, a good PI lawyer can take your case to court. They know how to effectively argue before a judge and jury to prove your case. Less than 5% of injury cases go to trial, but your attorney will litigate your claim if needed.

Avoid Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim

Making missteps when pursuing an injury claim could wreck your chances of compensation. For example, talking to insurance companies without representation or waiting too long to see a doctor can tank the value of your case. A lawyer helps you avoid these critical errors. 

Explain the Claims Process

Pursuing injury compensation for the first time is confusing. A lawyer understands the process inside and out. They will answer all your questions, explain terminology in plain language, go over your options, set expectations on timelines and potential outcomes and prepare you for each phase of a claim. Lean on your attorney’s expertise. 

Provide Ongoing Support

An injury claim can last months or even years. Your lawyer will provide continuous updates on your case, explain delays, and calm your worries throughout the long process. You can focus on healing physically and emotionally while your attorney handles the legal work. 

Finding the Right Lawyer

Not every personal injury firm has the skills and staff to adequately handle claims involving serious or fatal injuries. Make sure to vet attorneys’ experience, results, resources, and staff support before signing a fee agreement. 

Hiring a seasoned personal injury lawyer levels the playing field against big insurance carriers. Their representation and counsel significantly improves your chances of getting every penny you legally deserve after suffering an accident injury. With an attorney on your side, you can pursue fair compensation with confidence.