If you've suffered an injury in an accident that wasn't your fault, you may wonder what to do next. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future is overwhelming.
The smartest step is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve. Don't try to handle your claim alone - contact a personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
Why You Need Medical Treatment After an Accident
The most important thing to do after an accident is to get proper medical care, even if your injuries are minor. Some serious conditions like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding may not have obvious symptoms at first. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose your injuries and recommend treatment.
Follow your doctor's orders exactly and attend all follow-up appointments. This not only protects your health but also strengthens your injury claim. Insurance companies will look for any excuse to deny or reduce your settlement. If you skip doctor visits or ignore treatment recommendations, the insurer will argue that you aren't hurt or worsen your injuries through negligence.
Your personal injury lawyer will document your injuries and treatment to build the strongest case possible. Hiring a lawyer early is key so your rights are protected. Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and they only get paid if they recover money for you.
Avoid Discussing Your Accident with the Insurance Company
After an accident, the at-fault party's insurance company will likely contact you seeking a recorded statement about what happened. They may seem friendly and express concern for your well-being, but make no mistake - their goal is to find ways to limit or deny your claim.
The insurance adjuster may get you to admit partial fault or downplay your injuries. They may ask misleading questions or take your words out of context. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
The best way to protect yourself is to politely decline to give a statement and direct the adjuster to speak with your personal injury lawyer instead. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company so you don't accidentally say something that hurts your case.
The adjuster may also make a lowball settlement offer soon after the accident before the full extent of your injuries and losses are known. They hope you'll accept a quick payout and sign away your rights to future compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence of your damages, and negotiate aggressively for a settlement that covers all your losses.
Why You Shouldn't Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer
When you've suffered an injury in an accident, it's easy to feel desperate. You're missing work, medical bills are piling up, and you need money now. The insurance company knows this and will use it to their advantage.
That's why their first settlement offer is almost always lower than what your claim is worth. They're hoping you'll agree to the lowball amount out of financial desperation and not understanding the fair value of your case.
But if you accept that first check, you'll be required to sign a release giving up your right to any further compensation, even if your injuries are more serious than you initially realized. Many accident victims suffer long-term or permanent disabilities requiring ongoing treatment and affecting their earning potential.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess the full value of your claim, including future damages, and fight for the maximum settlement. Studies show that injury victims who hire lawyers recover significantly more on average than those who try to handle their claims. Don't settle for less than you deserve - contact a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.
How Much is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a personal injury claim depends on many factors, including:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- How much income you've lost from missed work
- Your reduced future earning potential
- Your pain and suffering
- Punitive damages meant to punish the at-fault party in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will investigate your accident, gather evidence like medical records and witness statements, and consult with professionals to build the strongest case for full and fair compensation.
In cases of permanent impairment or disfigurement, your lawyer may arrange a "day in the life" video showing how your injuries affect your daily activities. Your lawyer will also research jury awards and settlements in similar cases to determine what your claim should be worth.
Most personal injury claims settle out of court. But if the insurance company refuses a reasonable offer, your lawyer will be prepared to argue your case at trial. Having a skilled litigator on your side shows the insurer you mean business and can often motivate them to increase their settlement offer to avoid the expense and uncertainty of a trial.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
One of the most important reasons to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is the statute of limitations. This is the legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you try to file your case after the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost certainly dismiss it.
Statutes of limitations vary by state and type of claim, ranging from one to six years. The clock starts running on the accident date, but some exceptions may extend the deadline. For example, if you didn't discover your injuries immediately, the statute of limitations may extend to the "date of discovery."
Determining the applicable statute of limitations and calculating the deadline can be tricky. A mistake can cost you your right to compensation. You need a personal injury lawyer to file your claim correctly and on time. Don't wait until the last minute to take legal action. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help with Your Accident?
After an injury, it's always a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Here's why:
- Injuries that appear minor at first can develop into something more serious: If you've already accepted a settlement or waited too long to seek legal advice, you may be out of luck.
- The insurance company may try to lowball you or deny your claim, even if the accident wasn't your fault. A personal injury lawyer will deal with the insurer and treat you fairly.
- Proving the other party was at fault and that their negligence caused your injuries isn't always easy: A personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Multiple parties may be responsible for your accident, such as a negligent driver's employer. An experienced personal injury lawyer will identify all potential sources of recovery to maximize your compensation.
- Evaluating damages like future lost income and pain and suffering is complicated: A personal injury lawyer knows how to calculate the full value of your claim.
Most personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you have nothing to lose by getting a professional opinion. Even if you decide not to hire a lawyer or pursue a claim, you'll have peace of mind knowing you made an informed decision. Don't miss out on the compensation you deserve because you assumed your case was too minor for a personal injury lawyer to handle.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Have Insurance?
Being injured in an accident is stressful enough without battling your insurance company. But that's exactly what many accident victims must do when trying to get the benefits they're entitled to.
If the accident wasn't your fault, you'd make a "third-party claim" against the at-fault party's liability insurance. The other person's insurer has no incentive to treat you fairly or pay what you deserve. They aim to profit by collecting premiums and paying as little as possible on claims.
If you have your insurance, like health insurance, disability insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payment (MedPay) coverage on your car insurance, you'll file a "first-party claim." Your insurer is supposed to be on your side, but they may still try to deny or limit your benefits.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you get the full insurance benefits you're entitled to, whether you're dealing with someone else's insurance company or your own. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you can focus on healing. If the insurer refuses to pay what they owe, your lawyer can file a bad faith lawsuit to hold them accountable.
How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case
Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. You need a lawyer with specific experience handling cases like yours and a track record of success to get the best results. Here are some tips for finding the right fit:
Look for a Lawyer Who Focuses Their Practice on Personal Injury Law
You won't go to a dermatologist for heart surgery. Similarly, you don’t want a jack-of-all-trades lawyer dabbling in personal injury cases. Find an attorney who focuses on personal injury law and is someone who truly understands its complexities. A dedicated lawyer will advocate fiercely for your rights, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Choose wisely; the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case.
Choose a Lawyer with Experience Handling Your Type of Case
Personal injury law covers many accidents, such as car crashes, slips and falls, dog bites, etc. Each type of case has unique legal issues and challenges. You want a lawyer who has successfully handled plenty of cases similar to yours.
Read Reviews and Testimonials from Past Clients
Check out the lawyer's website, Google reviews, Avvo, and other online sources to see what former clients say about their experience and results. Did the lawyer return their calls promptly? Did the lawyer explain things clearly? Did the lawyer fight hard for a fair settlement? Go with a lawyer who gets consistently positive feedback.
Consider the Size of the Law Firm
You might feel drawn to a big law firm with a recognizable name and flashy TV commercials. But your case can get lost in the shuffle and passed off to a less experienced associate. A smaller firm may be more attentive to your needs. On the other hand, a solo practitioner may lack the resources to take on a big insurance company. Look for a firm large enough to have clout but small enough to give your case personal attention.
Schedule a Consultation and Trust Your Gut
Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of this to meet with lawyers and get a feel for their personality and approach. Do they listen carefully to your story and answer your questions thoroughly? Do they seem passionate about fighting for injury victims? Do you feel comfortable confiding in them? Go with the lawyer you have the best rapport with.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Take the First Step
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you'll make after an accident. The right lawyer can mean the difference between a lowball settlement that doesn't begin to cover your losses and a full financial recovery that lets you put your life back together.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident, don’t struggle alone. You deserve support during this challenging time. Help is just a phone call or click away. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your case and explore your options. Taking that first step can lead you toward justice and the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. Don’t wait—reach out now and empower yourself with the guidance you deserve.