If you have suffered damages because of an accident, you might want to consider filing a personal injury claim so you can recover your losses. Damages you might incur during an accident include medical bills, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and more. You will need to maintain accurate documentation of all your damages so you can claim all the damages to which you are entitled.
Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated. The insurance company of the liable party isn't going to want to offer you the full amount you are entitled up front, so you will have to negotiate to get a fair settlement. For that reason, you can benefit significantly from enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney.
Experience Counts When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Attorneys have experience in negotiating with insurance companies. Personal injury attorneys know the value of injuries and will fight for your interests so they will make sure you won't accept a settlement that isn't fair.
If you have suffered serious injuries, or injuries that will last a year or longer, result in permanent disfigurement or scarring, or cause long-term disabilities, you should consult with a personal injury attorney because those need to be figured into the settlement along with any future medical needs that you may require for those injuries. Injuries that affect your future earnings and wellbeing definitely require the attention of a personal injury attorney.
Fee Structures for Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so they aren't paid until your claim has been won or settled. Based on that, they aren't going to work for free. They will only accept good cases that they believe will be winnable. You will be required to sign a retainer contract agreement, which says the attorney will cover the costs of getting your case ready to be head, but those expenses and his or her fees will be deducted from the gross amount of your personal injury settlement.
By hiring an attorney, you let them do all the legwork, including the investigation, gathering evidence and documentation, and then working to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the need arises, they will take your claim to court for a judge's ruling on a settlement amount.
Preparing a Personal Injury Claim
It can be costly to prepare for a personal injury claim. There will be document copies made, court filing fees, charges for a court reporter and depositions, mediation fees, fees for expert testimony, and additional charges that apply to the particular kind of personal injury case. If you don't get a settlement for your personal injury claim, you won't owe the attorney anything.
Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. The initial consultation is free and gives you the opportunity to ask the attorney questions regarding your claim. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you will have much higher odds of getting a better settlement, and you will have your rights protected throughout the claims process.
