If you have had the misfortune of suffering an injury that was the fault of someone else, you know that it can turn your life upside down. One moment you are fine and looking forward to the upcoming events and celebrations in your life. Then, seemingly in the blink of an eye, you find yourself hospitalized or in severe pain due to the reckless or negligent conduct of another.
Fortunately some injuries are small and the pain or discomfort only affects you for a short while. Many times, though, the harm to your being is significant and can dramatically change your ability to handle your daily activities and enjoy life. A personal injury attorney can handle cases ranging from car or transit accidents to workplace injuries and slips, trips and falls.
It’s Important to Have Someone on Your Side
Let’s say you sustained significant injuries in an auto accident that was not your fault. When you go to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company the adjustor may seem helpful on the phone. Behind the scenes, though, the other insurance company has a legion of lawyers and employees who are there to figure how to deny or limit your claim.
When you try to pursue a settlement yourself, you are playing as an individual against a team of opposing players who are dedicated to making sure you don’t get what you deserve. You need an advocate on your side, someone with a proven track record who is skilled at making sure clients get a settlement that is just and right. Your personal injury lawyer will be there to guide you through the process and get you the help you need.
You Need a Settlement That Fully Addresses All Your Injuries
Often when you are injured the trauma of the accident affects you in a very deep way. For a while, you may not even feel like you used to because you are suffering and also processing all that has gone on. In the midst of those moments, the opposing insurance company often tries to get you to agree to a quick settlement for an amount far lower than what you really deserve.
When you work with a personal injury attorney, they have a team that can help you determine the sort of settlement that would provide for the health services you are going to need. If there were substantial injuries, you will likely need a mix of medical, chiropractic, physical therapy and rehabilitation care. Sometimes injuries can limit your ability to work. Other times, they may have lasting affects for years to come.
They Know How to Stand Up to Insurance Companies
A personal injury attorney with a proven track record of getting great settlements for clients knows the tricks and traps of the insurance company’s game. In a way, your injury attorney is a gladiator knight who has entered the battlefield and has taken up arms to fight for what is right for you. They know that insurance companies often do not put up a fair fight.
Remember, the other insurance company is not required to treat you fairly or honorably. Their goal is to minimize the amount of your claim and give you the smallest settlement they can. To that end, you’ll find they present first settlement offers that are extremely low, will often try to get out of paying your medical costs and may employ delaying tactics in hopes you will miss important deadlines.
If you have suffered injuries or lost wages due to another’s negligence, then you should consider retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer. With the right advocate, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that you have someone helping level the playing field for you. Initial consultations are usually free of charge.