If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, you may have grounds to bring legal action against the liable party. Yet, navigating a legal case can be complicated—especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries.
You may benefit from hiring a personal injury lawyer. While you are in treatment and resting, they can protect you from insurance companies, quantify your damages, and handle negotiations. All of this help is available on contingency, minimizing your financial obligations.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do to Serve You
Some of the many benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney include:
They Will Protect You From Insurance Companies Engaging in Bad Faith
It’s typical for the insurance company to call you soon after your accident. The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement that details your side of what happened. It’s best for you to refrain from giving them one. Insurance companies are known for twisting injured claimants’ words.
In addition, the insurer could try to pressure you into accepting a settlement. Most likely, the offer won’t be sufficient enough to cover the full extent of your damages. Once you accept an offer, you cannot ask for more money later on. If you end up needing more medical care, you would have to pay those costs out of pocket.
In the event that the insurer calls you, refer it to your personal injury attorney. They have experience dealing with insurance companies, so they are equipped to protect you from manipulative strategies.
They Can Quantify All of Your Damages
When you’re hurt in an accident, you may face a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical bills for past and ongoing care
- Lost income
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Mental anguish
The first three damages are simple to quantify, but adding up all those bills, receipts, and invoices takes time, and it’s easy to lose track of these documents. The latter damages can be difficult to assess as well, but for different reasons. Because they are intangible, their true amount may be unclear.
Your lawyer will calculate each of your losses, including those not mentioned here, by noting how they have affected you physically, emotionally, and of course, financially. On top of reviewing your medical bills, pay stubs, or vehicle repair invoices, they will also consult your doctors and economists to determine your case’s value.
They Will Represent You Throughout Settlement Negotiations
After your lawyer has assessed your damages, they will know how much compensation you may demand from the insurer. It is common, however, for insurance companies to offer low sums at first.
You can rely on your lawyer to carefully review each offer and present a counteroffer if the initial one is inadequate. They will negotiate until they reach a fair figure.
Although it is atypical, there are times where your attorney and the insurer cannot settle. In that case, your lawyer should be willing to take your personal injury case before a jury to continue your pursuit of compensation.
You don’t Pay Any Upfront Costs When You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you represent yourself in a personal injury case, you may have to pay filing fees and other legal fees. These expenses can cost thousands of dollars, which may add to your mounting financial stress.
If you hire a personal injury attorney, their firm may finance your case and offer their services for a contingency fee, which usually entails:
- No retainers
- No out-of-pocket or upfront fees
- No hourly payments
If your lawyer achieves a settlement or wins a court award, they will deduct their fee from that. Should the outcome be unsuccessful, there is no need to reimburse your attorney.
This fee structure saves you money and considers your financial limitations.
Your Lawyer Will Outline Your Next Steps After Getting Hurt
The measures you take after getting hurt could influence your case’s outcome. You want to do everything possible to secure just compensation for your hardships. To meet this goal, your lawyer may recommend:
- Seeking medical attention
- Following your prescribed treatment plan
- Limiting your social media use
- Documenting your injury-related expenses
- Taking time off work to recover from your condition
- Requesting a copy of the accident report
- Declining to give a recorded statement
They may offer additional measures to those listed here.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC for Help With Your Personal Injury Case Today
If you hire a personal injury attorney from the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, you won’t have to worry about any aspects of your case, as we will provide all the benefits listed here and more.
Reach out to us at (571) 229-1800 for a free consultation. Make sure you call us soon, because Va. Code § 8.01-243 limits the amount of time we have to act.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
