Not all personal injury cases require legal representation. However, it’s important to recognize when hiring a personal injury lawyer is in your best interest. Failing to hire a personal injury attorney can significantly impact your case.
Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Consider the following situations when questioning whether you need legal assistance after an injury.
1. An Insurance Company denied Your Injury Claim
Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons. Some of these reasons are valid, but not always. After a claim denial, a personal injury lawyer will seek a written explanation of the denial and respond appropriately to provide the details the insurer needs. Your lawyer will seek a reversal of the denial and negotiate with the insurance company.
If the insurance company does not reverse the denial, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
2. You Believe the Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
Insurance bad faith refers to deliberate, dishonest, and unfair practices by an insurance company.
While insurance companies naturally want to limit payouts, they may be acting in bad faith if they:
- Refuse to pay a valid claim
- Misrepresent the terms of an insurance policy
- Intentionally mislead you about your rights
- Fail to investigate your claim
- Require burdensome, unnecessary paperwork to process your claim
If you suspect the insurance company is acting in bad faith, it’s time to seek legal representation. Insurers are less likely to act in bad faith when a personal injury lawyer represents a victim. Your lawyer will work in your best interests to negotiate with the insurance company or proceed with a lawsuit if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
3. You Are Being Blamed for the Accident
Contact a lawyer if the insurance company or at-fault party is accusing you of causing the accident or failing to mitigate the damages you suffered. You could be barred from recovering damages if claims of contributory fault are successful.
Your lawyer will help you fight back against unfair attempts to shift blame and gather evidence to prove who was really at fault for your accident.
4. You Suffered Serious or Permanent Injuries
According to George Salinas, a San Antonio personal injury lawyer, “when a personal injury case involves serious injuries or permanent impairment, you need the expertise and experience of a lawyer. Damages are difficult to calculate in these cases.” Attorney Salinas explains that you are entitled to not only the current damages you have suffered but also future damages. These damages may include ongoing medical care, reduced quality of life, lost or reduced earning capacity, and more.
5. Multiple Parties May Be Liable for Your Damages
Personal injury cases quickly get complicated when there are multiple parties involved. If multiple parties are at fault for your injuries, you will need to identify each defendant. Claims can be made against each party at fault, but each will likely try to shift blame to the other parties.
In these cases, a personal injury lawyer serves as your advocate, gathering evidence and negotiating.
6. You May Have a Claim Against a Government Entity
Injury claims against a government entity are complex and best handled by a personal injury lawyer. Generally, government entities have sovereign immunity, which protects them from lawsuits. Many jurisdictions waive this protection but only for specific claims of negligence.
Specific rules must be followed to file a personal injury claim against a government entity like a city or state agency. A personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a claim and ensure all proper steps are taken to preserve your right to compensation.
7. You Do Not Know Who Is Liable or Cannot Locate the At-Fault Party
If there is any doubt about who is responsible for the damages you sustained, it’s absolutely time to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. Your lawyer will have the legal expertise needed to investigate your accident and identify parties that can be held responsible.
If you know who caused your accident but cannot find them, working with an experienced lawyer is just as crucial. Your lawyer will also understand how to handle issues when suing an out-of-state party.
8. Your Case Involves More Complicated Areas of Law
The more complicated your case, the more important it becomes to have an experienced personal injury lawyer representing you. Any type of personal injury case can become complex, though. An experienced personal injury attorney will understand the issues involved in these complex cases, including unique laws that may apply and how to identify liable parties.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney When in Doubt
Even if you aren’t sure you need a lawyer, you can always meet with a personal injury attorney for a free consultation. During this consultation, you can ask questions, get the lawyer’s opinion about your case, and decide if hiring a lawyer is in your best interests.
