If you were recently injured in an accident, you might wonder what your legal rights are. A personal injury lawyer can meet with you and discuss this important information. He or she can also explain your legal options.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who concentrates on cases involving people who were injured due to the actions of others. This type of claim usually relies on a showing of negligence, that is, when one person acted in a manner that a reasonable person would not have acted and caused injury as a result. Examples of personal injury cases include:
A personal injury lawyer is knowledgeable about personal injury laws in the state and the deadline by which you must file a lawsuit to protect your rights.
Signs You Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are in a relatively minor accident and are not seriously injured, you might not need to hire a lawyer. However, you have the right to be represented by a lawyer if you choose. You may prefer to have a professional deal with the insurance companies and other legal aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery.
Some warning signs that you may need to hire a personal injury lawyer include:
You Were Injured
If you were injured in any manner, you may want legal representation. The insurance company will do everything possible to minimize or eliminate your fair compensation, including having you provide a recorded statement or sign an authorization for the insurance company to retrieve medical records to try to prove you had a pre-existing injury.
You Are Temporarily or Permanently Disabled
Some accidents permanently alter a victim’s life. If you were disabled for the short-term or long-term, it is important that you have a lawyer who can accurately determine the full extent of your damages and how the accident has affected your life. You may need economic experts who can evaluate your lost earning capacity.
The Insurance Company Offered a Low Settlement
It can be difficult for the average person to understand the real value of their personal injury claim. If you received an offer from the insurance company that does not even cover your medical bills, it is likely that your claim is worth more. A personal injury lawyer can aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Your Claim Was Denied
If your claim was denied, you do not have to simply accept the insurance company’s word for it. Their interests are directly opposed to yours. The insurance company may deny all claims, hoping that you will simply not fight it. A personal injury lawyer can fight for your rights. You are not charged any attorney fees unless your lawyer recovers compensation on your behalf.
To get started on your claim, contact Schwaba Law Firm.
