If you’ve been injured in a car accident, fall, or other incident, it can be hard to figure out what to do next. You may be unable to work, facing large medical bills, taking medications that impact your ability to think clearly or engage in certain activities. You’re probably getting calls from the responsible party’s insurance company, and you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
With all that going on, hiring a personal injury lawyer is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But delaying your consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer can be a big mistake.
Dealing with an Insurance Company after an Injury
Unfortunately, many injured people find themselves relying on the insurance carrier for information. If you’re like most people, you don’t know what the procedures are after you’ve been hit by a negligent driver or slipped on someone else’s property. And, you probably have no idea what type of compensation you’re entitled to.
When the insurance carrier calls to get information from you, your natural inclination may be to ask them for information. But, it’s important to remember that the person you’re talking to has an obligation to the company they work for. Every dollar in compensation you receive comes out of the company’s bottom line. That means when you say something to the insurance carrier like “I’m not sure whether this is a good offer” or “Should I talk to a lawyer before I settle?” they hear something very different. Something along the lines of “I’m thinking of pushing you to pay me more–do you think that’s a good idea?”
Spoiler: they do not think that’s a good idea.
Often, when they offer a quick settlement, it’s because they’re hoping they can get you to sign a binding settlement agreement before you find out how much your claim is really worth. That’s especially true if you aren’t fully recovered. If they can get you to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries, the cost of future medical care and how much work time you may lose, you’ll be on your own to cover those expenses.
When you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer soon after your accident, your attorney will take over all interactions with the insurance company.
Top Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your personal injury attorney can help you in many ways, and the specifics may vary somewhat from case to case. Here are some of the most significant reasons you should hire an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
- Your personal injury attorney will be able to investigate your accident in ways you may not be able to, such as obtaining security videos, putting other parties on notice to retain evidence, and working with professionals like investigators and experts to build your case.
- Your personal injury attorney will serve as a buffer between you and the insurance carrier and any others who may be attempting to contact you regarding the accident. This takes the pressure off of you and reduces the chances that you will be misled into doing or saying something that might hurt your claim.
- An experienced personal injury attorney will have a clearer idea of the types of damages you may be entitled to and the approximate value of your claim, which can help you avoid leaving money on the table or getting stuck with expenses that emerge later.
- If you’re negotiating with the insurance company on your own, they may assume that you don’t know how to take the next steps–and they may well be correct. That means they may be less likely to offer a fair settlement.
- An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to assemble a demand packet that lets the insurance company know they’re prepared to fight the case in court if necessary, and that they have the evidence to support your claim.
- A lawyer with personal injury trial experience knows how to build your case and present it to a jury if that turns out to be the best approach for you.
- Once you hand off to a trusted personal injury lawyer, you can relax and focus on your recovery rather than having to sort out paperwork, legal procedures, and other complications.
Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Right Now
Attorney Kevin P. Broderick has been fighting for Massachusetts and New Hampshire injury victims for decades. He knows how important the right support and guidance is, and he knows how easy it is to make mistakes that can hurt your claim. That’s why he offers free, no-obligation consultation to people who have been injured in car accidents, been hurt on other people’s property, or otherwise been harmed by someone else’s negligence. He also helps people who have been hurt on the job.
To learn more, call 978-459-3905 right now, or fill out our contact form.