Did you know that nearly 2.5 million drivers in the US are seriously hurt or disabled as the result of an accident?
Additionally, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 72.6 million people visit a physician’s office for injuries every year – this number also includes visits resulting from adverse effects of medical treatments while another 45.5 million people end up in the emergency room.
It’s clear that millions of people in the country encounter accidents and suffer due to carelessness by others.
So, if you have suffered an accident or injury that was in no way your fault, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case.
Here are a few signs that you have a strong personal injury case:
1. You’ve Suffered Serious Injuries
Just because someone acted negligently does not give you the right to claim damages.
You must be able to show that you suffered an injury as a result of their actions to receive compensation for it. Here, ‘injury’ could mean emotional harm, financial loss, property damage and of course, actual physical injury.
It would help if you had a personal injury lawyer to represent your case at a civil court proceeding.
If your injuries require long-term and expensive medical care or if you have been disabled permanently, you need to receive an amount that will pay for future medical expenses or costs of the disability caused by accident. If the case is about medical malpractice, your lawyer will work with hospital attorneys and their insurance companies to ensure that your expenses and recovery is paid for.
2. Insurance Companies are Trying To Contact You
When you get injured in an accident, the first question is who is legally liable for it. This is when the insurance companies of both parties get involved. More often than not, this means that the other party’s insurance company will call you as soon as they start investigating the matter.
Remember, you are not legally obligated to speak with their representative; doing so may irreparably harm your injury case.
If they offer you money, just days after an accident, you might have a strong personal injury claim.
They might convince you to take their money and quickly, but that’s because they don’t have to worry about any future financial responsibilities. If you realize later on that your injuries are extensive and require long-term treatment, you probably won’t be able to ask for more money.
They are not offering the money out of kindness, but out of fear that they might have to pay several times more if the court orders it. Hence, as a general rule, do not accept any offers before you speak to an attorney who understands your case.
3. If the Other Party Has Already Retained Legal Counsel
Let’s say that your car was rear-ended by a truck and the driver gave you their business card, assuring you that their employer will cover the damages.
But when you try to call them, you are told to talk to their lawyer about the accident. Therein lays your clue that it’s time to get an attorney for yourself as well.
A good attorney can ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries. However, selecting the right one is an important decision that must be made after careful consideration of all factors involved. You owe it to yourself to hire an excellent personal injury attorney.
In Conclusion
It is not a good idea to handle your own case, especially when you are recovering after an accident.
Most people do not have the time or the expertise to fight the insurance company.
Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney before you decide on taking the insurance company’s offer, to review your options and possibly learn how much more you may be able to receive.
To receive a free review of your claim, use the contact form on this page or click this link.