You are driving along minding your own business when suddenly you hear a horn blaring and screeching of brakes.
Everything unfolds in slow motion before your eyes.
There is a loud thud, a violent impact, and you jerk up real hard against your safety belt.
Does this sound all too familiar?
There are approximately 510 car accident injuries every hour and 4 deaths per hour in the U.S.
The average number of car accidents in the U.S. every year is 6 million. More than 90 people die in car accidents every day.
The legal repercussions of a car accident can be stressful, especially when you or someone else has been seriously injured.
This article will assess the prudence of appointing a lawyer if you have a possible personal injury case.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Are You Obligated to Appoint a Lawyer?
You are not obliged to appoint a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case.
You may elect to represent yourself, even if the case goes all the way to court.
Personal injury cases are complex and highly specialized. Appointing a car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal minefield and result in a better award.
What if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
So many people believe that they will not afford the legal fees if they appoint a lawyer. This is not true.
Most specialized personal injury law firms provide an initial consultation for free. If they assess that you have a good case, they will offer to work on a contingency basis which means they will fund the case.
You will only be charged if they win your case.
You have a better chance of winning your case if you appoint a lawyer. Your chances are 3.5 times higher.
Your chances are much higher of winning a more significant award if represented. In addition, you will receive more money in your pocket even after the lawyer’s fees have been deducted.
When Should You See a Lawyer?
It is best to appoint a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
If possible, phone your lawyer at the scene of the accident and ask them for advice on what you should and should not do at the accident scene.
Schedule your first appointment with the lawyer while the accident is fresh in your memory. Provide them with all of the evidence you have.
Your first appointment will allow your lawyer to assess the strength of your case. If they believe you have a strong case, they will offer to act for you on a contingency fee basis.
Once you appoint them, you can concentrate on getting your injuries healed up. They will take care of all legal aspects of the case.
What Will Your Lawyer Do?
Your attorney will collate the necessary evidence to present your case in the best possible light for you.
All communications with the insurance companies will be handled by your lawyer. This is important as they will attempt to arrive at a fair settlement agreement on your behalf.
If the settlement is successful, your lawyer will draft a settlement agreement for you to sign.
If settlement fails, your attorney will prepare the matter for trial and handle all the legal aspects of the matter.
Final Takeaway
Personal injury law is highly specialized. It involves a good understanding of both law and medicine.
Having a highly specialized, experienced personal injury lawyer at your side will ensure that you get the maximum amount due to you.
Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Appoint that attorney!
