Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After a person is injured in a car accident, one of the first questions that may come to their mind is, “do I need a lawyer?” While it may seem that a personal injury firm would always respond to that question affirmatively, the experienced attorneys at AutoAccident.com answer: “most of the time – but not always.”
Can I Handle My Car Accident Case Without a Lawyer?
Sometimes following a car accident, you may be better off handling the insurance claim on your own. Here are a couple of instances in which it may be beneficial for you to deal directly with the insurance company:
- You have only had one visit to the doctor and have no intention of getting any additional medical care.
- You have high medical expenses, and between the other party’s insurance and your UIM insurance coverage, there is only a minimal amount of money available.
Even given the above circumstances, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are being protected. The injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com are available over the phone to offer free and friendly advice.
When Should I Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Most of the time, after a car accident that causes injuries, you will ultimately be much better off retaining a lawyer to help with your case – and the best time to get an attorney on board is sooner rather than later. Your injury recovery phase is not the best time to have to take calls from insurance adjusters who will try to get you to settle your case quickly and for as little money as possible.
The sooner you have an attorney handling the insurance and legal matters for you, the better protected your rights and the value of your case will be.
How Do I Find a Good Accident Lawyer?
It can be difficult to know where to start in your search for an experienced and trustworthy legal advocate. Here are some ideas:
- Read client reviews on sites such as Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
- Check the firm’s standing with the California State Bar.
- Research past case results (if the attorney makes them available – not all do).
How Does a Personal Injury Attorney Get Paid?
While each individual lawyer has his or her own fee structure, most attorneys that practice personal injury law (including those at AutoAccident.com) do not require up-front payment. Instead, they get paid once the case reaches a conclusion. This is known as a contingency fee agreement. The fee is usually a percentage of the total settlement. Any costs that were paid by the attorney on behalf of the case will also be reimbursed at that time. Such costs could include medical record copies, filing fees, process server fees, and expert witness fees. Costs are usually higher if a lawsuit must be filed and can be much higher if a case goes to trial.
Under a contingency fee agreement, if the attorney is unable to win the case, you are not required to pay them – in other words, they only get paid if you get paid.
Will I Get More Money With a Lawyer?
The answer to this question is – yes, most of the time. Insurance company tactics often result in unrepresented people accepting less money in settlement than they would receive if they had hired an experienced personal injury attorney. A trustworthy lawyer will do a thorough case analysis at no obligation to advise you on whether retaining a lawyer will add value to your claim.
Watch the YouTube video. The short clip below describes the importance that the attorneys and staff of AutoAccident.com place on their clients.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Sacramento
Hello – thanks for reading our discussion of the question “Do I Need a Lawyer?” I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. My firm has been advocating on behalf of injured Sacramento residents for nearly four decades. For compassionate, free, and friendly advice after a crash, call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or send your inquiries via our online form.
Photo: by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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