There’s a lot to deal with in the aftermath of a car or truck accident. Sure, your vehicle may be totaled, but that’s probably the least of your problems. You’ve probably got painful injuries that have affected your ability to live and enjoy your normal life, and the costs of medical expenses and missed work probably have you on uncertain financial footing. All of this can leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and concerned about your future.
Do you need a personal injury attorney on your side?
Although you may be aware of the benefits of a personal injury lawsuit, you may be tempted to try to handle the matter on your own. After all, the internet is full of resources and self-help guides. But foregoing an attorney in your case can be a big mistake. Let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions about obtaining an attorney in these cases.
- An attorney is going to cost you too much money: The truth of the matter is that personal injury attorneys know how to aggressively litigate these cases and position your negotiations for success. This means that having an attorney on your side may mean that you’ll recover more compensation from your claim. Sure, your attorney will need to be paid, but most personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay them unless you win your case. And only then do you pay a certain portion of your recovery. In many instances, this still leaves a victim with more compensation than he or she would have had if he or she had foregone an attorney.
- An attorney is going to draw your case out: Most people who are injured in a car or truck accident need quick relief. As a result, many of these victims are afraid that an attorney is going to make the legal process longer, thereby leaving them in a precarious financial position while their case plays out. This is far from the truth, though, especially given the fact that most personal injury cases end up resolving through settlement negotiations.
- An attorney will only take a case with severe injuries: In most instances, a personal injury attorney wants to talk to you about your case before deciding whether to accept it. But many car accident victims under-estimate the extent of their damages. This means that they oftentimes erroneously think that their case is undeserving of legal representation. Don’t make your damages assessment on your own. Instead, think about discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine just how much your case is worth.
- An attorney isn’t necessary when dealing with your own insurance company: It’s important to remember insurance companies, even your own, are not your friend. In fact, they’re tasked with paying out as little as possible when a claim is filed. That means that they’re going to use sneaky tactics that leave you doubting your case and leaning towards settlement that is far short of what you deserve. An attorney who is experienced in these matters can help you push back against these aggressive insurance companies so that you can secure the outcome that is right for you.
Don’t leave your case to chance
We understand your hesitance to secure assistance from a personal injury attorney. But there’s simply too much on the line to leave your case to chance. Remember that your case is probably going to be in a stronger position if you work closely with a skilled legal advocate, and that your ultimate recovery, if you do obtain one, may be larger than you thought. There are no guarantees in a personal injury case, though, which is why it’s best to discuss the circumstances of your claim with an attorney of your c