If you are injured in an accident due to fault or negligence, such as a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or an injury caused by a faulty product, it can wreak havoc on your life. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, 2.5 million people visit the emergency room for unintentional injuries.
An accident like the ones listed above can result in expensive medical bills. Between the exam and tests at the emergency room, the cost of the treatment, and if necessary, rehab, your medical bills can start adding up. In addition, if your injuries are severe and you cannot work, you won’t have money to come in to pay your bills.
If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t be responsible for the financial loss. Fortunately, an Antelope Valley personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you aren’t sure if a personal injury lawyer is worth the cost, you should consider how you can benefit from hiring a lawyer.
Table of Contents
1. Case Evaluation
An Antelope Valley personal injury lawyer can review the facts of the accident to determine if you have a case. They will use all of the information available, such as police reports, accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and information from your employer regarding your lost wages.
A personal injury lawyer can also give you an idea of what you deserve in compensation.
2. Handling Negotiations
Shortly after your accident, you will receive a call from the responsible party’s insurance company offering a settlement. The call will often come right after the accident, before you know the full extent of your injuries and how long it will take you to heal. In addition, the settlement offer will likely be much less than you deserve. Rather than accepting a low-ball settlement offer, you should hire a personal injury lawyer.
Personal injury lawyers are master negotiators. When you hire a lawyer, they can handle the negotiation process. They will fight for you while you focus on getting better.
3. Case Preparation
According to the Law Dictionary, around 95 percent of personal injury cases are negotiated and don’t require litigation. However, if you are one of the 5 percent and the insurance company refuses to pay the amount you deserve, your case will go before the court. Before this happens, you will need a personal injury lawyer to prepare a strong case.
They will use all available evidence, such as the accident and police reports, your medical records, witness statements, and photographs if they are available. Your lawyer may also hire a private investigator to gather additional evidence.
If you are going to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and any property damage, your lawyer will need to build a strong case.
4. Court Representation
There is an old saying, “A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.”, which is true. If your case goes before the court, you will need a lawyer in your corner. Lawyers are trained in courtroom law and they understand how personal injury cases work.
Your lawyer will present your case to the court, question witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses for the party at fault. Your best chance of winning your personal injury case is to have a lawyer representing you.
When you are involved in an accident, the pain and stress can be too much. If you hire an Antelope Valley personal injury lawyer, you will have someone else to deal with the insurance company and your settlement, and you can focus on feeling better. The best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve is to have a personal injury lawyer fighting for you.