Many personal injury cases are settled without going to trial, but when a settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to take legal action. A qualified personal injury attorney can help prepare and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
A lawyer can also help level the playing field during negotiations with insurance companies and ensure you receive total compensation for your injuries.
They Can Help You Deal With Insurance Companies
Injuries can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with insurance companies who often do not have your best interest at heart. Personal injury attorneys from Norristown Legal have the expertise to negotiate on your behalf and can help you get a better settlement than if you handled the matter independently.
Personal injury attorneys also have access to outside investigators, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction experts, all of whom can help strengthen your case by providing valuable testimony or evidence. These resources are not always accessible to those who do not have a lawyer on their side.
A skilled injury lawyer can investigate your case to establish negligence and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Proving negligence is essential to filing a claim, and personal injury lawyers are trained to review police reports, interview witnesses, examine medical records, and consult with experts to build a strong case for you.
They Can Help You Calculate Damages
When it comes to personal injury damages, calculating the total value of your injuries can be difficult. A lawyer with extensive experience can help you determine how much you are owed for your medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
To calculate special damages, your attorney will review the costs of past and anticipated future medical treatment, loss in earning potential, lost work time (such as vacation or sick days used during your recovery), and actual losses in property value. They will then calculate your pain and suffering by multiplying this figure by a number between 1.5 and 5.
To ensure their calculations are accurate, lawyers might consult medical professionals to provide expert opinions on your injury and prognosis. They might also interview people who know you well to obtain victim impact statements that speak to significant challenges and changes caused by your injuries. This can increase your chances of receiving additional compensation for pain and suffering.
They Can Help You File a Claim
Personal injury lawyers help file claims related to medical emergencies or car accidents. They also handle situations where victims demand damages for medical expenses, lost pay, pain, and suffering, and loss of companionship.
When building a case, personal injury lawyers rely on various types of evidence. These include witness statements, which provide context to an accident’s circumstances, and medical records, which show the extent of a victim’s injuries. Sometimes, a personal injury lawyer may even need to hire expert witnesses to establish causation.
After a thorough investigation, your lawyer will file a claim with the offending party’s insurance company. They’ll also negotiate with them on your behalf, using the facts of your case to get you a heftier settlement. They’ll also prepare for mediation, where all parties involved in the case come together and discuss their settlement offers. This is a vital step in the legal process, as it helps you avoid a lengthy trial.
They Can Help You Go to Court
When negotiations with insurance companies fail to produce an adequate settlement, a personal injury lawyer can take your case to court, they have the experience, knowledge, and resources to navigate these often nuanced situations to get you the compensation you deserve.
A successful personal injury claim requires a lot of documentation. This includes medical bills, police reports, correspondence with insurance companies, and income loss statements. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure all these documents are correctly prepared and filed on time.
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court through mediation or a settlement conference. In these sessions, you and your attorney meet with the negligent party’s insurance company representatives to negotiate a fair settlement. Your personal injury lawyer will communicate with these representatives, allowing you to focus on your health while they work to get you fair compensation. They will recognize when an insurance company is trying to lowball you and know how to counteract their tactics.