Getting injured, whether in a car accident, in the hospital, or on the job, can be very scary. Sometimes, that fear can cloud your judgment, especially when it comes to how you should proceed after you experience an accident and begin receiving care to help you recover.
It’s true that not every injury requires help from a personal injury attorney, but how can you tell if it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer in your case?
Your Injuries Will Leave You With Lifelong Challenges
If you’re in an accident and sustain a few scratches and a broken bone that will heal in time, you may not have to reach out to a personal injury attorney. If you sustain a head injury that will leave you with lifelong challenges, you should reach out to a legal professional.
An attorney can make sure you get the compensation you deserve, but they can also help you understand the extent and impact of your injuries. As part of your case, your attorney will speak to medical experts who can illuminate your injury in a new way.
This includes lifelong physical injuries, but it also includes emotional challenges. If your injuries were sustained in a traumatizing way, you may be able to avoid long-term emotional problems by seeking the support of an attorney.
You’re Struggling to Pay the Doctors’ Bills
Doctor bills are outrageous, not only because services cost so much money, but also because costs aren’t always clear before services are rendered. If you sustain an injury that requires you to have surgery, multiple appointments, or long-term therapy sessions, and you find yourself struggling to pay the bills, a personal injury attorney can help.
A personal injury attorney can help you get the money you need to pay for the medical care you require. That ensures you get the care you need, and it can provide you with peace of mind that an injury you didn’t ask for won’t push your family towards bankruptcy.
There’s a Question of Liability
Even if liability seems obvious in your case, you can bet that the other party will do whatever they can to shirk responsibility. That’s why it’s important to hire a personal injury attorney if there’s any chance that liability could be questioned.
Having someone in your corner can make sure liability is assigned fairly. Your attorney will serve as a liaison between you and the other party, and an attorney can also help you understand the process, which can bring a lot of peace of mind.
You’re Unhappy With the Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company
If an insurance company is involved, regardless of liability, things can get frustrating fast. There’s a lot you have to do to settle an accident claim, whether it’s a car accident or an accident on the job. When that settlement finally comes back, you may not be happy with what you’re being offered.
Most insurance companies try to settle claims before they get to court, which means they offer funds hastily. You don’t have to accept what they’re offering. Instead, you should hire a personal injury attorney to make sure that what they’re offering is fair.
An attorney with personal injury experience has worked on dozens, or even hundreds, of cases. They can look at an amount and tell you if what they’re offering is fair for your particular injury. If not, they can represent you to take on the insurance company and make sure you’re fairly compensated.
You Have Unanswered Questions
Regardless of your particular injury, how it will affect your life, or whether or not you’re being fairly compensated, it’s never a bad idea to reach out to a personal injury attorney. There are questions you should ask before you hire one, but there are also general questions you may want to ask about your particular situation.
Just a few questions you may want an attorney to answer include:
- How much money can I get in my case if I’m represented by an attorney?
- Are there other resources I can access to help me recover?
- How long will it take for my case to be resolved?
- What can I expect from the process?
If any of the items on this list sound like you, pick up the phone and call a personal injury attorney! If you still aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer anyway. Most consultations are free, and a professional will be upfront and honest with you about whether they will be able to help you or not.
