One thing that people often ask is if they need a lawyer or not when it comes to an accident. Of course, if you look around, most lawyers will say you definitely do. Even if you know that you should contact a lawyer, you may not understand why it's so important that you involve a lawyer.
You Don't Know the Law
The main reason you need to speak to a lawyer is because you don't know the law. That's not a disparaging statement; most people don't know the law.
You may know something, and you may have an understanding about how things work, but you're not a professional. Remember that lawyers not only know the law, they practice it. That's important, especially in a personal injury case.
Laws vary from place to place. Not only that, even in the same county, interpretation of the law and precedent can mean all the difference. A practicing local lawyer will know these things and know how to counter them or use them on your behalf.
You Don't Have Experience Battling Insurance Companies
If you press a claim against an insurance company, you have to consider whom it is you're dealing with. Most insurance companies have long histories with these types of claims. After all, it's a part of their business. They too know the law. They have lawyers that know it as well.
Insurance companies also have experience. They know that many people without lawyers do not know how much their case is actually worth. This puts you at a huge disadvantage if you're trying to do it by yourself.
Keep in mind the insurance company has likely dealt with hundreds just like you. Even if you think you know, it's far better to at least seek advice from a professional that really does know.
You Don't Know What Your Case is Potentially Worth
Do you know how much your case is worth? Unless you've done this before or have a background in personal injury or tort law, you probably have no real idea.
You can figure out a number with some online calculators or by finding a list of local settlements. Even then, you are taking a shot in the dark. Every case is unique, and yours may earn you more than you dreamed or turn out to be worth far less than you thought.
Can you figure these numbers out yourself?
You can likely work out the medical bills and lost wages. Maybe even the potential future lost wages and
Things like general and special damages can vary from the obvious to the near mystical. But these damages can make all the difference in how much compensation you receive. The only real way to work out these numbers is either through a tremendous amount of research, or by using the skills of an accident attorney.
You Do Know What You Have to Do
Don't try to tackle a settlement or lawsuit on your own. There are people out there that have made these types of cases their business, their passion, and even their obsession.
Unless you're such a person in regards to personal injury law, you should contact a real accident attorney to guide you. Even if you don't want to hire an attorney, you would
28 April 2015
