If you are someone who has never filed a personal injury claim in the past, you may have a hard time understanding state laws and relevant aspects. Unfortunately, many such claims and lawsuits are filed in California each year. When you have a valid claim, it is okay to wonder whether you should have a lawyer to deal with things. In this post, we are sharing more on why hiring a San Diego personal injury lawyer is a significant step. Check the link for more information.
Injury lawyers are professional and objective
When you are hurt due to someone’s mistake or reckless action, it is okay to assume that you deserve a massive amount in a settlement. However, only when all aspects are considered is it possible to guess what the claim is worth. Experienced injury lawyers have a professional approach and can ensure you have a clear understanding of facts. They can review the case based on initial facts and share what you can expect in a settlement. For instance, if you were also responsible for the mishap to some extent, your final compensation could be a lot lesser than you think. Getting an attorney ensures that you never lose objectivity.
Injury lawyers can explain the options
Depending on the type of case you have, you have two options to recover a settlement. The first one is to file an insurance claim with the defendant’s insurance company, which is the norm for many cases, such as car accidents. The second option is more extensive and expensive, which is about filing a court case in the civil court. An injury lawyer can explain all the pros and cons in detail and ensure that you have a fair overview of the possible outcomes.
Injury lawyers can investigate the mishap
You need evidence to prove that the defendant was directly responsible for your losses, and as the claimant, you are expected to provide concrete proof. You cannot rely on the insurance company or the police to work for you or gather information to bolster your claim. An injury lawyer can do that. Lawyers have credible resources and may work with accident reconstruction experts to find relevant information. They can also talk to medical experts to find more details about your injuries, which will help them negotiate a settlement.
Injury lawyers can negotiate further
Insurance companies are shrewd and often try means and ways to deny claims. In fact, if you have a valid case, you may get an offer from the adjuster immediately. They will tell you how the case is worth what they are offering and why you should accept the initial deal. Sadly, people often end up falling for such tricks, and given that they are already in financial distress, they end up accepting the offer. Most claims are worth a lot more than what insurance companies say, and therefore, it is best to let your attorney take the lead. Your lawyer will negotiate the best offer, but if that doesn’t work as expected, they can even file a lawsuit.
Injury lawyers can go to court
While most injury claims don’t need a trial, that’s always a possibility that every victim should consider. If you are in two minds about whether you should have a lawyer for the claim, keep the litigation aspect in consideration. An injury lawyer can take the case to court and fight for your rights. There is no denying that trials are expensive and often take significant time, but with an attorney, you are never alone. You know that someone is interested in the payment as much as you are, which is quite a relief.
You don’t need money to get an attorney
Another big reason to hire a lawyer is the contingency arrangement. The lawyer will never ask you to pay an hourly rate. There is no retainer fee either. Instead, they get a fixed part of what you recover from the claim. Without an upfront fee, it is easier to afford a lawyer. The cost of injury lawyers may vary, and you will have to pay a higher percentage from the settlement if the matter ends up in trial. Your attorney will sign an engagement letter with you, which will have all details. The fee of lawyers could be as high as 40%, but that amount is only due when you win.
You can focus on your recovery
Engaging a lawyer also ensures you have time to deal with the stress related to the accident. As the lawyer covers all bases, you can use the space to recover and heal. The immediate aftermath of any mishap can be overwhelming, especially if you have sustained severe injuries like fractures and spinal cord damage. You need to eliminate the unwanted work and focus on your treatment plan. Your lawyer will ensure all steps are taken to recover a fair settlement.
You will know what NOT to do
A small misstep can derail your road to getting the due compensation. With an attorney, you can avoid these issues and work on improving your chances. They may advise you against posting details of the accident on social media or discussing things with others. Even if you get a call from the insurance company directly, you will know your rights and not fall for tricks and false statements.
Final word
There are numerous law firms in San Diego, and many of these have competent lawyers who can fight aggressively to get you a decent outcome. Lawyers cannot ever guarantee anything, but they can certainly help you focus on the positives. They are also aware of the legal system and how things may shape up and will do everything possible to reduce hassles at your end. You are more likely to deal with the circumstances better with an expert guiding you at every step rather than dealing with everything without adequate knowledge.
Check online now to find more about injury lawyers near you in San Diego and get an appointment to discuss your claim and other aspects in advance.