Technically, you could file a personal injury dispute against your insurance company on your own. However, many people decide to hire a personal injury lawyer to file a claim if they have sustained a personal injury from an auto accident.
An attorney- especially one who specializes in personal injury cases-can provide valuable representation to large companies like auto insurance businesses. Attorneys also know the procedural rules and laws that will ensure help you make a compelling case. Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you have experienced one of these situations following your accident.
You Have Suffered Extreme Injuries
You may need a personal injury lawyer if you have sustained extreme injuries during an accident. The intensity of your injuries is often measured by a few different categories.
Some of the categories include:
Severity of Injury
If you have sustained serious injuries that last longer than a year, hire an attorney. In extreme circumstances, a serious accident could leave you permanently injured. Permanent injuries often result in large claims because of the lasting impact they can have on an individual’s life. An attorney can ensure you have the necessary evidence to prove the severity of your loss.
Recovery Time
You may also need a lawyer to prove lost wages because of your injury. Some lost wages may be harder to prove than others may. For example, you may need help proving lost income if you previously owned your own business or received pay based off of commission.
You may also have other extenuating circumstances that are difficult to prove. For instance, if you were providing caregiving services to a family member before your injury, you may need an attorney to help you prove the extent of your loss.
Cost of Current or Future Medical Expenses
With the help of an attorney, you may be able to get some, or all, of your medical expenses paid. In fact, you may want to consider relying on the expertise of an attorney if your medical bills exceed $5,000. It is up to you to decide when the expenses exceed what you are comfortable negotiating.
A personal injury lawyer can negotiate a fair and comfortable settlement for you. An attorney can also help you provide previous medical records that an insurance adjuster may ask for.
Even if your injury doesn’t involve those items covered in your insurance policy, you may still want to hire an attorney. Not everyone feels comfortable representing himself or herself to large corporations. An attorney can help you gather all documentation and evidence required and represent your case accurately to necessary parties.
Your Insurance Company Disputes or Refuses Your Claim
If your insurance company claims your evidence is inadequate to prove that the other party is liable for the accident, hire an attorney. When the insurance company denies liability, they don’t have to pay for the damages you incurred during the accident. If you don’t believe you are liable, a personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence and prove that others involved in the accident were at fault instead of you.
Even if you have filed a claim by yourself up to this point, it may be time for you to seek guidance from a lawyer.
For instance, your insurance company could deny your claim, saying that you are liable or partially liable for the accident. In response, you can file a denial stating that the other party is liable. If the insurance company refuses to reconsider, an attorney can help. Your attorney may recommend taking the company to court to prove that the other party is responsible for the accident.
In other instances, your insurance company may only agree to pay for part of the damages caused by your accident. For example, your insurance company may offer you a lower settlement amount than is fair. An attorney can help you determine if a settlement is fair or if your claim could be worth more compensation.
If you incurred an injury in the past and believe that you could benefit from hiring an attorney, contact the law offices of Rob Kornfeld before consulting with your insurance agency. When you speak with an attorney, he or she can help you accurately assess your case and provide valuable legal guidance.