There is a lot to contend with after getting into a serious accident. Your time might be split between visiting a doctor to get injuries treated and dealing with your car mechanic to make repairs.
It’s worse if there’s a hospitalization or the need for a new car altogether. The primary question in all of these problems is, “Who’s going to pay for it?”
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you will want to know whether you need a personal injury lawyer.
Sometimes, the insurance company may have already offered you a settlement. Does that mean your case isn’t serious enough to involve an attorney?
While not every situation requires legal representation, there are many times when having a lawyer on your side can make a difference. Here’s when to hire a personal injury lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your Injuries Are Serious
Hospital bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and ongoing medical care can add up quickly. When your injuries are severe, you want a personal injury lawyer who can accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning potential.
You should consider hiring an attorney if you have experienced:
- A traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones that required surgery
- Severe burns or permanent scarring
- Any injury that results in long-term disability
The Insurance Company Is Giving You the Runaround
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. Even when they seem to offer you a fair settlement, it is often much lower than what you deserve.
If you’re dealing with any of the following tactics, it could be time to call a lawyer:
- Delays
- Lowball offers
- Disputing your injuries
- Blaming you
A personal injury lawyer knows how to handle these tactics. They can negotiate on your behalf to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
You’re Being Blamed for the Accident
It is frustrating to be injured. However, that stress is maximized when the other party tries to blame you for the accident. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.
In states with comparative negligence laws, your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. In some states, if you’re more than 50% responsible, you may be unable to recover anything.
A lawyer ensures you don’t get unfairly blamed for something that wasn’t your fault.
Liability Is Unclear or Multiple Parties Are Involved
In some cases, it is not clear who’s responsible. Sometimes, there may be multiple parties involved. This is common in:
- Multi-car accidents
- Workplace injuries involving third parties
- Defective product cases
- Medical malpractice claims
Once again, insurance companies may try to shift the blame to avoid paying. A lawyer can identify who should be held accountable.
The Insurance Company Refuses to Pay
Unfortunately, some insurance companies will flat-out deny your claim, even when you have a legitimate case. They might argue that:
- There is not enough evidence to prove liability
- Your injuries aren’t severe enough to get compensation
- You missed a deadline or made a paperwork mistake
If you’re facing an outright denial, bring in a lawyer who can challenge the decision and fight for your rights.
You’re Running Out of Time to File a Claim
Every state has a statute of limitations. That means you only have a certain amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit, which is three years in New Mexico. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to compensation.
With a lawyer, you can ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines and that all the necessary paperwork is filed correctly. They can also determine if any exceptions apply to your case.
You Might Need to Go to Court
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but sometimes, the insurance company will not budge.
If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, your only option may be to take the case to trial. A personal injury lawyer will:
- Prepare a strong case with solid evidence
- Handle all the legal filings and court procedures
- Represent you in front of a judge and jury
- Fight for the best possible outcome
Going to court without a lawyer puts you at a serious disadvantage. Insurance companies have legal teams ready to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone fighting for you.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer?
Not every personal injury case requires legal assistance. However, if you’re dealing with serious injuries, pushy insurance companies, or legal complications, hiring one can make a huge difference.
If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, Barrera Law Group, LLC, offers a free consultation to help you understand all your legal options for seeking a fair remedy for your personal injury losses.