Why You Should Never Settle Your Injury Claim Without Legal Counsel

Contingency Fees Explained: How Personal Injury Lawyers Get Paid

When you’ve been hurt in an accident, coping with the aftermath can be daunting. The injury pain, the anxiety of medical bills, and the interruption to your life can cause you to want to settle the issue in a hurry. One of the most attractive deals you’ll get during this period is a deal from the insurance company to close your claim. Although settling appears to be the fastest method of proceeding, you need to know why you should never settle your claim for injury without first seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer in Chatsworth.

1. Insurance Companies Aren’t Always on Your Side

Remember that insurance firms aim to make the most money they can, not necessarily to provide you with what’s fair for you. If an insurance adjuster makes you a settlement offer, it is usually a considerably smaller sum than you deserve. Insurance companies often downplay the severity of your injuries, undervalue your pain and suffering, or push for a quick settlement to avoid the time and costs of litigation.

Without the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, it’s easy to fall victim to these tactics and accept an amount that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term effects of the injury.

2. You May Not Completely Realize the Scope of Your Injuries

When you first get hurt, it’s natural to concentrate on the immediate pain and discomfort. However, injuries can have delayed or long-term effects that will not be recognizable at the moment of the accident. For instance, whiplash from a motor vehicle accident may not seem serious initially, but it might result in recurring pain or permanent mobility problems. An early settlement offer may not include consideration for future medical treatment or chronic pain management that may be necessary.

A personal injury attorney can explain the full extent of your injuries and how they will affect your life in the long term. They can negotiate with medical professionals to ensure that your claim includes immediate and future medical expenses, lost wages, or loss of enjoyment of life.

3. A Skilled Lawyer Can Negotiate a Reasonable Settlement

Personal injury attorneys are adept at negotiation and are familiar with working with insurance corporations. They know how insurance adjusters operate and are ready to counter low-ball settlements. By employing an attorney, you level the playing field and ensure that the settlement you end up with is fair and accurately reflects the actual value of your claim.

Your attorney will also be able to assess whether a settlement proposal is reasonable or if you need to keep negotiating. Effective negotiation can significantly improve the initial settlement proposal in certain situations. Insurance firms know that attorneys are not easily intimidated, so they tend to be more inclined to make a better offer when an attorney represents one.

4. You Have a Limited Time to File Your Claim

Statutes of limitations govern personal injury claims, so you only have a specified period to make your claim after being in an accident. If you take a settlement offer and find out later that it doesn’t fairly compensate you for your injuries, it can be too late to pursue other legal action. When you settle, you will usually sign a release that forbids you from making other claims about the accident.

Having a personal injury attorney by your side helps you avoid making a quick decision that can cost you the right to seek additional compensation later. An attorney will guide you through the legal time frames and give you time to critically analyze your case before making any judgment.

5. Lawyers Can Help You Navigate Complex Legal Issues

Injuries resulting from accidents can sometimes involve complex legal issues, such as determining fault or identifying responsible parties. If your case involves multiple parties or liability is unclear, a personal injury lawyer will have the legal knowledge and resources to investigate and build a strong case on your behalf.

For instance, in a traffic accident, there could be more than one party at fault, like the driver of a different vehicle, the manufacturer of a faulty automobile part, or even a government agency that owns poorly maintained roads. Your attorney can assist in identifying all the avenues of possible compensation, ensuring you do not miss out on any amount of compensation.

6. Trial May Be Necessary for Fair Compensation

Although most injury cases are resolved out of court, there are circumstances when it makes sense to go to trial to obtain a fair award. Insurance companies sometimes offer a low settlement figure in hopes you accept it because you do not want to go through a trial and its costs. But your attorney may instruct you to go to trial if the offer won’t cover your damages.

Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in trial processes and can assist in presenting your case in the best possible manner. They understand how to collect evidence, summon expert witnesses, and make strong arguments to a judge or jury. This can be particularly valuable if the case involves substantial damages, like ongoing medical treatment or emotional trauma.