Another question that our lawyers often hear–and that those who have been injured often have–is whether or not working with a lawyer is really necessary. We understand that working with a lawyer is a very personal choice, and may not always feel essential. Here are some circumstances when working with a lawyer is in your best interests:
Your injuries are serious. If your injuries are serious, you probably don’t have the capacity to handle your claim yourself. What’s more, you probably desperately need a settlement in order to compensate you for your losses. Additionally, the more serious your injuries, the more pushback that you’ll likely get from an insurance adjuster, as an insurance company will be loath to pay out what you deserve. An attorney can help you to fight back.
Your claim has been denied or low-balled. If your claim has been denied or if you have been offered a settlement that is less than what you believe you deserve, you should get an attorney immediately. An attorney will know how to appeal a denied claim on your behalf, as well as how to negotiate a settlement offer that it’s fair.
Fault is disputed. When fault is disputed and you’re being blamed, in part, for your accident, you need an attorney. If you are found to be partially at fault, your settlement award can be diminished in proportion to that degree of fault. Which is why if you’re being blamed, you need to get an attorney who will present evidence that disproves the allegations of fault made against you and makes a clear case for the full liability of the other party.