You’re on your way to work during morning traffic when, out of nowhere, a blue minivan in a rush to make it to work on time, runs a red light, plowing into your car’s front end.  You’re understandably shaken up, and now your body feels sore and stiff.  Auto accidents happen every day and can be a huge mess to deal with when you’re already feeling vulnerable.  Hiring an attorney to help you through a personal injury claim can help make the process easier for you and your family.

 They make it easier to deal with the Insurance Company.

Insurance Companies profit by under compensating injured persons.  Sure, your medical expenses may be covered, but did you know that they should also consider future medical costs, lost wages and, the value of pain and suffering as a result of the accident?  If you deal with the insurance company directly, and forego the assistance of an experienced attorney, you could be left with permanent injuries and a lifetime of pain without any way of paying for medical expenses that may arise in the future.   Our experience leads us to conclude that, on average, our clients are probably getting thousands of dollars more in settlements, than if they represented themselves.

They get paid when you get paid.

It may sound too good to be true, but most attorney’s don’t require an upfront fee to work on personal injury claims.  They accept clients on a contingency bases, meaning they will only bill you a percentage if your case settles or results in a judgment.  This takes the financial pressure off the injured party and gives the law firm motivation to negotiate the best possible settlement in your favor. 

Saves Time.

The last thing you want to do when you’re injured and recovering is spend hours on the phone or sending correspondence to insurance companies.   Hiring an attorney takes the burden off your plate so you can focus on obtaining medical care for your injuries.  It’s best to hire an attorney as soon after the accident as possible due to legal deadlines that could jeopardize any claim you may have for injuries. 

Convenience.
Attorneys have your best interest in mind when they take you as a client.  They truly want to make this process as easy on you as possible.  They can complete insurance documents, request medical records on your behalf, and write a proposal for settlement letter for the insurance company, without requiring you to leave the comfort of your home.  How convenient is that? 

Professional representation for the future.

While most claims settle long before filing suit, it is not a 100% guarantee.  Sometimes insurance companies refuse to offer realistic settlements, forcing some clients into law suits so as to obtain a reward by jury trial.  Without representation from the beginning, you may feel like giving up on a recovery.   The right attorney will be able to help you set a reasonable value from the beginning and, if you need to file suit, the attorney can help you through the ends and outs of a complex legal system.  

The next time you, or someone you care about, are involved in an auto accident, call a local attorney and talk to him or her about your claims.  Most personal injury attorneys will speak with you on the phone and offer a free consultation.  One thing is for sure, while it won’t hurt you to speak with an attorney up front, it certainly could hurt you down the road, if you don’t.  

Erik Woody & Rachel Dodrill contributed to this blog.