In any event in which you sustain an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s easy to understand you can encounter some very difficult situations. There are many people who hesitate to take legal action, some who don’t believe hiring a lawyer is necessary, and individuals who think it’s best to go through the insurance company.
In any case, there are misconceptions regarding the process, but it’s vital for you to know what to expect. Before you file a lawsuit, there are very specific things that you should realize about the process. Here are 10 things you should know:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit helps safeguard your rights
- Hiring a lawyer is much more beneficial to filing a case
- Acting quick after an accident helps your case
- Personal injury cases are most often handled with no initial cost to you
- Consult legal representation before signing any papers
- Winning a case can be done in more ways than one
- Proving someone was negligent is necessary
- Car accident cases are not always quick to complete
- Determining value in a claim means having significant evidence
- There is a time limit to filing a claim or lawsuit
Continue reading to learn more about each of these 10 facts and how they impact your claim.
Call our firm today at (800)-319-5196 to discuss your options.
1. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Helps Safeguard Your Rights
Many people don’t want to go through the process of a lawsuit, but there are some situations in which it may be necessary. If an insurance company is denying your claim wrongfully or making it difficult to recover the entire amount to which you are entitled, a lawsuit may be helpful in getting the compensation you need after an injury.
When you file a lawsuit, you take a stand against negligence and get legal help to protect your rights.
2. Hiring a Lawyer is Much More Beneficial to Filing a Case
While you may feel like this is a situation you can handle on your own through an insurance claim, there are some situations that make it difficult to do so and get a fair value for your case. When an insurance company starts using devious tactics to deny or minimize your claim, a lawyer can stand up for your rights and take action on your behalf.
3. Acting Quick After an Accident Helps Your Case
After an accident, it’s best not to wait to start the process. Whether you’re speaking with a lawyer or getting medical attention, taking necessary steps after a crash should be done as soon as possible to help protect your claim and get the help you need.
4. Personal Injury Cases are Most Often Handled with No Initial Cost to You
One of the reasons people hesitate to file a lawsuit after a crash is, they’re concerned about paying for a lawyer. You should know most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency fees, which means you don’t pay anything at the start, and in many cases, you don’t have to pay anything unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for you.
5. Consult Legal Representation Before Signing Any Papers
Insurance companies attempt to get cases settled as quickly as possible, so they may request that you sign papers soon after the crash happens. No matter what, speak with your legal counsel before signing anything that could harm your ability to get the maximum compensation you deserve.
6. Winning a Case Can Be Done in More Ways Than One
A lawsuit may not always be necessary as there are two potential ways to get the compensation you need and deserve. A lawsuit, of course, can end in a favorable verdict if you provide a significant amount of evidence to a jury. A settlement may be possible, though, if you and your legal counsel can convince the insurance company to pay out the maximum amount needed before trial.
7. Proving Someone Was Negligent is Necessary
There are four factors involved in proving someone was liable, one of which requires you to show that the other driver acted negligently in the crash. Make sure you’re compiling as much evidence as possible after a crash to help show that the other driver did something—such as driving while intoxicated—that caused the crash to occur.
8. Car Accident Cases are Not Always Quick to Complete
In some claims, individuals experience a quick process in which they file the claim and get the compensation they need. However, in more complicated cases with severe injuries, it can take much longer than you expect. Whether the insurance company denies or delays a claim, they can make a claim last longer in hopes of you being desperate and accepting a settlement.
9. Determining Value in a Claim Means Having Significant Evidence
The value of your claim may not be known until all factors have been considered. The evidence you compile, your medical records, the percentage of fault you may have contributed to the crash; all this goes into play when determining the amount of compensation you may recover.
10. There is a Time Limit to Filing a Claim or Lawsuit
In any car accident claim or lawsuit, all states throughout the U.S. utilize a statute of limitation that determines the length of time after an incident you have to file a claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible to get the process started before the deadline.
At Lowe Law Group, we’re committed to helping you understand the process. Our car accident attorneys are here for you should you need to pursue compensation for damages caused by someone else’s negligence. We have a reliable team and years of experience, and you can trust in us to protect you from start to finish.
For a free consultation to discuss your potential case, call our firm today at (800)-319-5196.