When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?

When you’re injured in an accident, you could face significant hardship.  There are not only medical costs to consider, but also potential damage to property (such as during an auto accident), loss of income due to missed work, and possibly ongoing issues related to your injury.

However, most people don’t initially think to call an attorney following an accident.  This may be because you expect the insurance companies to sort it all out and compensate you accordingly.  Insurance companies, however, are in the business of making money, and with entire legal teams working for them, they could find ways to get out of paying you.

In truth, it’s best to at least consult with a personal injury attorney any time you’re in an accident that results in serious injury.  There are several instances in which hiring a qualified personal injury attorney could become necessary.

Fault is Unclear

Suppose you’re injured in an accident where the fault cannot be easily assigned.  Even if you know the other person is at fault, the incident could turn into a “he said, she said” situation if there are no witnesses or the evidence doesn’t prove fault.  As a result, insurance providers may find reason to deny your claim, leaving you holding the bag for medical bills and lost wages.

In such cases, you really need the assistance of an attorney to ensure that you get compensation, and that you aren’t blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault.  It’s also wise to get an attorney for incidents involving multiple parties, as each insurance provider will likely try to shift the blame to avoid any payouts.

Serious Injury or Disability

Some injuries will heal and leave no lasting damage, but there are also instances in which an injury sustained during an accident will have long-term ramifications.  A serious injury could leave you with lifelong medical problems or ongoing costs for rehab, or you may end up with permanent disability as a result.

In such cases, you need more than a payout that covers your current medical bills.  You need coverage for ongoing expenses, and insurance companies will almost certainly try to pay less.  An experienced personal injury attorney will fight to get you maximum compensation and eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.

Delay and Denial

Insurance companies know they have the upper hand when you’re injured and medical bills are piling up.  For this reason, they often delay or outright deny claims as a tactic to get you to settle for less, or even give up entirely.  A personal injury attorney has the resources and experience to fight these tactics and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.