You’ve likely seen ads on TV telling you to call a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been in an accident, and they’re typically to draw business to the law firm that made the ad. However, they don’t usually go into detail about why you need to prioritize hiring a lawyer even though it’s a stressful time with tons of obligations to take care of your health.
Well, it’s not just because those law firms want your business. There are genuine reasons you need to call a personal injury lawyer immediately.
Today, we’re going to give you 10 of the most important reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer after an accident so you are better informed and capable of taking action.
1. Avoid Making Critical Mistakes
It’s unfortunate to say this, but the vast majority of the time, the person who is responsible for your injury is not worried about your health moving forward and the damage they’ve caused to your life. They are worried about having their life financially disrupted.
As such, while you’re panicking because of what happened, suffering through pain, and stressing out about what happens next, they’re looking at ways to get out of trouble.
There are numerous mistakes you can make. Many people feel obligated to downplay the injury at the scene to avoid causing conflict or putting the blame on the other person, sometimes you might say something that wrongfully puts blame on you, or you might even miss giving them vital information that you’re required to provide. All of which can hurt your case.
When you call a personal injury lawyer immediately, they’ll do their best to keep you from making those mistakes, and they’ll walk you through that initial reporting process.
2. Guidance Through Early Case Development
What you do right after an accident is extremely important. Not only is it important not to say anything and make critical reporting mistakes, but the way you go about seeking medical attention, attending follow-up visits and suggested care plans, contacting insurance companies, and more all matter, too.
3. The Earlier You Start, the Faster You’re Compensated
The legal process takes a while even if you have a clean-cut case. Unless the other person admits to their wrongdoing and cooperates fully, you’re going to have to go back and forth with legal arguments, deal with the court, and fight for compensation.
That can take months, or it can even take more than a year. You don’t want to wait for months just to get started. You deserve compensation as soon as possible.
4. The Defendant Has a Lawyer
Either the defendant you’re going to take to court has a lawyer, or they’re getting one immediately. They need to protect their finances, and they know they need legal help to do that.
By waiting, you give the opposition time to create a stronger case, and you make it harder to win by putting the lawyer you eventually hire at a disadvantage.
5. Navigating the Legal System is Difficult
Unfortunately, engaging with the legal system is never easy. Even if you have a strong case and are clearly in need of compensation, you can’t just go to court, tell your side of the story, and expect to win.
There is a long and arduous process you have to go through, and every word you say throughout it can be used against you. A personal injury lawyer makes navigating that complex landscape easy.
6. Stress Reduction
When you’re caught off guard by a personal injury, your life gets pretty stressful. However, as soon as you call a lawyer and know you have an experienced pro on your side, a huge load is taken off your shoulders. You can focus on your recovery, trying to return to life as normal, and getting over the trauma you’ve suffered, and most of the legal stuff is handled by your lawyer.
Even when you’re absolutely required to engage in the legal aspect of the situation, your lawyer is right there to make it easy. Since stress mounts up quickly, this is something you want to benefit from immediately.
7. Avoid Early Settlements
If you don’t contact a lawyer immediately, and the defendant knows they’re facing a hefty lawsuit, they will likely try to give you a settlement very early on. In fact, it might even be an immediate attempt if they really know you have a strong case.
This isn’t an attempt to do what’s right. It’s an attempt to avoid compensating you properly by keeping the situation out of court.
8. Avoid Inaccurate Compensation
Another aspect of the settlements defense teams often offer is that they’re designed to give you as little as possible. Even if it’s not offered early.
The deal might seem amazing. They might offer to cover all your medical bills and pay for the repairs to your vehicle or other damaged property. However, they won’t take your lost wages, missed opportunities, and other things of value into consideration.
A lawyer will consider those value drivers and fight for you to get them included in your compensation.
9. Knowing When to Settle
We’ve talked extensively about how a lawyer can help you avoid accepting settlements, but sometimes, it’s the right idea. If a case is dragging on too long, your case is weakening, or anything like that is happening, it might be optimal to negotiate a settlement. You might not get as big of a reward, but you’ll get as much as possible.
However, a lawyer needs to help you make this decision.
10. Time-Sensitive Evidence Might Be At Stake
Finally, a lawyer knows the gritty details that can completely flip a case in your favor, but many people miss them initially, and there’s no way to go back and get that evidence.
By calling a lawyer immediately, they can ensure that you’re gathering info on-site, they can help gather info themselves, and you can start your case in the best possible position.
Secure Your Rights with Scott D. DeSalvo Law
If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s a truck accident, bicycle accident, construction accident, dog bite, or any other form of negligence, you need a personal injury lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve. At Scott D. DeSalvo Law, we are dedicated to providing the expert legal representation you need to navigate the complexities of your case.
Our team is committed to ensuring you receive fair compensation and justice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you take the first step towards securing your rights and getting the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—protect your future with a trusted advocate by your side.
