When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer: Signs You Need Professional Legal Help

But the fallout from an injury can last a lifetime. Whatever you are dealing with — maybe a terrible car crash, or a sudden slip and hurt yourself, or maybe it’s some accident at work — you’re surely fearing for what comes next. When will the medical bills come? How much will they cost? How do you respond to the insurance agents calling about their settlement offers? And above all: How can I get some help in this situation? An injury shouldn’t add on more worries, so getting a personal injury lawyer like Henningsen Injury Attorneys P.C. can (and will) be a huge blessing!

So, how do you know if it’s time to call a personal injury lawyer?

The Insurance Company is Offering a Low Settlement

After an injury, the insurance companies move fast. They’ll offer you a settlement that might look nice at first glance. The only problem is, it’s usually nowhere near what you’re actually going to need. Insurance companies have ample resources and legal teams at their disposal. They want to make sure they’re protecting their bottom line — not your best interest. If you accept the lowball offer they’re giving you, you might have to pay for your accident-related expenses in the future.

Hence, you need to have someone on your side to speak with the insurance company and make sure you’re not settling for less than you actually deserve.

Your Injuries Are Serious or Long-Term

A simple sprain or a bruise might not call for legal intervention. However, if you’ve suffered any broken bones or head trauma or you’re going to need several months to recover, you need to call a lawyer. Your medical bills for any of these injuries will start to stack up before you know it; and a lawyer can help you determine how much they’ll be, so you aren’t stuck footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that medical costs and productivity losses from car accidents are well over $75 billion per year. Without a personal injury attorney to speak on your behalf, you’ll be lucky to see even a fraction of that number.

Liability is Unclear or Being Disputed

What if the other party says the accident was your fault? What if there were multiple people involved in the accident? Proving that someone else is liable for your injuries isn’t as easy as you might think, and only a lawyer can help you gather the evidence, talk to your eyewitnesses, and build a case.

Plus, a lawyer can ensure that people don’t take advantage of you when you’re hurt or injured. They can gather the evidence, build a case, and prove that you are innocent.

You’re Facing Lost Wages and Financial Strain

At a moment’s notice, your injury could leave you unable to work. A loss of income, when paired with expensive medical bills, can be overwhelming. A lawyer can help you file a claim to ensure you’re receiving compensation for the time you’ve missed at work.

The Clock is Ticking on Your Case

Every state has a statute of limitations on the time you’re allowed to bring a personal injury case. If you wait too long, you might forfeit your chance of getting a damages award. An attorney will make sure your case stays on schedule and that the paperwork gets filled out correctly.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late For an Attorney

Filing a personal injury claim can be a lot of work, especially when you’re also trying to prove fault and fight back against aggressive insurance companies. If you’re unsure whether you can (or cannot) handle all of it yourself, you probably shouldn’t represent yourself in a personal injury claim.

With a lawyer on your side, you can even play the playing field with the insurance company and the negligent party.