If you get hurt as a result of another person’s negligent actions, you’ll want to file a personal injury claim. However, if you’re wondering when you should contact a personal injury lawyer, it will depend on the unique factors of your situation.
Generally speaking, if you only have a few cuts or bruises, you may be able to navigate the claims on your own. When your injuries and financial losses are severe, you should not try to handle your claim without legal representation.
The majority of accident victims are not familiar with the claims process. This is where a legal professional handling personal injury claims can benefit you. Insurance companies often find ways to lower their payout, especially when an injury victim is representing themselves. An attorney can protect your legal rights and ensure no one takes advantage of you.
The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer after your injuries, the easier it will be to focus on healing. In the following circumstances, you should always have a personal injury attorney like Larry Pitt, a Philadelphia injury attorney advocating for your best interests.
When You Have to Speak with Insurance Companies
In the days that follow your injury, you will need to start making your personal injury claim. The insurance company will likely contact you to discuss your accident and injuries. In Florida motor vehicle accidents, you must go through your insurance provider first, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
You’ll need to report the accident to your insurer as well, whether or not you intend to file a claim. If you exceed your coverage and have injuries caused by someone else’s careless driving, you can make a claim with their insurer. This opens the door for them to try their tactics, making it seem as though they care about how you are doing.
You may think nothing of it, but this part of your claim is one of the best times to get legal representation. Insurance adjusters have tactics that they use to shift the blame for the accident to you or minimize your injuries. They will then offer a low settlement that doesn’t sufficiently cover the value of your losses. Before you do anything, let a personal injury lawyer speak to the insurance company on your behalf. They can check the settlement offer to make sure it is fair and if not, negotiate for something more reasonable.
When Your Injuries Were Caused by Defective Products or Medical Malpractice
Some car accident victims can make their personal injury claim on their own, particularly if their injuries and damages are minor. However, it’s a very different legal landscape with defective products and medical malpractice. Medical centers and product manufacturers will always have a team of litigators ready to pounce. You should have proper representation as well.
You do not want to have your credibility called into question or fall into an endless loop of delays on your claim. An attorney on your side means you’ve got someone who won’t let these entities walk all over you or prevent you from getting the money you deserve for your injuries.
When You Need Help with Evidence
Some victims are so seriously injured that they must be immediately transported to the hospital. In a situation like this, it would be impossible for you to take photos, talk to witnesses, and gather other helpful evidence to support your injury claim.
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able to make the call. They can begin investigating what happened and start getting the evidence needed to show your claim is valid.
When You Suffer Permanent Disabilities
If you have suffered injuries that will last a lifetime, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Your injuries may impact your ability to support your family and enjoy your life. They will likely require ongoing future medical treatments, and only a personal injury attorney can help calculate a fair amount for your compensation that will protect you from going into debt.
When You Need to Meet the Statute of Limitations
While there are many scenarios where you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately, you do not want to run out of time to file a lawsuit for any of them. You can file a lawsuit, but you will only have two years from the date of injury.
Rest assured, with legal representation, you will not miss this crucial deadline for filing for your pursuit for compensation.