Can I Handle a Personal Injury Claim Myself?
Despite having the right to handle your personal injury case, you should realize that these claims are complex, and the insurance company for the at-fault party involved might not be fair. Further, it has been proven that if you hire a personal injury lawyer, you can end up receiving much more in compensation than if you took care of it by yourself. That’s a good reason to call and get help right away.
An Insurance Company Protects its Assets
It is common for the other side to use its own insurance representative or lawyer to try and avoid accepting responsibility for any type of accident. Insurance companies have a vested interest in making money, not paying it out.
A team of investigators will also be working for the insurance company to find information to use against you to lower the settlement. Perhaps they will claim that you are partly at fault for the accident, or that the injuries you suffered aren’t as serious as you claim. The accusation may be difficult to respond to if you are dealing with them on your own.
The Offer Is Probably Much Lower Than You Need
Insurance companies are notorious for offering a lowball settlement and then leaving you with a mountain of medical bills and other expenses. By taking on the insurance company alone, they will likely try to get you to settle for much less than you deserve.
Conversely, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. Furthermore, they can gather evidence and talk to witnesses who can testify to what actually happened. It is much easier to get the compensation you deserve if you have an experienced lawyer handling your case.
Identifying the Evidence to Prove Your Case
The other party needs to be found liable for the accident in order for your case to succeed. You may find this difficult if you don’t understand the legal process. Personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable in finding and gathering evidence that proves an opponent’s negligence. Besides helping you file the paperwork as soon as possible, they can also help you meet deadlines.
There Is a Lot of Paperwork
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years. It’s easy to make a mistake when filing the paperwork if you’re unfamiliar with the process. A police report and an insurance claim form will need to be filled out if you’ve been in a car accident. If your case is supported by medical records and bills, you may also need to obtain a lot of other documents.
A personal injury lawsuit can be extremely time-consuming and complicated. The compensation you deserve could be lost if you do not have a lawyer to handle your case and protect your rights. The best chance of winning your case requires the services of a personal injury lawyer. Getting started on an injury claim is as easy as making a phone call.
San Ramon Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a San Ramon personal injury attorney. Over the years, the accident attorneys at AutoAccident.com have successfully handled many cases and may be able to help you too. Contact us at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for our free and friendly advice. We offer a free consultation, either in person or virtually, to go over your case and let you know what your options are to recover the compensation you deserve. You can also reach us online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Claim Accident Services from Pixabay
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