When you consider using legal services, most often the first reaction is avoidance. Some lawyers have tarnished the reputation of all lawyers, good or bad.
What all lawyers do have in common is that their services can be expensive. There are certain situations, however, where you would be much better off using an attorney than to go without. It will be the right lawyer that will put you out of such a difficult situation.
This is true if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Luckily, most personal injury lawyers don’t ask for payment upfront.
If you are wondering whether you should get some legal advice from a personal injury lawyer, here are some instances where this action would be vital:
1. You Have suffered Serious, Potentially Permanent Injuries
A serious injury can permanently change your life. You may no longer be able to maintain gainful employment, and you may require regular treatment or long-term care that you cannot afford.
Unfortunately, accidental injuries, even serious ones, are treated without compassion by insurance companies. Insurers benefit from paying out as little as possible, and they are not inclined to show compassion at the risk of profit.
So, if your injury is serious, you need legal advice. A qualified attorney can help you determine whether or not you are entitled to appropriate compensation.
2. Liability Is In Question
When it isn’t clear who is at fault for your injury, it is vital that you promptly seek the advice of a qualified attorney.
Waiting too long puts distance between the time of the injury and the foundation of your case. Time lost is evidence lost, and that could mean compensation lost, or worse yet, a lawsuit against you!
Once you find the right attorney, they can collect evidence to support your claim and to determine the liability of those responsible for your injuries.
This will protect you and make a stronger case for fair compensation.
3. Your Claim Has Been Rejected By The Insurer
Insurance companies are notorious for underpaying, or outright rejecting, claims for various reasons.
Nonetheless, if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to fair compensation.
A qualified attorney knows not only the personal injury laws in your state, but also how to negotiate with insurance companies so that you can get the compensation you are entitled to by law.
If you have already made your claim it is not too late to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.
You need not wait until you’ve been offered a settlement that doesn’t match the severity of your injury, or until your claim has been rejected outright.
You have the right to legal counsel the moment you are injured, and that right doesn’t get waived the second you file your claim.
You may seek legal advice whenever you are ready, but remember, sooner is always better, as many pitfalls and setbacks can be avoided by seeking advice as soon as possible.
4. You Aren’t Being Properly Compensated For Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you’re going to find it difficult to meet your financial and family obligations without compensation for lost wages.
Oftentimes insurance companies “overlook” wage compensation, but doing so is not legal. You are entitled to wage compensation from those who are responsible for your injury, and their insurance company is required to pay it.
If you aren’t being compensated for lost wages, you definitely need to seek legal advice.
This is especially true if you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident. How will you continue to make your wages as a rideshare driver if your car is totalled?
Seeking legal advice as soon as you are reasonably able is a far better course of action than waiting until you are already finding life a struggle.
Finding a qualified attorney early allows them to advocate for you so that you don’t find yourself in a financial bind.
You don’t have to wait to seek legal advice. Rather, the sooner the better.
5. You Have Mounting Debt Resulting From Your Injury
If your injury requires medical treatment, therapy, travel expenses, or any other added expense that is directly related to your injury, you should seek legal advice right away.
Expenses directly related to your injury should be paid by the liable party, and if they aren’t paying, then you aren’t being treated fairly.
Don’t wait until you’ve depleted your savings or maxed out your credit cards.
Seek legal advice from a qualified attorney so that you can get the compensation you need to pay for your expenses and preserve your credit.
Conclusion
Seeking legal advice for a personal injury may seem unnecessary if the matter appears cut-and-dry, but don’t be fooled.
If you don’t have legal representation on board from the beginning, you will have a harder time getting the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies profit, not by paying out fair and compassionate settlements, but by receiving premiums from those who never need to fall back on them.
They know how to minimize payouts, and they are happy to undercut anyone who will let them get away with it.
So if you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence, seek legal advice sooner rather than later, but even later is better than never.