Dealing with a personal injury claim is tough. Going it on your own is though, as well. However, not every personal injury claim requires an attorney. It depends on many factors including the size of the case, the type of case and complexity.
Do you only need to hire an attorney when your case involves big money or can you hire an attorney for a smaller case?
We have asked attorney, Alaina Sullivan, about what you should do. Here is what she had to say:
Small Claims, Low Money
Most attorneys take personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning that they will be paid a portion of the total settlement awarded. Therefore, the fee is “contingent” upon the amount of money received in the settlement.
It is for this reason that many personal injury attorneys will not even look twice at a case that does not involve much money. If the payout is small but they still see merit in your case or simply want to help you, the attorney may take on your case on a flat fee basis or retainer basis.
It is at this point that you need to weigh the costs with the benefits of representation. You will be paying a fairly large (enough) amount of money in legal fees, and this will come out of the portion of the “award” you get through court.
You could get the compensation award going it alone, but if it is worth it to you to have the assistance more than getting the entire award without the assistance.
Comfort Level
It ultimately depends on your comfort level. If you feel completely comfortable with negotiating with insurance claims adjusters and standing your ground when it comes to making your demand for damages, then you could easily do this without the assistance of an attorney.
If, however, the thought of arguing your case gives you anxiety, it may be worth the investment to hire counsel.
Your Time and Energy
Car accidents are complicated, and if you are facing personal injuries and emotional stress because of these injuries, it may be quite helpful to have someone take the extra burden off of you.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be a lot, and on top of medical appointments from medical injuries and all of the other steps required in settling a claim, you could simply not have the time nor the energy to do it all.
Yes, it is a financial investment, and it could take some of the money from the award you would have otherwise received. However, you may not even be able to get to that end reward if you are trying to balance it all and go it all alone. An attorney has the staff and the capabilities to assist you and make the process easier and less stressful, and that is often well worth the money.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been in a car accident, it is always recommended you first contact an attorney to discuss your case. He or she will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company.
To receive the compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
