One of the truths universally acknowledged is this: accidents happen and they are out of your hands. That doesn’t mean, however, that you just need to let it go, especially if you sustained injuries all because of an individual, company, or organization’s negligence and irresponsibility.
In such cases, you should look into hiring a personal injury lawyer to explore your rights and your legal options.
Why should you hire a personal injury lawyer?
Sometimes, personal injuries are undervalued by the entities that caused the accident and their insurance companies. As a result, you might not get fair compensation. Worst of all, you might even get nothing at all.
By working with a personal injury lawyer, you increase your chances of getting a better and bigger payout.
When to hire a personal injury lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t always needed if you find yourself with a work-related injury or illness. If it’s a minor situation or your compensation claim was perfectly handled, there is absolutely no reason to hire one.
That said, it’s easy for something to go awry. Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you find yourself in the following situations:
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You were involved in a serious accident;
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The effects of your illness or injury are long-term or permanent;
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The bills for your medical treatment are staggering;
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You were unfairly compensated by the insurance company;
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There are multiple parties involved in your accident; and/or
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The insurance company completely refuses to pay.
In such cases, it’s in your best interest to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
When shouldn’t you hire a personal injury lawyer?
As mentioned earlier, not every accident resulting from somebody else’s negligence warrants a personal injury case. You should refrain from hiring a personal injury lawyer if the following scenarios apply to you:
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If the accident is entirely your fault;
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If you didn’t sustain any resulting injuries from the accident; and/or
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If the injury you got from the accident is only minor.
For the last instance, minor injuries can be settled by insurance companies. The situation changes, however, if you were unfairly compensated. If this happens, go ahead and get in touch with a personal injury lawyer.
How to find a good personal injury lawyer
In order to find a good personal injury lawyer who can handle your case well and get you the best settlement possible, do the following:
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Determine your legal needs
Personal injury lawyers can help you in a variety of issues but they have different specializations and areas of expertise. One may be more adept negotiating with insurance companies, while another one is more inclined to assess the true worth of your disability. Before you start contacting potential lawyers and referrals, make a list of your legal needs.
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Ask for referrals
People are more inclined to recommend professionals if they are extremely good at what they do, which is why you should trust word-of-mouth referrals.
Ask your friends, family members, or colleagues who were once in your position and get the names of their lawyers. If you are unable to get referrals, you can start your search online by typing “personal injury lawyers near me/in [your city] California.”
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Interview several lawyers
Don’t hire the first California personal injury lawyer you meet. Interview several and ask them about their legal credentials and experience in the field. At best, narrow down your choices to at least three personal injury lawyers. Jot down notes and, later, compare to identify the best one suited to your legal needs.
Ask if they’ve had any cases in the past that are similar to yours and what their respective outcomes were. Don’t forget to ask about their fee schedules as well and if they will be personally working with you on your case.
When looking at their work experience, always remember that no two personal injury cases are alike. With that in mind, don’t be discouraged if a personal injury lawyer has lost a couple of cases or so. If the wins outweigh and outnumber the losses, you still may be in good hands.
You deserve to be fairly compensated for your negligence-related injuries. If you need a federal antitrust laws expert in California, don’t hesitate to get the help you need.