Why You Shouldn’t Handle a Personal Injury Case Without a Lawyer

When someone is hurt due to the carelessness of another, a personal injury lawsuit is brought. These cases can involve various legal elements, including causation, fault, and damages. In many cases, these claims are settled out of court. To ensure you receive the money you deserve, you should work with an experienced lawyer.

They Have More Experience

Attempting to handle your personal injury case without an attorney is a mistake. You may unintentionally say something to the police or insurance company that will harm your case. An experienced Rockville MD personal injury lawyer will help you avoid these pitfalls to get your deserved compensation. A lawyer also knows how to spot evidence that supports your claim. They can question witnesses, obtain and review accident reports, and identify all individuals and entities whose wrongful actions caused your injuries. If they cannot settle with the insurance provider, they may also bring a lawsuit on your behalf. This process can take time as well. Legal procedures, court availability, and the complexity of determining liability and gathering evidence may lengthen the timeline. This is why hiring a lawyer as soon as possible is critical.

They Have More Resources

While most personal injury cases are resolved outside of court through settlements, many still reach the trial stage. Trial lawyers are familiar with the intricacies of this process and how insurance companies try to reduce payouts so they can negotiate effectively on your behalf. Insurance companies know the injury lawyers in their area who go to court and those who don’t, and they use that information when evaluating their risk. If you hire a lawyer who settles every case, the insurance company may assume you’re willing to accept less than your case is worth. A reputable injury lawyer can help you level the playing field with your insurance provider by paying for case-related expenses like lost wages, medical bills, and other accident-related costs. Whether or not you receive the maximum amount for your claim depends entirely on this.

They Have More Knowledge

There are situations when handling a personal injury case without an attorney might be possible. For instance, hiring an attorney may not be worth hiring if no one was hurt and only property damage occurred. However, an attorney can help if significant injuries and damages affect the client long-term. An attorney could evaluate the case and determine who might be responsible, especially if multiple parties were involved in the accident. They also know how to deal with insurance companies so that they do not take advantage of the client. They can even assist with mediation and trial preparation if necessary. Having this knowledge can mean the difference between winning and losing.

They Have Better Communication Skills

Many people who suffer injuries due to the negligence of others have a hard time believing they may be entitled to compensation. They also worry that talking to a lawyer will complicate the case or cost them more money. In some limited instances, it may be possible to negotiate a fair settlement without an attorney. However, you should know that insurance companies have professional teams trained to downplay your losses. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you assemble a strong claim that will pay for all your reasonable medical expenses, missed income, and other losses.  They will also ensure you are not accepting responsibility for the accident. They can credibly threaten to take the case to trial if necessary.

They Have More Access to Information

Typically, an accident victim only has three years from when they learned of the injury (or should have known about it) to file a lawsuit. That is called the statute of limitations. During this period, collecting as much evidence as possible is important. This can include capturing photographic evidence of the accident and the injuries. Many people now carry cell phones with cameras, which is one way to gather this evidence. Be wary of attorneys who won’t let you see the case file. This is a red flag because it can indicate that they are hiding something. Moreover, this can also suggest that they are trying to take shortcuts to settle the case. These types of tactics usually fail to end well for the client.