Do I have to have legal representation?
Although insurance companies advertise themselves as protection against exorbitant medical bills, in actuality they are for-profit companies and strive to compensate you as little as possible. If you have suffered an injury, especially one with high medical costs, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical treatment, it is in your best interest to retain a personal injury attorney. One way that insurance companies are able to under-compensate their clients is that they have the resources for expert legal teams who work to find holes in your case. In addition, the parties at fault are often loath to take responsibility, as it could incur higher insurance fees or legal action against them.
If you file a claim without an attorney, you may not know what you are legally entitled to, or worse, you may accidentally say something that the insurance company could use against you. For example, many people offer apologies merely for being involved in an accident, even if it is not their fault. An apology, however, can be taken by a court as an admission of responsibility, and you could no longer be considered a victim. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the paperwork, notify you of your rights, investigate your case, and defend your rights to compensation.
One common reason that people do not hire a personal injury attorney is the claim that they cost too much. Often, however, personal injury lawyers do not charge for their services unless you win your case. This is called a "contingency fee." Although your damages will be less because of legal fees, they will likely still be substantially more than if you had tried to win a case without representation.
When choosing an attorney, it is important to find someone with whom you are comfortable and whom you trust. Ask potential lawyers about their previous cases, areas of specialization, contingency fees, distinctions and awards, and continuing legal education.
Related Topics:
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
near you.