Personal Injury Claim
If you are not looking forward to hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your claim after a serious accident, you might be happy to know that you do not always need one. If you have been in a mild to a moderate accident that did not result in serious injuries or damages, you may be able to handle the claim on your own, which can end up saving you a lot of money.
How to Represent Yourself in Pursuit of a Claim
If you are going to pursue a claim, you should take action as soon as possible so you do not exceed the statute of limitations. Plus, the sooner you file the better you will able to report exactly what happened in the accident, and the course of treatment you sought and/or will pursue.
Keep all documents you receive from doctors and the insurance company. You will need them in case someone loses something that is important to demonstrate your need for compensation.
How Much You Will Receive in a Claim Settlement
No one ever knows how much he or she will receive from an accident claim. The insurance company determines the amount of compensation, and they base it on several factors. Factors include the type of accident, type of injuries sustained, and your total medical costs.
Many people believe they will receive more money if they use a lawyer. This is not always the case, especially when your injuries and damages are not of high value. This is because of the costs of court or attorney fees that you may have to pay once the case is settled, which may be around 40%; therefore, if your damages are worth $3,000, it may not be worth the time or expense of hiring an attorney.
On the other hand, in cases involving a catastrophic injury that was caused by negligence, an attorney is helpful because it may cost you a small fortune to treat and recover from your injuries. If you do not have an attorney, you may receive much less than what it will cost to properly treat and recover from your injuries.
When You Shouldn’t Handle Your Own Case
If the treatment you received for your injuries was over $10,000, it’s probably best that you have a lawyer handle your case. It is imperative that you have all of the information you need, and present it in a clear way so the insurance company understands your need for compensation. With just one slip, the case could end up as a loss.
The costs of your medical treatment go hand-in-hand with the severity of your injuries. If injuries were severe, you need to explain them in-depth and present evidence of them, as well as the treatment and recovery that went along with it. You can show this through medical records and bills.
If there is any chance the insurance company or court could judge against you, using a lawyer is the wiser choice. If you lose the case, you will not receive payment for your injuries, which can put you in a financial debacle and possibly lead to further complications. A lawyer will collect the information necessary to prove cause beyond a reasonable doubt to ensure a fair judgment.
If your claim cannot be settled out of court, it is best to hire a lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Myers knows court rules and is able to deliver your case in a clear way that demonstrates your need for and right to compensation.
Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. Call 954-522-5800 today for a free consultation.
