Do I Need A Lawyer For My Personal Injury Case?

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If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s neglect, you may wonder whether you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case for you. Although minor injuries might not demand this sort of legal help, more serious injuries or claims where disputes arise likely will. We’ll tackle some of the most common questions injury victims in Texas have about hiring legal representation in the aftermath of an injury-inducing incident.

As helpful and information as we at Dreyer & Mazaheri, PLLC in San Antonio, TX, hope this article will be for you, don’t mistake it for legal advice. And remember, it doesn’t replace tailored advice and guidance from a personal injury claim attorney who can review your individual case.

Can I Handle A Minor Injury Claim On My Own?

Legally, there is nothing preventing you from handling your claim on your own. Is it the wisest thing to move in this direction? Absolutely not. Similar to how you’d never perform surgery on yourself, it’s advisable not to perform “legal” surgery on yourself, either.

It’s reasonable to attempt to settle your claim on your own under very specific circumstances. For example, if your injuries aren’t severe, say you only experienced a car accident at a low speed and liability is abundantly clear, this is one thing. But we say this even with a sense of hesitancy. Why? Because even seemingly minor injuries can quickly become rather complicated and involved. Add an insurance company that isn’t operating in good faith 100% of the time, and things can get even more frustrating and difficult to manage on your own. Working with a personal injury attorney in Texas off the bat essentially eliminates this risk entirely.

What Are The Benefits Of Legal Representation? 

There are several key benefits to hiring an attorney over and above what we’ve already alluded to. For starters, you’re far more likely to get an accurate valuation of your claim than you otherwise would. An attorney will assess your case with economic and non-economic damages in mind. Should they be beyond their limit at any point, they’ll likely have a network of specialists they can consult for guidance and help.

An experienced lawyer will carry out a detailed, independent review of your case, gathering key evidence like statements from witnesses, official accident reports, and insights from relevant experts. They’ll do this and file your claim within the statute of limitations, ensuring you don’t forgo your right to exercise recourse simply for missing this deadline.

Perhaps most importantly, an attorney will know the ins and outs of the local legal system. Combine this with negotiation skills they’ve likely acquired and harnessed over the years, and the insurance company you’re up against won’t stand a chance.

How Do Lawyers Help With Medical Documentation? 

Medical documentation is the backbone of your claim. On your own, you’re likely prone to omit key aspects of this. An attorney won’t. They’ll gather all of your documents, diagnostic tests, treatment notes, and more to later present them in the most effective way. They can even consult with medical experts to fill in any gaps in anticipation of challenges the insurance may try to hurl your way.

How Do Attorneys Negotiate With Insurers? 

Insurance companies and their adjusters want one thing, and one thing alone: to pay out as little as possible. Attorneys know how to push back against this nonsense with solid legal arguments. They’ll draw on precedent and whatever statutes are relevant to your case to overwhelmingly justify your demand for compensation. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for insurance companies to buckle and come to a fair agreement simply by virtue of an experienced attorney making it clear that they’re ready to litigate.

What If I Can’t Afford A Lawyer? 

Lawyers are undoubtedly expensive. But a great thing about personal injury is how it’s structured. The majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any legal fees unless your case results in a successful settlement or verdict. Most firms also offer free consultations, too. So you can put worries of costs to rest. Even if you win, you’ll likely be awarded or settle for far more, even after attorney’s fees are deducted, than you would have otherwise.

How Do I Know If My Case Needs A Lawyer? 

Consider hiring a lawyer if:

• You’ve suffered a serious injury, long-term disability, or emotional trauma
• Liability is contested
• The insurance company denied your claim
• Multiple parties are involved
• You’re unsure what your claim is worth

Not every case necessarily needs a lawyer at the helm, but there’s a good chance you’ll benefit by having one. If you find yourself Googling personal injury lawyer near me and are unsure of what to do, email or call Dreyer & Mazaheri, PLLC at Phone: (210) 239-9420 today.