How Do I Know If I Qualify For A Personal Injury Settlement?

When a person is injured in an accident often their first question is do I need a lawyer or can I handle this myself?

Some people just do not want to have to engage with a lawyer unless they absolutely have to. Understandably, a lot of people see it as a question of why should I engage an attorney to handle my case when I can settle it myself and not have to lose any money from the settlement.

There are a few reasons why after an accident the insurance company of the at fault driver (if fault has been determined and accepted) will often call to try to convince the person to accept a quick settlement.

First and most importantly they want to settle the case before the person has an opportunity to consult with an attorney.

The insurance company is well aware that once an injured person has engaged an attorney that they are no longer allowed to speak with them and must go through their attorney.  The insurance company knows that the money they will now be forced to pay is triple or more than what they were offering the person to settle originally. Most attorneys take one third of the settlement. This fee is due to the time, effort, energy, skill, and experience that is required to obtain large settlements and verdicts.

Additionally, the personal injury attorney will be experienced in helping reduce medical payment costs and making sure all of your medical bills are paid. It is a very challenging, confusing, and land mine ridden area of the law.

Secondly, insurance companies know that sometimes back/neck/head injuries either do not manifest, or become much worse weeks or months after the accident.

They want to get the lowest settlement amount possible done before the person realizes how injured they actually are.

Don’t accept a quick settlement without consulting with an attorney. Most injury consultations are free and the attorney will usually front all of the costs of the case.