Some people who have been injured in an accident and haven’t been involved in a personal injury claim process before may not understand the importance of having an experienced attorney on their side, whether due to stigma or fear of more expenses. It’s important to understand that your attorney won’t be paid a dime unless you are fully compensated for all of your injuries and losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Here are some common questions about the personal injury claim process with an attorney versus negotiating alone:
– Will the insurance company work with me if I handle the case myself? – While this is an option, it’s important to remember that the insurer’s goal is to pay out as little as possible for your claim and hopefully convince you to take the first settlement-offer, which is highly unlikely to be a fair amount for your compensation. Your claim could even be denied if the insurer finds a sufficient reason. Frankly, the insurer will take advantage of you in any way possible if you don’t have a dedicated attorney to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that a fair and full settlement can be reached. – My accident was only a “minor-impact” accident, should I still consult with an attorney? – Absolutely. The extents of personal injury and property damage in accidents can vary greatly, even in those which involved only minor impact. Some accidents involve thousands of dollars’ worth of vehicular damage but no personal injuries, while others involve small amounts of vehicular damage and serious personal injuries. You should still consult an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you can be fully compensated for the damages. – What are the risks of negotiating alone? – The reason the insurer’s first settlement-offer is dangerous is because it is unlikely to fully compensate you for all losses and expenses and does not take future risks into account. What if your injury causes more severe symptoms later on? What if your medical expenses increase in the future or you miss more work than expected? Once a settlement-offer is accepted, the case is closed and you can never earn additional compensation for the same accident. You need an experienced attorney on your side who will ensure that your settlement takes into account all these factors and provides for all your injuries, losses, and medical expenses both present and future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.