Injured and Not Sure if You Need a Personal Injury Attorney? Some Things to Consider
For people who have been injured in an accident, it isn’t always clear whether or not they need a lawyer. Injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, and it can be difficult to know the extent of your losses looking forward. That said, it is often in your best interest to at least talk to a personal injury attorney to discuss whether you might have a claim and to understand your options. Whether you have been injured in a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or some other type of accident, there are some important factors you should consider before moving on.
Your Accident is the Result of Negligence
While some accidents are simply unavoidable or unforeseeable, many accidents are caused by someone’s negligence. For example, the other driver was texting while driving, which led to your car accident. Or, the store manager neglected to warn people that the floor was wet and slippery. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, that party can be held responsible for your injuries and other losses.
That said, negligence can sometimes be difficult to identify and even harder to prove. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be able to identify whether your accident was caused by negligence and will know what evidence you need to prove it.
Your Injuries Are Lingering or Getting Worse
It’s not uncommon for people to experience seemingly mild injuries following an accident and expect them to go away on their own. However, lingering injuries or worsening symptoms could indicate that you have suffered an injury more serious than you thought. If you haven’t already seen your doctor, you should schedule a thorough medical examination as soon as possible. Once you have received your diagnosis, you should then consider talking with an experienced personal injury attorney about whether you should pursue a claim for compensation.
You Have to Miss Work
Most people who have been injured in a car accident worry first about their medical bills. If their medical expenses are covered by health insurance, they then assume that they have nothing to worry about. As the missed days and lost wages accumulate, the economic impact can be significant. Whether you have to miss work for medical appointments or are unable to work due to your injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your lost income. A personal injury attorney can discuss with you what your claim may be worth.
You Are in Considerable Pain
Your health insurance won’t cover any pain and suffering you experience. And while pain and suffering come with sustaining an injury, you are entitled to be made whole under the law. This means that you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. If your pain makes it difficult to sleep, concentrate, or simply live your life, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
You Have Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
The medical expenses for even a minor injury can be exorbitant if you don’t have health insurance. If you do have health insurance, you may be required to pay a large deductible and copays in order to get the treatment you need. You can recover any out-of-pocket medical expenses you have incurred as a result of your accident and a personal injury attorney can help.
The Insurance Company is Pressuring You to Settle
In many cases, the insurance company will offer you quick payment in order to settle your claim. They do this in order to minimize the amount that they will have to pay in damages. The problem is that these offers are often unfair and, once accepted, you cannot pursue additional compensation. If your injuries are worse than originally thought or require additional treatment, you won’t have any recourse. The best thing to do before accepting any offer from an insurance company is to speak with a personal injury attorney. They can evaluate the offer and explain your options.
You’re Overwhelmed
One of the most common reasons that people seek out the help of a personal injury attorney is that they are simply overwhelmed. They are trying to recover from their injuries, deal with insurance companies, and are worried about how they’re going to pay their bills.
A personal injury attorney can do much more than file a lawsuit. They can help you with every aspect of your claim, from filing the paperwork with the insurance company to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Personal Injury Attorney Thomas E. Pyles Today
Personal injury attorney Thomas E. Pyles has over 30 years of experience in helping people put their lives back together after an accident. If you don’t know where to turn, reach out to us – we can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Contact us today at 301-705-5006.