How Do You Know When To Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
About 63 million people in the United States were injured and sought medical treatment in 2022, according to the National Safety Council. That’s roughly 20% of the nation’s population. An injury can disrupt your life in countless ways. You may no longer be able to play with your kids, go to work, move around the house on your own, or simply enjoy the lifestyle that you’ve been accustomed to. This may sound frustrating, but you cannot change what has happened. What you can do is seek the compensation to which you may be entitled to make your life a little easier.
If you feel lost and uncertain about how to get on the road to recovery, you might need help from an attorney. “But when is the right time to contact one?” you might be wondering. Since many law firms, including The Handley Law Center, offer free initial consultations, there is basically nothing stopping you from speaking with an attorney now. If you react out today, our personal injury attorneys can provide you with the guidance you need during this time of uncertainty.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
You may have been told numerous times that a personal injury attorney is worth hiring, but something inside may be asking, “Do I really need one?” While the decision to hire or not to hire an attorney is yours to make and you have no obligation to seek legal counsel, there are certain situations where it could be beneficial to contact a law firm.
1. You Don't Understand Your Options
Many injured victims initially believe they can handle their claims independently. However, as they begin to work on their legal matters, it becomes evident that the legal system is more complex than they thought. Insurance companies, liability issues, and legal jargon create a daunting environment, making the injured victim feel overwhelmed. At this point, reaching out to a personal injury attorney can provide clarity and direction.
2. Your Injuries Are Serious or Catastrophic
Injuries can vary in severity, but when they fall into the category of serious or catastrophic, the need for legal representation becomes even more pronounced. Severe injuries often lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and radical lifestyle changes.
Common serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and others. Each of these injuries not only impacts the victim but also creates a ripple effect on their families and loved ones. The emotional, physical, and financial burdens can be too much to handle, making it imperative to seek help from a law firm.
3. You Have Suffered Loss of Income
When an injury occurs, the repercussions often extend beyond physical pain. One of the possible impacts is the loss of income due to the inability to work. Whether you're self-employed or a wage earner, missing work can add immense stress to both your personal and financial circumstances.
In cases of temporary disability, many individuals expect to return to their jobs after recovery. However, some injuries may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, necessitating a complete career change or retraining. This transition can be both emotionally taxing and financially draining. With an attorney, you can grasp the full extent of your loss and ensure that this loss is adequately accounted for in your claim for compensation.
4. You Aren't Sure Who Is Responsible
In some cases, determining liability for an accident may be straightforward—such as when a driver runs a red light and collides with your vehicle. However, many situations involve multiple parties or unclear circumstances, which can complicate the process and leave you facing numerous uncertainties.
When liability is unclear or contested, you could benefit from contacting a personal injury attorney who possesses the resources to conduct thorough investigations and gather evidence to establish the other party’s fault.
5. You Are Blamed for the Accident (Partly or Entirely)
The aftermath of an accident is often rife with blame. While the injured party—like yourself—believes they were wronged, other parties may insist that you share some, or all, of the responsibility. This situation can complicate the pursuit of compensation, as states such as Oklahoma adhere to a "comparative negligence" standard pursuant to 23 OK Stat § 13, meaning that your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. Your attorney won’t let the other party blame you for something you weren’t responsible for. This, in return, can result in higher compensation for you.
6. You Don't Know the Value of Your Claim and How to Calculate It
Many people may begin to wonder, "What’s my claim worth?" when they finally come to terms with the fact that they’ve been injured. Accurately valuing a personal injury claim requires a deep understanding of various factors, including your medical expenses, lost wages, the future impact on your life, and many more.
Many injured victims initially think the value of their claim is simply the amount of their medical bills. However, that’s not that simple. For instance, if you've suffered a long-term injury, your future medical costs could far exceed your current expenses. Similarly, you need to understand how your injury impacts your earning capacity to know what your claim is really worth. That’s not to mention a plethora of other damages, including pain and suffering.
If you don’t have a legal background, you may not be able to calculate the full costs of your damages. An attorney who has handled hundreds of cases like yours is more likely to determine a fair amount so that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
7. Dealing with the Insurance Company Gets Complicated
After an accident, you may find yourself in contact with an insurance adjuster. And while these people often seem friendly and helpful, they are not on your side. Here’s the thing: insurance companies are profit-driven businesses and every adjuster’s primary goal is to minimize their company’s liability. What it means is that adjusters are constantly looking for ways to get any statements or information that could undermine your claim. Doesn’t sound that much of fun, does it?
With an attorney handling all communication with the insurer on your behalf, you can be certain that the adjuster won’t take advantage of your vulnerability after the accident and your lack of legal knowledge to deny coverage or minimize how much your claim is worth. The role of your personal injury lawyer is to handle the legal aspects of your case with professionalism and skill while you can focus on healing and returning to your normal life.
Things to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
Okay, so let’s imagine you finally decide to contact a personal injury law firm. Now what? How do you start a conversation? How do you avoid the awkward silence? And, above all, how do you make the most out of your initial consultation (which is usually free)? Obviously, you can expect the attorney to do most of the talking, so how well the conversation goes depends on what questions you ask. Here are some of the questions to help you smooth out the process:
Have you handled cases like mine before?
What is your assessment of my case?
How long do you estimate it will take to settle my claim?
Who will work on my case: you or someone else from your team?
Do you think my case could go to trial? If it does, what will be your strategy to win?
Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
Who is responsible for case-related costs if my claim isn’t successful?
What will be my role in the process if I hire your law firm?
The attorney’s responses to these (and other questions) can help you decide whether or not you want to work with that personal injury law firm.
Ready to Discuss Your Case? Call Now
If you’re already thinking of contacting a personal injury law firm, it’s probably because you realize that you need one. There is no benefit to waiting. The sooner you get started on your case, the sooner you step on the road to recovery. If you were injured in an accident, we—here at The Handley Law Center—can help you understand your rights and options.
We'll assess your situation, identify potential causes of action, and advise you on the best course of action. If you don’t make this call now, you could regret not doing it weeks or months later. Contact our office and schedule your free initial consultation.