Personal Injury

Don’t think you’ll ever need to hire or speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer? Think again. Recent reports show that personal injuries rank 4th among America’s leading causes of death, after heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19. However, most people who experience an injury due to someone else’s carelessness are unsure if they need to hire a personal injury lawyer. We know that hiring a lawyer can seem scary and expensive. That’s fair. However, it’s no secret that personal injury cases can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you have no prior legal experience. That’s why it’s crucial to find a reputable lawyer who can assist you in navigating the complicated world of personal injury claims.

Personal injury lawyers have a unique set of skills and expertise that can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Follow along as we discuss some important factors to consider when choosing a lawyer, such as their experience, track record, and communication skills. At the end, we’ll teach you how to find a lawyer near you.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Before diving into the ins and outs of hiring personal injury attorneys to handle cases in Richmond, VA, let’s address the main question we get a lot. If you’ve recently been in a car accident or suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may wonder if you need a personal injury lawyer. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but there are some key factors to consider.

First and foremost, if your injury is minor and hasn’t caused any significant financial harm, you may not require the services of a personal injury lawyer. However, it may be time to see legal counsel if your injury:

• Is severe
• Has resulted in significant medical bills or lost wages
• Has long-term effects on your physical or mental health

Another consideration is liability. If the accident or injury was clearly the fault of another party, and they have insurance or assets that could compensate you for your losses, a personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation. On the other hand, if liability is in question or the at-fault party has few resources, pursuing legal action may not be worth the time and expense. Ultimately, the decision to hire a personal injury lawyer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your next steps. It’s usually free (and so is hiring them, but we’ll explain that in just a second).

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

As you search for the best personal injury lawyer near you, it’s essential to understand what these professionals do and the areas of personal injury law they focus on. Personal injury lawyers represent people who have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These harms can range from physical injuries to emotional trauma, and the damage can occur in various settings, such as in a car accident, on the job, or even at a store.

There are several types of personal injury cases that a lawyer might handle. Here are a few examples:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• Defective products

So, what do personal injury lawyers do to help their clients, and what are they licensed to practice law to do? Here are a few key tasks they might undertake:

Research

A personal injury lawyer must investigate the details of a case to determine who was at fault for the injuries suffered by their client. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing police reports, medical records, and other relevant documents.

Filing Claims

Personal injury claims involve complex legal procedures that can be difficult for someone without legal experience to navigate. A good personal injury lawyer will handle all paperwork involved in filing a claim and communicate with insurance companies and medical providers on behalf of their client.

Negotiating Settlements

A personal injury claim can often be resolved through settlement negotiations rather than a trial. Your lawyer will work to ensure that any settlement offer is fair and sufficient to cover your expenses and damages.

Representing Clients in Court

If a personal injury case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court. They will present evidence and argue your case to a judge or jury to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. In summary, a personal injury lawyer advocates for those who have suffered harm through no fault of their own. They handle all aspects of a case, from initial research and filing paperwork to negotiating settlements and representing clients in court. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and receive the compensation you deserve.

What Makes a Good Personal Injury Lawyer

Ready to work with a personal injury lawyer in Richmond, VA? Great! But how do you distinguish between a competent lawyer and an outstanding one? While a license to practice law and experience are both important factors, other qualities can set a good personal injury lawyer apart from the rest.

Expertise and Knowledge

An experienced personal injury lawyer will thoroughly understand the laws and regulations surrounding personal injury cases. They will know how to analyze medical records and other relevant documents, and they will be able to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Communication

It’s important to find a lawyer who communicates well with you. This means that they’re available to answer questions and provide updates throughout the case. Super lawyers should also be able to explain legal jargon in a way you can understand.

Negotiation Skills

In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate a settlement without going to court. A good personal injury lawyer will have strong negotiation skills and be able to advocate on your behalf to get the best settlement possible.

Trial Experience

If negotiations fail, you want a lawyer who is experienced in taking cases to trial. This means they have the expertise to present your case in court and help you win. Ultimately, it’s important to work with a lawyer who has attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, whether in court or their field in general.

Cost of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident and are looking for legal representation, the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer may be a concern for you. However, you should know that most reputable personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t get paid a dime unless you receive a settlement or award, and then they only receive a percentage. In other words, hiring a personal injury lawyer won’t cost you anything upfront. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your lawyer is motivated to win your case.

Another great benefit of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that most offer free consultations. During this meeting, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get an idea of what to expect if you decide to move forward. This allows you to interview potential lawyers and find one you feel comfortable working with without obligation.

In conclusion, don’t let the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer keep you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. With a contingency fee arrangement and free consultations available, the law is on your side.

Where to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

Help is just a few clicks away! The first step is to start your search online. You can use search engines or legal directories to find attorneys who specialize in personal injury law near you. Another way is by talking to people you know who had cases similar to yours or contacting local bar associations for referrals for lawyers currently taking personal injury cases.

Once you have compiled a list of potential lawyers, it’s important to research to find the best fit for your case. Check out their websites and online reviews to learn more about their experience and track record. Don’t forget to also consider their communication style and how comfortable you feel working with them.

At Collier & Collier, we understand how overwhelming the process can be, and that’s why we offer a no-obligation review of your situation to help determine if we can be of assistance. And remember, our consultation is free — so don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer near you in Richmond, VA.

Contact the Law Offices of Collier & Collier, P.C.

Are you looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer in Richmond, VA? At Collier & Collier, P.C., we understand the pain and suffering caused by personal injury, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation possible.

With over 70 years of combined legal experience, our expert team can handle any type of personal injury claim. So whether you have suffered from a car accident, slip and fall, or any other injury, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

There are 62 million injuries and hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year in America.

When you’ve been in a severe accident, your focus should always be on your recovery. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you often have to dedicate time and money to medical care and therapy.

You may have to take time off of work as a result, and we haven’t even mentioned the property damage. The point is, accidents are expensive and you should be compensated for your injury through insurance.

In this post, we’ll show you how to file an insurance claim and explain why you should hire a personal injury attorney to help. Dealing with your insurance company isn’t always straightforward, so keep reading and we’ll give you an in-depth look at this overwhelming but necessary process.

What Are the Basic Steps to Filing an Insurance Claim?

There are various types of insurance, each one with a slightly different filing process. Whether you’re going through your homeowner’s insurance or car insurance to file a claim, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what you need to do.

The first step is to notify your insurance company. They’ll tell you what paperwork you need to provide, but most companies now have apps that allow you to report your claim, upload supplementary documentation, and check on its status. Supplementary documentation may include a police report and a “proof of claim” form.

Once you’ve submitted all of the above, an adjuster will assess your claim and offer you a settlement. You can either choose to accept the settlement or, if you’re unhappy, fight it to receive a larger amount.

What Information Is Needed at the Time of Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

What information you need depends on the nature of your injuries and the type of insurance you’re using. If it’s a car accident, you’ll need to describe where, how, and when the accident happened. You’ll also need to give contact info for those involved and an estimate for the damages.

For a homeowners insurance claim, you’ll need to fill out a proof of loss statement. You may have to list any items that were damaged or stolen and how much it will cost to replace them.

Having as much medical information as possible is important, too. They’ll need to know the nature of your injuries, as well as the outlook when it comes to treatment and whether you’ll be able to work.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Filing Their Own Insurance Claim Instead of Going Through a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you try to go it alone with the other party’s insurance company, you may end up settling for far less than you should. One of the first calls you should make is to an experienced personal injury attorney, who can help walk you through each step of the process, avoiding common pitfalls.

One of the costliest mistakes people tend to make is not seeing a doctor right away. You’ll need proof that you’ve been injured and if you wait too long to seek treatment, it’ll be harder to prove your injuries are the result of the accident, which hurts your claim.

Talking to the insurance company without a lawyer is another big mistake. It may feel harmless, but you have to remember that the insurance company is looking after its bottom line more than your best interest. Making any statements on the record may put an end to any hope of a larger settlement.

Posting on social media can be a big problem as well. Anything you say online while your claim is being reviewed can come back to haunt you. A lawyer can help you understand the way your actions affect your case’s outcome.

How Do I Know If I Need to File an Insurance Claim and What Common Situations Call for a Personal Injury Insurance Claim?

If you’re new to this, you may not know exactly when insurance should come into play. It’s actually pretty simple – if damaged property or injuries are involved, you should file an insurance claim.

There are some instances when it might not be necessary to do so. If the claim is less than your deductible, it probably means the property damage isn’t significant enough to warrant an insurance claim.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Why People Have a Personal Injury Attorney File Their Insurance Claim?

There are countless reasons why it’s better to have your personal injury attorney file your insurance claim. Probably the most obvious is that they know what they’re doing. If you’ve never had to deal with something like this before, it can all feel very overwhelming and daunting.

Something as simple as filling out the paperwork can seem difficult without a lawyer. Because they’re experienced and knowledgeable of the minutiae of personal injury claims, they can help you fill out the paperwork and tell you what supporting documentation to provide.

Having your lawyer around prevents any intimidation tactics on the part of the insurance company. This is especially important when you’re dealing with commercial accidents.

If you’re in an accident with a commercial vehicle or injured at a business, contending with corporate insurers and legal teams can be intimidating. With a lawyer by your side, you won’t fall victim to lowball offers or other tactics they may use to prevent a larger payout.

How Long From the Date of the Accident Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim?

The length of time you have to file your claim differs depending on where you live. Here in Virginia, the statute of limitations for bringing forward an injury claim is 2 years. For property damage, it’s 5 years.

Most insurers want you to report your accident to them within 30 days of it happening. However, from the date of the accident, you legally have 2 full years to file your claim. It’s always a good idea to get the ball rolling sooner than later.

What Happens After I File My Insurance Claim?

After you or your lawyer submit your insurance claim, a claims adjuster will be assigned to you by your insurer. They’ll work with you to go over the paperwork and supporting evidence in your claim, then determine a settlement amount.

Some insurance companies have stringent requirements on the mechanics you’re allowed to use and treating doctors you’re allowed to see. It’s important to consult your insurance policy to determine whether this is the case.

The adjuster will also let you know if any further documentation is required to support your claim. It’s important to be cooperative with your adjuster, but make sure your lawyer is involved in every step of the process so you aren’t taken advantage of.

What Happens If I Disagree With the Outcome of My Personal Injury Claim and How Does a Personal Injury Attorney Help With This?

Insurance claims that involve a personal injury are some of the trickiest to settle. All you can do is get a quote for your property damage repairs and listen to what your doctor tells you regarding your medical expenses. With that information in hand, the adjuster will try to offer you an appropriate settlement.

When they deliver your settlement amount, you and your lawyer will need to determine if it’s good enough. If it isn’t, you may need to take the case before a judge.

This is the point where you should really heed the advice of your legal team. If your lawyer is telling you that the settlement is a good one, you should accept it. If they advise you to look for more, they’re probably correct.

Fighting for a greater settlement is an uphill battle without a lawyer. Your attorney will be able to look at the specifics of the law and past cases to determine what your settlement should be.

They’ll then prepare all of the necessary evidence and present your case in court. For this reason, it’s important to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer who has plenty of courtroom experience.

What Happens If I’m At Fault During a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’re at fault during a personal injury claim, it’s just as important to hire an attorney. Virginia is an at-fault state, so your insurance company will need to pay for the damages, which will result in higher insurance rates.

A lawyer can help you settle the case and defend you in the event of a lawsuit. You’ll always have a better chance of fighting any unjust claims with a good lawyer backing you up.

Knowing How to File an Insurance Claim Is Good, But…

Knowing how to file an insurance claim is really important when you’ve been injured in an accident. At the end of the day, however, you need a great lawyer if you’re going to maximize your claim.

The Law Office of Collier & Collier has been helping protect the rights of injured Virginians since 1973. No matter how you were injured, you should be properly compensated, so contact us today with your legal questions and we’ll help you successfully navigate this process.

In 2021, there were 118,498 car accidents in Virginia, many of which occurred due to intoxication or speeding. Of course, not every car accident is significant, but even minor car accidents can give reason to worry. If you’re in a minor car accident, it’s still in your best interest to hire a lawyer to help you file a claim and get the settlement you deserve.

But what qualifies as a minor car accident? What are the hidden injuries or dangers you might sustain following one of these accidents? Continue reading below to learn everything you need to know about minor car accidents.

What Qualifies as a Minor Car Accident?

A minor accident or “fender bender” is generally any crash where:

• No significant personal injuries were reported
• No commercial vehicles (like semi-trucks or public transportation buses) were involved
• Property damage is (or appears to be) less than $500
• The impact happened at low speeds
• Only two vehicles were involved
• Airbags weren’t deployed upon impact
• Both vehicles can be driven away from the accident scene

Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of injuries from minor car accidents appearing later. This might include minor whiplash, pulled muscles, and similar. Adrenaline often masks minor injuries following a car accident.

Why Contacting a Lawyer Is Important – Even After a Minor Fender Bender

You should contact a car accident attorney whenever you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash. Even if the car accident was a minor fender bender, there are significant benefits to finding knowledgeable legal representation. For example, contacting a lawyer after any accident (even a minor or seemingly insignificant one) is essential because:

• You’re protected in the event the other driver files a lawsuit against you
• You have professional assistance in filing a claim
• You gain professional legal advice for every step of the claims process
• Having an attorney from the beginning ensures the proper evidence and data are collected – from day one
• You (or the other party) may have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, which complicates your case

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and there may be other reasons to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident. After all, many things are often overlooked in a minor accident. Keeping these in mind is crucial to your health, safety, and settlement.

Things That Are Often Overlooked When Getting Into a Minor Accident

A few things that are often overlooked when getting into a minor accident include:

• The other driver may file a claim or lawsuit, depending on the circumstances
• Minor car accidents carry the risk of hidden injuries
• Not obtaining evidence directly following an accident turns things into a “he said, she said” situation
• Not hiring a lawyer may end up being more expensive than hiring one in the long-term

What Are Hidden Injuries in Car Accidents?

Hidden injuries in car accidents are those that don’t immediately show up. These are especially common in the soft tissue of your neck or spine. Concussions are another hidden injury you may not realize you have. The reason hidden injuries don’t immediately show up is a combination of adrenaline masking the problem (as mentioned above) and believing the symptoms are normal or expected. For example, the dizziness and disorientation of a concussion mimic a panic attack, which is very common following a traumatic incident like a car accident. While you may have only felt a little sore directly following a car accident, you may wake up unable to move your neck or shoulder the following day. In addition, you may have a headache, swelling, and significant bruising. Unfortunately, if you didn’t seek immediate medical attention following your car crash, you’ll find it challenging to file a claim because there’s no real evidence of where your injuries originally stemmed from.

How Much Does Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Cost?

The attorneys who handle car accidents are generally called personal injury lawyers. Some personal injury lawyers handle a range of accident claims, while others may focus solely on car accidents or other personal injury claims. These attorneys will generally (but not always) work on contingency fees.

A contingency fee means your lawyer receives a percentage of your final settlement instead of a flat rate or hourly payment. The exact percentage varies based on several considerations. For example, the contingency fee amount can change based on location, the attorney’s office, and whether your case ends up in court.

What Things Should You Not Ignore Immediately After a Minor Car Accident?

If you feel any aches, pain, dizziness, confusion, or abnormal symptoms following a minor car accident, you mustn’t ignore them. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately to ensure your injuries are truly minor. Seeking immediate medical attention also documents your injuries so they can be verified when you file a claim against your or the other person’s insurance.

You also shouldn’t ignore the accident itself. It is always illegal to flee the scene of an accident. Regardless of fault, you must always exchange your contact and insurance information with the other driver.

A final note? Don’t ignore the legal implications of a car accident. Just because you and the other driver verbally agreed not to file claims at the crash scene doesn’t mean that’s how things will go.

How Do I Know if I Should Visit the Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?

It’s important to always seek immediate medical attention following a car accident. In a minor accident without life-threatening injuries, you may be able to contact your primary care physician for a same-day appointment. However, if you can’t get an appointment with your doctor on the same day as the accident, you should go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic.

While you should always seek immediate medical attention, it’s especially important to visit the doctor if you show any signs of injury. For example, you should seek your doctor or seek other emergency care if you have any of the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Aches or pains
• Lacerations or cuts
• Loss of consciousness at any time

What Should I Do if I Get Into a Minor Car Accident?

Immediately following a minor car accident, you should:

• Pull your vehicle off to the side of the road or another safe place (if possible)
• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before exiting the vehicle
• Assess your vehicle for damage
• Take images of the accident scene
• Take pictures of any damage done to either involved vehicle
• Contact the police to report the accident so they can create a police report
• Call 9-1-1 if there are any noticeable injuries (or let the police know about the injuries so they can dispatch an ambulance to your location)
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Do not discuss the accident or fault at the scene
• Seek immediate medical attention (even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured)
• Within 24 hours of a minor car accident, be sure to:
  • Contact a personal injury attorney for legal representation and advice
  • Contact your insurance company to report the accident

In the following days after your car accident, there are a few other things you’ll want to be sure to do. Although these things vary, they often include the following:

• Picking up the police report from the appropriate station
• Following up with your car accident attorney and submitting any requested information
• Following up on any medical advice

Following up on medical advice is especially important for both your health and your claim. For example, you may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor between three days and a week after the accident. You may also be asked to attend physical therapy, seek mental health counseling, or get imaging like an MRI.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Virginia?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years. While this may seem like a long time, sometimes it simply isn’t enough if you wait too long to file.

Personal injury cases can often face delays, like hold-ups in the claims process or rescheduling of court dates. For this reason, you must begin filing your claim as soon as possible.

Get Help After a Minor Car Accident Today

If you’ve been involved in a minor car accident (or any type of car accident), it’s crucial that you seek legal representation during your claims process. Call us now at (804) 364-5200 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach out using our online contact form if preferred, and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

 

If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing, you’re far from alone. Unfortunately, there are over 39.5 million personal injury cases filed every year, and many victims do not receive the compensation they deserve. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that you receive a fair outcome for your case. Here’s where to start.

Visit a Doctor Right Away

Seek medical treatment right away if you experience a personal injury, regardless of the cause. If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, you will need to show medical documentation to demonstrate that you’ve suffered an injury. Remember, seeking medical attention comes before any other step in personal injury cases. Not only can it hurt your case if you skip this step, but it could lead to worsening conditions involving your injury. If that’s the unfortunate case, it could become more difficult to prove that the incident caused these worsening symptoms.

Keep a Record

Not maintaining a record of your medical documents or contacts with the prospective defendant is one of the most common mistakes in personal injury cases. Make sure that you keep a record of all materials relevant to your case. One of the best things you can do as soon as possible is to write down your memory of the events that took place. There’s a saying that if it happened and you didn’t write it down, then it didn’t happen. Our memories change over time. The sooner you can write down exactly what happened as objectively as possible, the better.

From there, save any new document that may prove to be relevant to your case. This includes medical records, contacts with the responsible parties, the contact information of witnesses, and anything else related to your case. The more you have, the easier it will be to make your case. Also, we recommend documenting the effects of your injuries over time. This can be as informal as a handwritten journal, but it can make a world of difference for your case. Keep track of pain, doctor visits, treatments, and your condition as it improves or worsens. This should also include the effect that it has on your life. Has your injury forced you to miss work, forego important family obligations, or make dramatic lifestyle changes? If so, write it down.

What Are Some Common Mistakes That Happen When Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

Finally, let’s wrap up with some common mistakes plaintiffs make in personal injury cases. Here’s what you should avoid to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Not Vetting Your Attorney

Always investigate your attorney’s background and feel free to ask for references from previous clients. Fortunately, we live in the digital age where access to reviews is only a click away.

Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or other platforms to gauge previous client satisfaction. Remember to read the reviews, as a one-star or five-star rating is meaningless without context.

More importantly, make sure to check their website and ensure that they practice in the field you’re pursuing. You don’t want an unspecialized attorney to handle a personal injury case, as they require advanced knowledge and experience, and negligence is not always easy to prove.

Not Asking Questions

You have an attorney for a reason; to help you with your case. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not to ask questions. Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question in this context. Your attorney doesn’t expect you to have advanced legal knowledge. If everyone did, why would they hire them? If you have questions about your case, potential compensation, alternatives, or any laws or legal procedures, ask away! The more you know about your case, the better.

Waiting Too Long

Waiting too long to contact an attorney can hurt your chances of winning your case. If you’ve suffered bodily injury as a result of somebody else’s negligence, then there is no time to waste. At the very least, you should consult with an attorney right away to discuss the merits of your case. While the statute of limitations is several years in most states for personal injury cases, it won’t help your case if you wait too long. This can lead to a lack of witnesses, questions about the delay from the prosecution, or a lengthy trial.

Conversely, acting now could lead to a quick settlement offer out of court and the compensation you need. You just have to take the first step!

How Can a Lawyer Help Avoid Mistakes When Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim?

Before filing a claim, it’s essential to hire a lawyer and talk to them about your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney knows the laws and can help you achieve the best possible outcome when filing a claim. Moreover, they can also go over the details with you at length. This will help you understand the legal ground of your case and some of the challenges with filing a suit.

Settlements

Before bringing your case to court, you may want to consider an initial settlement offer. It’s still helpful to bring your relevant documents and materials to the attention of the responsible party. From there, you will need to contact an attorney and try to settle this out of court.

If you need to cover your medical expenses now, then a lengthy trial is the last thing you need. Sure, you can receive backpay and compensation for other issues with a long trial, but the sooner you can be done with it, the better.

That’s not to suggest that you should take their settlement offer no matter what. However, it’s best to pursue appropriate compensation outside of court initially to see if you can avoid a lengthy legal process.

Do Insurance Companies Try to Take Advantage of You During a Personal Injury Claim?

Whether intentionally or unintentionally on the behalf of insurance companies, you may not get the outcome you want or deserve in a personal injury case. Here are a few examples to cover.

If Someone’s Negligence Led to Injury

This covers a broad spectrum of possible outcomes. However, if you suffered an injury as a result of negligence on the behalf of another party, you are likely entitled to compensation.

Moreover, this can be a result of a slip and fall without a “wet floor” sign visible, a motor vehicle accident caused by neglect, or a host of other possibilities. Regardless of the circumstances, if your injury was preventable by the responsible party, this is generally the means to file suit.

If You’re at Fault for an Accident

Car accidents are far from the only personal injury claims, but they are the most common. Over 4.8 million car accidents result in injury every year in the US, and the way insurance companies handle this varies widely. In some cases, insurance won’t cover medical expenses if you’re at fault for a motor vehicle accident. This may cause you to use your health insurance, personal injury insurance (PIP), Medpay, or out-of-pocket payment.

Therefore, if you were deemed at fault or partially at fault for the accident, you may need to file a suit against your insurance company. If they refuse to give you adequate coverage due to your perceived fault in an accident, and if the other party is uninsured or underinsured, then you may need to bring your case before a judge. This is especially important if you live in a no-fault state, as refusing coverage would be a violation of state law.

If Another Driver Is at Fault

If the other driver is at fault, then you may sue them or their insurance company for damages (your insurance provider will likely pursue this) including medical expenses, damages, and potentially more depending on the circumstances that led to the accident. Although, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you will need to file a claim through your own insurance. This is called uninsured motorist coverage, which most car insurance plans have. Again, if you are denied this coverage, then it’s worth speaking to a lawyer about your case.

How Soon Should I Seek Legal Counsel With a Personal Injury Claim?

Now that you know how to handle personal injury claims for the best results, follow these steps and get the compensation you deserve. It isn’t greedy to want fair compensation for someone else’s negligence, especially if it led to an injury on your part. Get the help you need today and file

Stay up to date with our latest legal tips, and dont hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help with your claim!

Will I Receive More Money if I Have a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There is an excellent chance that you will receive more money for your lawsuit if you have a personal injury attorney. If you do not have the necessary knowledge of the law and what you may receive compensation for, you risk settling for less. A personal injury lawyer has the tools and resources you need to win the compensation you deserve in your personal injury settlement.

Not Having A Personal Injury Lawyer Could Hurt You

Have you recently suffered a personal injury, and you aren’t sure about the next steps? Are you afraid to hire a lawyer because you have concerns about the legal fees associated with most personal injury attorneys? Most attorneys will advise against you representing yourself for your own personal injury claims. There are so many rules and regulations that you must abide by that you may not be aware of. The best way to navigate a personal injury claim is with professional help. Here are the specifics on why hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best course of action:

What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do That a Regular Person Cannot?

A personal injury attorney has the proper knowledge to negotiate on your behalf. It is best to hire a lawyer because they also have the time and resources to meet specific deadlines that you may not be able to meet. For example, you may need to be present in the courtroom for several different hearings that occur when you need to work. Your attorney has a dedicated team who will ensure that all deadlines and meetings are met to keep your case moving smoothly.

In addition to the knowledge needed to negotiate on your behalf, attorneys have the proper courtroom etiquette if your personal injury case goes to trial. No judge will want to deal with an unrepresented plaintiff who does not understand the court proceedings.

Another factor is that personal injury attorneys know how to communicate with the judges and the other party’s attorneys. Unless you are in the courtroom often, you won’t know how to communicate with the other attorneys present or the judge involved in the case. Your attorney is also well versed in other types of damages that you claim in addition to your personal injuries and property damages.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There are many advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer from a reputable law firm. Your attorney has experience dealing with cases similar to yours, so they know what to do to ensure your medical bills and other possible damages are well taken care of.Your attorney will make sure that their team has all the information they need to properly litigate and win your case while you rest and focus on healing your body.

Your attorney will gather these important assets on your behalf:

• • The police report
  • Any applicable photographs
  • Official government reports
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance footage
  • Medical treatment history
  • Medical records
  • Medical bills
  • Crucial insurance information
  • Crucial information regarding the other party

Your attorney will gather all that information to create a detailed demand package to send to the proper insurance company. Your attorney will then enter settlement negotiations with the insurance claims adjuster and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Your Attorney Is Objective

Car accidents and other personal injury accidents can cause you much pain, frustration, emotional upheaval, and confusion. This type of trauma may make it hard for you to make the right decisions. Your attorney is objective to the case, meaning that they don’t have the same emotional attachment to the case like you do. This objectiveness makes your attorney the right person to handle your claim on your behalf because they can separate facts from feelings.The attorney understands what would happen if your case went to court and is therefore able to know what a fair out of court settlement would be.

Proper Medical Attention.

Contacting your personal injury law attorney early in the process of your accident injuries case will ensure that you receive the proper medical attention you need. Your attorney will make sure that you see the right professionals, and they can step in if they suspect any medical malpractice throughout your treatment plan. Your personal injury attorney will make sure that you receive the long term care you deserve.

What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Employ That a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With?

As much as we hope and wish that insurance companies will pay what they owe for your injury claim, that isn’t always the case. Insurance companies employ claims adjusters to review and handle your case on behalf of the insurance company. Since these adjusters represent the insurer, they will do whatever they need to do to protect the interest of their employer.

These adjusters will also work to protect the interest of their insured even if their insureds are the negligent parties involved in the loss. With that said, the insurance company will only pay what they find reasonable for injury victims.

Insurance companies know that you are vulnerable and want to quickly make you a settlement offer so they can complete their files. Many adjusters will play on the fact that you want to hurry up and close out the case, and they will try to give you a lowball offer.Your personal injury attorney knows about these tactics, and insurance companies know that they can’t use that strategy on an attorney.

How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Calculate Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering damages differ from physical injuries because it is an intangible damage. Pain and suffering refers to the emotional and physical distress that a person suffers after their accident.Pain and suffering examples:

• • • Traumatic stress
    • Fear
    • Grief
    • Depression
    • Loss of enjoyment

Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me Reach a Settlement Faster?

Once your attorney reviews your case, they will be able to give you a ballpark idea of how long it will take to settle your case. Not all personal injury cases are the same, so your case may settle faster than other different personal injury cases. The length of time that your case will take also depends on the severity of your injuries. If your case is worth going to trial and your attorney believes that this route is best for you, they will let you know.

How Much Money Am I Leaving on the Table if I Do Not Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You leave a considerable amount of money on the table if you do not hire a personal lawyer. Your attorney knows what other damages you can claim for your case based on the severity of your injury and the strength of your case. As mentioned earlier, insurance companies prey on unrepresented individuals who aren’t aware of the types of damages they can receive compensation for.

Collier & Collier Is the Best Choice for Your Case

Going head-to-head with an insurance company is no easy task, especially when trying to heal from your injuries. Hiring a personal injury attorney who can provide a different perspective and fight for what you deserve is the right decision in this type of situation. Partnering with a reputable attorney with a track record for winning similar cases to yours will guarantee that you receive the proper compensation. If you are looking for a highly regarded and knowledgeable legal team to have on your side, contact us now. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to serve you, and we offer free no-obligation initial case evaluations.