If you’ve been involved in an accident, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. What will your medical treatment look like? Can you afford to take time off work? How will you hold the at-fault party responsible? In today’s blog, we’re discussing how a personal injury attorney can help you through this difficult time and get you back onto the road to recovery.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? The Severity of Your Injuries
If you suffered serious injuries in your accident, chances are, you’ll be facing substantial bills for your treatment, medication, and future physical therapy. You may also be missing work, which means that you’re not bringing in any income. The sooner you start working with a personal injury attorney, the sooner you can start seeking compensation for your accident. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, or if needed, take the responsible party to court. They can also help explain the legal process so you will better understand the value of your case and how the claims process works.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Who Caused the Accident
With a personal injury claim, you can hold the at-fault party responsible for the accident and for your injuries. Some cases are very objective and clear. Others will require extra investigation and perhaps even an expert to examine or recreate the scene. If you have a complex case, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will gather evidence, conduct interviews, bring in experts (if needed), and advocate for your case. They will also advise you on your best strategy, as some cases will have multiple parties with different levels of insurance coverage.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Dealing with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are for-profit companies, and therefore, they will look for any reason to deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement. Insurance companies have been known to drag their feet and delay your claim until you’re desperate for funds or running out of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies may even ask you for a recorded statement and then use information from the interview against you and your claim. How do you avoid these negative encounters with the at-fault party’s insurance company? If you’re working with a personal injury attorney, you can let them handle all of the communication with the insurance company. An attorney can advocate for your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Time Since Your Accident
There are time limits in which you can file your personal injury and property damage cases. These are called the Statute of Limitations. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury case and two years from the date of your accident to file a property damage case. If you let this time period lapse, you’ll likely be barred from filing a claim. It’s best to begin working with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, so they will keep your case on track and prevent you from running up against the Statute of Limitations.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Burrow & Associates
Of all the questions to ask after an accident, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer” is one of the most important. Attorneys can advocate for your case, help prove that the at-fault party is responsible, negotiate with the insurance company, and secure the settlement you deserve. If you’d like to set up a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, please reach out to Burrow & Associates at (678) 323-2394 or via our online contact form