The process of injury claims can be pretty daunting; it is why victims from motor accidents, construction accidents, dog attacks, and others employ the service of a personal injury attorney to help them navigate the process. Over the last few decades, the increase in individual injury cases has raised the need for lawyers specializing in this field.
The responsibility of a personal injury lawyer is to represent and negotiate on behalf of their client to receive maximum compensation for their loss. There are also responsibilities and roles of a personal injury lawyer that will be discussed in this article. Because if you are hiring one, it is only wise that you know the responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer. It further helps in getting you a proper representation in the court for your case.
Put You Through The Process
There is a reason they are referred to as an expert. They are well-rooted in personal injury claims, making it easy for them to put you through the process. Claiming compensation for injuries varies. There is no one size fits all. Your type of injury and how you sustained it are significant determinants of how your lawyer will handle your case and negotiate your compensation.
A specific law does not apply to all states. In California, for example, a victim of an accident has a duration of 2 years from the accident to sue the other party who might be at fault. If you cannot do what is needed between the stipulated time, you stand a chance to lose your compensation. If you take the time to check these examples, you’ll realize that there are some limitations and rules surrounding comparative negligence that you, not being a lawyer, will find tough to understand. Still, by hiring an attorney, he will explain how you will file your claim and the following steps to take in the coming weeks and months.
Gathering And Collecting Evidence
Part of the roles and responsibilities of your lawyer is making sure all the evidence from the scene of the accident is intact. Whether it is a motorcycle, construction, or car accident, the evidence must be obtained as fast as possible. Being able to collect evidence either through taking pictures, obtaining statements from all witnesses, getting police reports, and medical information is one of the steps that will determine how easy your lawyer will be able to file your claim.
You must employ the service of a firm that will go all the way for you to get compensated for your loss.
Dealing With Insurance Company
Insurance companies want to manipulate their ways to reduce your payout; they do this to maximize their profit. It is the duty of your lawyer to interact and negotiate with the insurance company.
Often though, once you notify your insurance company of any claim, the insurer would have conducted their investigation and reached out to a plaintiff’s counsel to table the case. Since you have your lawyer, there will no longer be any direct communication between you and your insurance company. Your hired attorney takes care of that while also protecting your interests.
Negotiate A Fair Settlement
Your lawyer’s work is to negotiate with the at-fault party or insurer, so you don’t have to go through it yourself. As an expert, your lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company, the attorneys representing them so as for you to get the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer knows not only to look at the immediate effect of your injury but also to check for an adverse effect of the injury on you shortly while you may be comfortable with a lower settlement because you are only putting your current situation into consideration. Your lawyer will cover all the bases before you conclude and seal an offer.
Represent You At Trial
It is not all the time that personal injury cases get settled outside the court. If, after meeting up and negotiating with the at-fault party and their lawyer, you were still not able to agree on a settlement, it will be required to take your case to trial. If the issue gets to this point, your lawyer’s responsibility is to represent you in court and fight for your interest.
It is quite critical to hire a lawyer who will go all the way concerning your case because sometimes, some are reluctant to take a personal injury case to court and know their stance before employing their service.
Lastly, the crucial thing is to hire an attorney who will make sure you get fully compensated for your loss and protect your interest while at it.
Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration.
