If you have been injured in an auto accident or other accident that was not your fault, you may be thinking about a lawyer but are hesitant to do so. There are many reasons for this, but they are seldom good reasons. The following are just a few thoughts you may be having and why they are not a reason to consult with an attorney.
You can't afford an attorney
Many people cannot afford an attorney, and if you are someone who doesn't have the money for a lawyer but who has been hurt, it will cost you nothing. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, and if they decide you have a case and you agree to hire them, they will work on a contingency fee. This means that their fee is contingent upon a settlement or an award by a court. At this point, you will get your money, minus the attorney fee. If you do not get any money, you will owe the lawyer nothing. This gives everyone a chance at getting compensation for injuries, regardless of their income.
You think the settlement offer is good enough
Any offer made by an insurance company is going to be a low ball offer. It will not be near what you are entitled to. Without an attorney, there is no way you will know all the compensation you are entitled to. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, so they will offer you a lower amount while telling you that it is a good settlement. Only a personal injury attorney will be working in your interest, not an insurance company.
You think that it's all about the money
You think hiring an attorney means it's all about the money, and to a certain extent this is true. But in truth, it is all about your money. Your attorney will be trying to negotiate on your behalf, so you get the compensation you need. If you simply take what is offered to you by the insurance company, then it is the greed of the insurance company that is at play. The money that you are entitled to is pocketed by the insurance company in the form of increased profits.
You think that after attorney fees, you'll get less
Some people may think that an attorney will get them more money, but after subtracting the legal fees, they will have less money than they would if they had taken the offer from the insurance company. This thought is something insurance companies are fond of telling people when they are waving a check in your face. However, there have been studies that show that this is not the case. If you want to know what your compensation may be versus the offer you have been given, consult with an attorney.
Don't deceive yourself. A personal injury attorney is on your side and will get you the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
