If you have been injured, whether in a car accident, on commercial property, or at work, you probably just want to relax at home until you get better. However, there are things you have to do in order to make sure you recover quickly, like go to the doctor. You should also make sure that the outcome of your accident is fair if it wasn’t your fault.
That means talking to a lawyer.
Even if there are a million other things you would rather do, there are important reasons why you should schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer.
They Can Explain Complex Laws and Statues That Pertain to Your Case
If you’re doing the preliminary work of looking into what it would take to file a personal injury claim, you have probably discovered that the laws and statues involved are difficult to understand. Contributory negligence laws are complex, and there are many other statues that may be involved in your situation.
A few statutes, in addition to contributory negligence, that may affect your case include:
- Required minimum insuranceÂ
- Statute of limitationsÂ
- Medical malpractice
- Damage caps for non-economic damages
Instead of trying to understand it all on your own, speaking with an attorney can help clarify the laws and statutes that pertain to your case.
They Can Tell You if You Even Have a Case
Of course, one of the most important reasons to schedule a consultation with an attorney is the fact that they can tell you whether you even have a case or not!
If an attorney doesn’t think your case will make much money, if any money at all, they won’t take your case. If they think you may have a case, but it isn’t the right fit for their practice, for whatever reason, they may be able to refer you to another attorney who would be willing to take you on as a client.
Sometimes, speaking with an attorney can clarify whether you want to proceed, whether you have the ability to recover any funds or not. Sometimes, the mental strain, effort, and hassle aren’t worth the peanuts you’re likely to receive.
They Can Tell You How Much You Might Be Able to Make in a Settlement
Figuring out how much you can make in a settlement is almost as confusing as trying to understand the laws and statutes that pertain to your case. From considering the cost of future medical treatments to loss of income and emotional distress, as well what kind of negligence is involved and how the situation was initially addressed, you really do need an attorney to tell you just how much you may be able to recover.
They can help you stay realistic too. Although you have the potential to make a certain amount, your attorney can clarify what you’re likely to get. That way, you don’t get your hopes up.
They Can Help You Deal With Insurance
If you have been in a car accident, or you’re dealing with workman’s comp or another policy that is supposed to pay out in the event of an injury, you’re likely to find that getting what you deserve is a nightmare. Not to mention, dealing with the insurance company when you should be focused on your recovery can be frustrating.
During an initial consultation, an attorney can tell you exactly how they will deal with your insurance company so you don’t have to. Not only are you likely to get more from your insurance, it also means you can look forward to someone else dealing with your insurance on your behalf.
They Can Provide You With Mental Support
Your mental health impacts your recovery from an injury. Without the right support, you’re more likely to develop mental health issues, like depression, PTSD, and anxiety that can halt the recovery process and even create new health issues that weren’t present before your accident.
Although a lawyer is definitely not the same as a therapist, just having someone in your corner can provide you with positive mental support. Meeting with an attorney who is willing to listen to your situation and provide you with options can empower you to continue giving your recovery your all.
Don’t automatically assume you aren’t entitled to compensation if you have been injured. There are a lot of ways speaking to a lawyer can help. In many cases, consultations are free, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
