When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An injury from an accident can cause both physical and mental pain. The suffering you endure from it does not necessarily stay within you, but can expand to affect your financial situation and your loved ones. You may feel that dealing with legal difficulties, the insurance companies and claims adjusters is up to you, but it doesn’t always need to be. Many smaller cases can benefit from a lawyer. Here’s when it may be time to call a lawyer, and how to find the right one for you.
Taking Steps Yourself
You may at first attempt to deal with your accident and injury by yourself. Whether it’s seeing a doctor after the accident, collecting records of the accident scene (such as photos, witness statements, copies of the police report, etc.), and talking to the claims adjuster sent by the insurance company. Sometimes these things are straightforward and require no extra fuss. Many people can successfully settle for their compensation without a lawyer. However, if your case advances with complications, struggles with the insurance company or the possibility of going to court, it may be time to look into lawyers.
Signs It Is Time to Call a Lawyer
There is no right or wrong time to call a lawyer. Even if you have been handling all your affairs so far, you can still pick up the phone and make an appointment to speak with one. These are signs that it may be time to get help with your case:
- You discover your injuries are more severe than you initially thought
- You receive a steep medical bill, with more on the way
- You realize you can no longer work because of your injury
- The insurance company tries to settle with you for a minimal amount
- The insurance company refuses to pay
If you feel overwhelmed and frustrated at the time it is taking to get your compensation or at the financial losses you are suffering, you can seek a lawyer’s advice.
How to Find a Good Lawyer
You should look around for a lawyer that suits your needs and case. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Research personal injury lawyers and review their history of successes or ask past clients about their experience. Finally, talk to the lawyer yourself and see if you feel comfortable around him or her. You may be seeing a lot of your lawyer, so it’s essential you can open up to him or her about everything in your case. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Melbourne, FL, like Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC to have your questions answered.