Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?

By Farhad Novian | Nov 5, 2024 | Catastrophic Injury

When faced with the aftermath of a personal injury, it is natural to wonder if hiring an attorney is truly necessary. After all, isn’t it possible to negotiate with insurance companies and settle the claim on your own? 

While some cases may seem manageable, hiring a personal injury attorney often significantly affects the outcome. Yes, hiring a personal injury attorney is worth it. Typically, experienced attorneys understand the complexities of personal injury law, can navigate intricate legal procedures, and have the skills to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

At Novian & Novian, we have over 35 years of experience representing clients with catastrophic injuries. Our team understands the complexities of handling a personal injury claim and is readily available to guide you in getting the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us now to explore your legal options. 

This post will cover what a personal injury attorney does and the main reasons to hire a personal injury attorney. It will also guide you on how to choose a personal injury attorney. 

What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?

Personal injury attorneys are specialized lawyers who represent individuals injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. When an accident happens, an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that the victim’s rights are protected, helping them seek the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. 

Personal injury attorneys provide various services, including negotiating settlements, dealing with insurance companies, and gathering evidence. They also file lawsuits, guide clients through legal processes, and handle legal deadlines. 

Is it Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Case?

When faced with a personal injury case, people may wonder if hiring a personal injury attorney is worth the cost. Many accident victims think they can handle their claims on their own or that the process is straightforward. 

However, personal injury law can be complex, and the stakes are often high. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can mean the difference between a low settlement and fair compensation.

Below are some of the reasons why you should have a personal injury lawyer on your side:

The Accident Caused You Major Injuries

Accidents can result in severe injuries that impact your daily life and overall well-being. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, serious injuries often mean high medical costs, long-term treatment, and sometimes permanent disabilities. Therefore, handling these cases alone can lead to missed opportunities for fair compensation.

Personal injury attorneys help clients who have suffered significant injuries in various personal injury cases, such as motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and slip-and-fall accidents. If you have experienced serious injuries from any of these incidents, an experienced attorney can ensure all aspects of your personal injury claim are accounted for.

Liability is Questioned

Liability is not always clear after an accident. In many personal injury cases, the responsible party denies liability, creating additional challenges for victims who are already facing emotional and physical distress. 

This is where personal injury attorneys come in. They are experts in proving liability by gathering physical evidence, hiring expert witnesses, and securing eyewitness testimony. Without legal representation, proving fault can be complex, and insurance adjusters often use any lack of clear evidence to reduce your settlement offer.

With a personal injury lawyer’s professional legal representation, you have an advocate who will collect essential evidence, handle discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company, and work to ensure that liability is properly established.

Insurance Company Won’t Pay Fair Compensation

Insurance companies are known to prioritize their bottom line, often offering quick, lowball settlements that don’t fully cover accident-related expenses. Personal injury lawyers understand these tactics and work on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement offer. They use objective legal expertise to address all necessary details, including your medical records, property damage, lost wages, and ongoing medical treatment needs.

Dealing with insurance adjusters alone can be difficult, especially when they are skilled at reducing claim values. A personal injury attorney’s involvement signals that you are serious about your case and prepared to pursue it in the legal system if necessary.

Victims Who Hire Attorneys Get Bigger Settlements

A study by the Insurance Research Council found that, on average, personal injury claimants who hired attorneys received settlements 3.5 times higher than those who handled claims without legal representation. Similarly, the American Bar Association highlights that personal injury victims who retain legal counsel are more likely to achieve settlements that cover not only immediate medical bills and lost wages but also long-term expenses like future medical costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 

Generally, attorneys know how to maximize claims by accounting for all damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical expenses, and loss of earning capacity. Their familiarity with personal injury law ensures that no aspect of your claim goes unaddressed, ultimately securing you the maximum compensation possible.

In many personal injury cases, having a skilled attorney makes all the difference in reaching a fair settlement. By working with a legal professional, you avoid common pitfalls and gain the best chance at a full financial recovery.

You Only Pay if You Win the Case

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee model, meaning you only pay if they win your case. This fee structure motivates personal injury attorneys to fight hard for your best interests, as their payment is directly tied to the success of your case.

Contingency fees also alleviate concerns about upfront legal costs or hourly fees, making professional legal representation accessible to accident victims who might otherwise hesitate to seek help. With no upfront costs and a focus on results, a personal injury law firm working on contingency is a risk-free way to ensure you’re getting the representation you need.

6 Reasons to Have an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side

When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can be invaluable. These legal professionals bring the expertise, resources, and negotiation skills needed to navigate complex legal processes, negotiate fair settlements, and maximize compensation. 

Here are six compelling reasons to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer:

Expertise in Legal Procedures: Personal injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and the necessary legal procedures involved. They are well-versed in handling legal deadlines, filling out complex paperwork, and understanding the various forms required to build a strong case. Whether your case involves serious injuries or a complex insurance claim, an experienced attorney ensures you don’t miss crucial deadlines, protecting your right to fair compensation and strengthening your overall claim.

Maximizing Compensation: An experienced personal injury attorney can help maximize the compensation you’re entitled to by accurately calculating your claim’s value. They consider all potential damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. With expertise in valuing these factors, they can effectively counter lowball offers from insurance companies and ensure you receive the settlement that truly reflects your losses and suffering. For example, in traumatic brain injury cases, attorneys can refer to past settlements and relevant data to argue for maximum compensation.

Handling Insurance Companies and Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies are skilled in tactics designed to minimize payouts to accident victims. However, personal injury lawyers understand these tactics and can effectively advocate on your behalf, using negotiation skills honed over years of experience with similar cases. By pushing for a fair settlement, an attorney can often secure a favorable outcome without the need for a trial, saving time and avoiding further stress.

Access to Resources: In many personal injury cases, gathering strong evidence is important to proving liability and securing fair compensation. Attorneys often have access to resources that can strengthen your claim, including expert witnesses, investigators, and medical professionals who can provide testimony. With access to these resources, personal injury attorneys can build a compelling case that supports your position, making it harder for insurance companies to deny or minimize your claim.

Reduced Stress and Time-Saving: Filing a personal injury claim can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when dealing with serious injuries and emotional distress. Having legal representation allows clients to focus on their recovery instead of the intricate legal process. Personal injury attorneys handle all aspects of the claim, from gathering medical records to dealing with insurance adjusters and negotiating settlements. This peace of mind enables you to prioritize your health and recovery while professionals handle the legal details.

When Legal Representation Won’t Drastically Change the Outcome

While an attorney can be essential in most personal injury cases, there are situations where hiring one might not be as impactful. For example, when injuries are minor and medical treatment costs are low, it may be simpler to settle directly with the insurance company. In such cases, the compensation needed may not justify the legal fees associated with hiring an attorney.

Furthermore, if the fault in the accident is obvious and the compensation offered is fair, you may be able to handle the claim yourself. For example, if the responsible party admits fault and the settlement covers your losses, further legal representation may not be necessary.

Additionally, for cases involving smaller claims, small claims court may be the more practical option. Many personal injury cases involving low damages don’t require a lawyer, and handling them yourself can help save legal fees.

How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney

When choosing a personal injury attorney, experience and specialization are paramount. Look for someone who specializes in personal injury law and has specific experience handling cases similar to yours, such as car accidents, slip-and-falls, or medical malpractice. Attorneys with this targeted expertise will understand the nuances of personal injury law and be familiar with the tactics insurance companies often use to reduce settlements.

It is also important to take note of their reputation and reviews as a lawyer’s reputation can speak volumes about their effectiveness and reliability. Check online reviews, client testimonials, and professional ratings to gauge their reputation. Consistently positive reviews and recommendations can be a good indicator of an attorney’s client satisfaction and success in achieving fair compensation.

Furthermore, make sure that you undergo a consultation process with your desired lawyer. Generally, most reputable personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to discuss your case without obligation. This consultation provides an opportunity to ask questions about your case, understand the lawyer’s approach, and evaluate if they’re a good fit for you. 

You should also look out for their fee structures. Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about upfront legal costs. When considering an attorney, ask about their fee structure and any additional costs that may apply so you know what to expect.

Common Misconceptions About Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about hiring a personal injury attorney is that it is too expensive. However, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if you win. With this arrangement, there are no upfront fees, making it accessible for accident victims who may be facing financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages.

Some also believe they can manage their personal injury claim alone. However, the reality is that these cases often involve complex legal processes and negotiations with insurance companies. Without a lawyer’s guidance, it is easy to make costly mistakes or accept a settlement that is far less than what you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can advocate for your best interests, helping you receive fair compensation and avoid common pitfalls.

Furthermore, many people worry that hiring an attorney means they’ll end up in a lengthy court battle. In reality, the majority of personal injury cases are settled outside of court through negotiations. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to reach a fair settlement and only recommend going to trial if it’s the best option for maximizing your compensation.

Need an Expert to Handle Your Personal Injury Claim?

When it comes to personal injury cases, having experienced legal representation makes a big difference. A personal injury attorney provides not only knowledge of complex legal procedures and negotiation skills but also access to resources that can help maximize your compensation. From handling insurance companies to gathering strong evidence, an attorney manages the critical details so you can focus on recovery.

If you’re unsure about the next steps after an accident or if you have concerns about fair compensation, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is a proactive way to protect your rights and understand your options.

At Novian & Novian, we offer free consultation and case evaluations to all our potential clients. With over 35 years of experience, our expert personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles will handle your case and ensure success. Reach out to us today!