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Filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on healing after an accident. The legal process is often complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to manage on your own while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can shift that burden off your shoulders and allow a legal professional to handle the details of your case.
A lawyer understands the intricacies of personal injury law and can navigate the paperwork, negotiations, and deadlines that come with a claim. This gives you the time and peace of mind to prioritize your recovery.
Whether you’re unsure about the value of your claim or simply don’t know where to start, a Rutherfordton personal injury lawyer can answer your questions and guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
After an accident, handling a personal injury claim can be complicated and stressful. Having a lawyer by your side ensures your rights are protected and allows you to recover from your injuries in peace.
Below are six reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer would be beneficial to you:
Understanding of Personal Injury Laws
Navigating the legal system without a solid understanding of personal injury laws can put you at a disadvantage. A personal injury lawyer can interpret the laws that apply to your case, making sure all legal requirements are met. This knowledge ensures you don’t miss out on compensation due to technical issues.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Building a Strong Case
To strengthen your personal injury claim, personal injury lawyers do several things to build your case. They will gather and organize the necessary evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos
- Traffic cam and business surveillance videos
- Financial statements
- Invoices for property damage
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions
They will investigate the accident thoroughly to establish liability and prove the extent of your damages. Known as negligence, this is often presented as the following:
- Duty of care: The defendant’s legal responsibility for the plaintiff’s safety
- Breach of duty: The defendant’s decision that placed the plaintiff in danger.
- Causation: The resulting accident and injuries the plaintiff suffered.
- Damages: The hardships the plaintiff now has, such as physical injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma.
A well-prepared case can significantly increase your chances of success, whether during settlement negotiations or in court.
Maximizing Compensation
A personal injury lawyer knows how to evaluate your claim fully. They understand the types of damages you can seek, such as:
- Medical expenses, such as surgeries, medications, and hospital stays
- Future medical costs for ongoing healthcare needs
- Lost wages, as well as bonuses, tips, and benefits you may have missed
- Reduced earning potential due to disability
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
If your family has lost a loved one, wrongful death attorneys can help you build a claim that seeks such damages as:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Final medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium and support
By compiling all the damages of your claim, they help you pursue the maximum compensation available.
Handling Negotiations With the Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies aim to protect their bottom line, often offering low settlements. Accident victims often seek what they believe is an average personal injury settlement and fail to cover all their losses.
However, lawyers can negotiate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure you’re not shortchanged. They are familiar with the tactics insurers use and can counter them effectively.
Managing the Legal Process
From filing paperwork to gathering evidence, personal injury claims require a significant amount of legal work. Your legal team will manage these tasks, making sure nothing falls through the cracks. This keeps your case moving forward without unnecessary delays or complications.
One particularly important part of the legal process is complying with your state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline to file a lawsuit in your case. The threat of a lawsuit is often used by personal injury lawyers during settlement negotiations to leverage a fair settlement offer. The following are the personal injury statute of limitations for North and South Carolina:
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 sets a three-year deadline to file in North Carolina
- S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530 sets a three-year deadline to file in South Carolina
Missing your deadline could cost you. For one, the courts may dismiss your case. For another, you may be unable to negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance companies.
We always recommend injury victims to contact us as soon as possible following their accident. It allows us to stay in compliance with your deadline and gives us the time needed to collect evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Legal Representation in Court
While many personal injury cases settle outside of court, some require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Your personal injury lawyer will know courtroom procedures and how to present your case effectively in front of a judge and jury.
Your lawyer will prepare thoroughly for trial by organizing evidence, developing legal arguments, and anticipating the defense’s strategy. They will question witnesses, present expert testimony, and cross-examine the opposing side’s witnesses to challenge their claims.
Without legal representation, navigating a courtroom environment can be intimidating, and you may not be familiar with the rules and procedures that could impact your case. A lawyer not only advocates for your rights but ensures that your case is presented in the most compelling way possible.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Are Ready to Assist You
After an accident, you deserve experienced legal guidance to help you pursue fair compensation. A personal injury lawyer can handle the complexities of your case while you focus on your recovery.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are here to help you every step of the way. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us review your case and answer any questions you have.
