This is one of the most common questions that arises after someone has been in an accident. There’s the all-important choice between hiring an attorney and taking care of the legal matters on your own.
However, there are some situations that do warrant the expert hand of an accident attorney.
When To Hire a Lawyer Checklist
Can you handle your own claim, or should you hire an attorney? Use this worksheet to determine when you should consider hiring a personal injury or workers' comp lawyer.
Download in PDF format
If You Have Serious Injuries
Serious injuries can require extensive hospital stays, lost time at work, or long-term health effects. If your injury takes a similar toll, it can be best to hire an attorney. Since the cost of these medical treatments will be high, insurance companies will put up more of a fight against paying for the bill, and an attorney can help negotiate.
If Your Insurance Company Isn’t Cooperating
If your insurance company fails to answer questions you have, changes your policy without your knowledge, or denies a claim covered by your policy, they may be trying to avoid paying your compensation. Accident attorneys can help you communicate and negotiate with your insurance company in order to reverse these wrongs.
If There is a Liability Dispute
Sometimes it isn’t clear who exactly is to blame for your accident, especially in accidents involving multiple cars or questionable areas like construction zones. That being said, liability disputes can turn complicated very quickly, and an attorney can help resolve the issues.
If the Details are Complicated and Conflict
If the details of the police or medical reports contradict one another, it can be an easy reason for insurance companies to lower your compensation or deny your claim altogether. If any details conflict, it’s best to let a personal injury lawyer iron out the kinks.
Check back on the blog for more answers to your legal questions. If you want to know more about when you should call a personal injury lawyer, check out our article “When Do I Need a Lawyer after an Accident?”
Jayz says
Yes, this is the question that has been raised many times. Thanks for putting up this blog for reference,
Ian Pisarcik says
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you found it helpful.
Levi Armstrong says
I find it helpful to know that I should hire a personal injury lawyer if I have serious injuries that require an extensive hospital stay. That’s because insurance companies would fight tooth and nail to avoid paying the hospital bill. My cousin was recently involved in a collision accident, and he suffered serious injuries that needed surgery. I’ll be visiting him tomorrow morning, so I’ll suggest that they start looking for a reputable personal injury attorney. Thanks for this.
Melissa Gold says
Hi, Levi. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with our readers, and I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin’s accident. Yes, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are profit-driven; the less they pay out in damages, the more profit there is for them. You’re a customer, not a client, to an insurance company. But your lawyer’s job is to represent your interests. Best of luck to you and your cousin.
Merchant Law says
A personal injury lawyer will have a lot of expertise and understanding with these kinds of matters. They will have completed prior research and will be aware of the most effective strategies and ways to employ.
Airdrie Lawyer says
When you mentioned how important it is to find an attorney who is familiar with all aspects of your claim, it was extremely helpful. I can see how hiring someone like this can assist you in achieving your goals and achieving a positive outcome.
Ian Pisarcik says
Thanks for the comment!
Keith D. Leshine says
Yeah i agree, insurance companies for profit purpose, often strive to pay less money than the victim deserves, when it comes to compensation. Hiring a competent personal injury attorney can assist in getting indemnification and taking care of all the paper work.
Ian Pisarcik says
Thanks for the comment!