Why Is Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Important?
If you were seriously hurt in some kind of accident and you intend to take action against the reckless or negligent party that was responsible, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel. While you don’t have to hire an attorney to proceed with a claim, doing so may help you secure a more favorable outcome. It will also give you the freedom to focus on more important matters, like taking care of your family, while your case proceeds in good hands.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest ways a personal injury lawyer will be able to help with your claim:
1. By Conducting a Thorough Investigation
A seasoned attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident in which you were hurt. As long as you turn to a reputable firm, your legal team will have the resources to gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim. For example, they might interview eyewitnesses, obtain video footage, depose relevant experts, and file subpoenas on your behalf.
2. By Tracking Damages
Florida allows personal injury claimants to seek compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages they incur. If you bring a PIP claim, however, non-economic damages will not be recoverable. Before you can recover a payout, though, you must prove that you did, in fact, incur the losses you’re seeking. As such, it’s essential that you track all damages diligently.
You can do so by sending your lawyer all the documentation that corresponds to your injury-related expenses. Examples include hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, invoices for reasonably necessary replacement services, and paystubs logging your missed work.
As for tracking non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress, start a personal injury journal. Detailed entries about the ways in which your condition is affecting your everyday life will help contextualize your medical records.
3. By Handling All Correspondence with the Insurance Adjuster
If you refer the insurance adjuster to your legal team, you won’t have to worry about dealing with him or her directly. As such, he or she won’t get the chance to manipulate you into jeopardizing your claim by admitting fault or accepting an unfair payout.
4. By Negotiating for a Settlement
Insurance adjusters are essentially professional negotiators. Since attorneys are, too, hiring one to represent you will level the playing field. Your lawyer will not let you walk away with less than you deserve.
5. By Preparing Your Case for Court
If the opposing party refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability altogether, going to court may be the only way to pursue the compensation you deserve. Should this turn out to be the case, your attorney will help you file a formal lawsuit and then navigate every stage of the proceedings.
Call (727) 821-1500 to Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, contact Emerson Straw PL to determine how best to proceed. Our strategic attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience in the legal field. Call (727) 821-1500 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.