Wondering if you can make a personal injury claim yourself is a common consideration after an accident. It is well within your rights to file a personal injury claim yourself after an accident, but hiring an Orlando personal injury lawyer can help you recover a larger settlement, communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, and navigate complicated situations. Plus, there are many traps people don’t realize when dealing directly with an insurance company. Insurers have far more experience navigating the claims process, and while the conversation may feel friendly, the company’s main goal is to minimize what it pays. Handling a personal injury case yourself is often better suited to minor cases than complex ones.
What does it mean to represent yourself in a personal injury case?
Representing yourself in a personal injury case means that you are responsible for filing your claim with your own or the at-fault party’s insurance company, keeping track of deadlines, collecting your own evidence, communicating and negotiating with insurance adjusters, and more.
What challenges can come up when negotiating with insurance companies?
Pursuing compensation for your injuries from the insurance company can be challenging because they protect their interests above all else. While they review your claim and evidence, they may try various tactics to avoid paying you as much as possible in order to protect their bottom line. This can make it hard to effectively prove your case and recover compensation without the help of legal representation.
When does hiring a personal injury lawyer make more sense?
You don’t know what you don’t know. In many cases, the most important conversations with an insurance company happen early in the process, and what is said during those initial communications can shape the trajectory of the entire claim. If you believe you may have suffered serious injuries from an accident, consulting with a lawyer early on is highly recommended. Hiring a lawyer often makes more sense when you are facing serious injuries and extensive medical expenses, and losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can also be invaluable for complex cases such as truck or rideshare accidents, for example. As skilled communicators, they can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, especially when the insurance company is trying to blame you, or lowball or deny your claim. Personal injury lawyers can also help you understand the two-year statute of limitations and the stages of a personal injury lawsuit.
Can you file a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer in Florida?
You can also file a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer and represent yourself for minor claims. If your case requires a lawsuit, or it appears that one may be necessary, it is best to hire a personal injury attorney as early as possible so you do not unknowingly fall into traps or pitfalls that can arise when handling the process on your own. Situations that would qualify would be cases involving no or minimal medical treatments, property damage, injuries, or lost wages.
What damages can you recover in a personal injury claim?
A personal injury settlement primarily covers financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as property damage. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost quality of life can also be recovered. In cases involving gross negligence or malicious actions, punitive damages may also be awarded. How much you may recover depends on the severity of your losses and other factors, which is why it’s essential to collect evidence such as medical records, pay stubs, and more.
Should you schedule a free consultation before deciding?
You should schedule a free consultation with a lawyer when you are deciding whether or not to handle your case yourself. A lawyer can review your circumstances and discuss your options with you. They can also provide clarity on aspects of your case that could be challenging or more nuanced than anticipated. Free consultations are beneficial during the information-gathering stage of the decision-making process.
An Orlando personal injury attorney can explain options
An Orlando personal injury attorney can walk you through all of your options so you can make a decision that makes the most sense for you and your family based on your circumstances. When you are uncertain about how to move forward, DWK Law can provide valuable insight that gives you the clarity you need during an uncertain time. To learn more, call our firm at (407) 244-3000 or fill out our contact form online to schedule your free consultation.