Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you might be tempted or feel pressured to handle your personal injury claim on your own. The process might seem fairly straightforward, and the insurance claims adjustor might make it seem like they are on your side. Often, insurance companies reach out quickly, offering what may seem like a reasonable settlement. However, working directly with the insurance company without legal representation can put you at a significant disadvantage. Here’s why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Insurance Company’s Priority Is Its Bottom Line

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts on claims. While they may appear sympathetic and helpful, their ultimate objective is to protect their profits. When you choose to settle a claim on your own, you may unknowingly fall into common tactics that insurers use to reduce their liability, such as:

Quick, lowball settlements: Insurers may offer a fast settlement to close your case before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. Once you accept a settlement, you generally waive your right to pursue further compensation, even if your injuries are worse than you thought.
Minimizing the severity of your injuries: Adjusters often downplay the severity of injuries or suggest that pre-existing conditions, not the accident, are to blame for your pain and suffering.
Disputing Liability: Insurers will often argue that their insured is not to blame for the accident. Even if they accept partial responsibility, they might also allege that some of the fault belongs to you as well. This tactic is used to reduce the amount of compensation they owe you. It is particularly dangerous in Tennessee, where a victim’s comparative negligence can bar their claim entirely if they are found to be 50% or more to blame.
Misleading you about your rights: Without legal experience, you might not be aware of the full range of damages you’re entitled to, such as future medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Insurance companies might not disclose this information upfront, leading you to believe past medical bills and property damage are all you are entitled to.

Personal Injury Lawyers Know How to Maximize Compensation

An experienced personal injury lawyer understands personal injury law and how the insurance claims process works. By hiring a lawyer, you gain an advocate who will fight to maximize your compensation in ways you may not have considered, including:

Assessing the true value of your claim: Personal injury lawyers know how to accurately evaluate the full scope of your losses, including both economic and non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Negotiating with insurance adjusters: Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators trained to protect the company’s interests. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to keep you from being taken advantage of and ensure any settlement offer is fair and comprehensive.
Filing lawsuits if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, a personal injury lawyer can take your case to court. The willingness and proven ability to litigate often encourage insurers to offer a more favorable settlement upfront.

Personal injury cases involve strict deadlines, specific documentation, and legal procedures that, if not followed correctly, could jeopardize your claim. A skilled attorney will ensure your case is filed correctly and on time, preventing avoidable mistakes that could result in the dismissal of your claim.

Additionally, Kentucky follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. In Tennessee, the state’s “modified comparative negligence” means that you cannot win a lawsuit if you are 50% or more at fault. Without legal guidance, you may inadvertently admit fault or fail to gather crucial evidence, potentially diminishing the amount you receive. An attorney will work to prove the other party’s liability and minimize your percentage of fault.

Focus on Recovery While Your Lawyer Handles the Legal Work

Recovering from a serious injury can be both physically and emotionally draining. Trying to manage a personal injury claim on your own adds unnecessary stress at a time when your focus should be on healing. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can leave the legal complexities to a professional while you concentrate on your recovery.

Your attorney will:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
Interview witnesses and consult with experts.
Handle all communications with the insurance company.
Ensure all documentation and medical records are properly submitted.
Resolve your claim in your best interest.

This comprehensive approach allows you to rest assured that your case is being handled with care, while you focus on what truly matters—getting better.

You Only Pay If You Win

Many people avoid hiring a personal injury lawyer due to concerns about cost. However, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This fee structure ensures that your lawyer is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Your lawyer can also advance all costs associated with pursuing the case so you don’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket while your case is being resolved.

Contact Bowling Law Office Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Kentucky or Tennessee, don’t risk settling with the insurance company on your own. At Bowling Law Office in Middlesboro, we have the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 606-248-8383 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.