Why Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Often Means a Larger Recovery

If you’re seeking compensation following a car crash, slip and fall incident, or other accident that causes injury or loss, what options do you have? You could file an insurance claim in hopes of having the provider send a payout, but hiring a personal injury attorney might be a smarter approach. Having an accident lawyer on your side can provide ample benefits, including the possibility of a larger settlement payout. 

Discover why seeking legal representation is worthwhile when you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence. 

Legal Professionals Understand Common Tactics Insurers Use 

In an effort to keep more money in their pockets, insurance companies may offer payouts that misrepresent a claim’s total worth. For example, say your auto insurer agrees to pay for the cost of vehicle damage repairs and some of your medical expenses after an accident. If you experience extreme anxiety or PTSD symptoms due to the accident, the initial offer may not account for your psychological trauma. 

Hiring a personal injury attorney to evaluate your case means having an experienced professional assess its potential worth. Lawyers will review the insurance company’s offer and negotiate accordingly if they perceive it as a low-ball settlement. 

Lawyers Represent Accident Victims With Objectivity and Professionalism

When someone survives an accident and decides to seek compensation from the at-fault party, it can be difficult for them to advocate for themselves. Victims who pursue claims on their own may find it daunting to juggle the following:

• Recovering physically and emotionally
• Gathering evidence supporting their claim
• Calculating a reasonable settlement offer
• Communicating with insurance adjusters

By hiring a lawyer, a victim can focus solely on recovering from the accident. Legal counsel can handle other tasks like collecting evidence, determining damages, and negotiating with insurance representatives. 

The objectivity and knowledge that a lawyer provides can give their clients peace of mind. 

Potential Litigation May Encourage Insurers To Settle for a Higher Amount

How can hiring a personal injury attorney potentially increase the amount of compensation accident victims may recover? Insurance companies could offer a lower payout to a claimant without legal representation. As soon as they have a lawyer on their side, adjusters may become willing to agree to a higher settlement. 

Experienced attorneys don’t shy away from a trial if necessary. Prolonging the case with litigation ultimately costs insurers in legal fees. To avoid this route, the insurance company may agree to a pre-trial settlement. 

Legal Fees in Personal Injury Cases Often Stem From a Final Settlement

Many personal injury law firms appeal to prospective clients by claiming they won’t pay a dime unless they win. Attorneys who practice this area of law often operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that if a lawyer successfully recovers damages in a pre-trial settlement or wins their client’s court case, their compensation comes out of the settlement. 

In a successful case, legal fees may amount to between 30% and 40% of the settlement. Given the above-mentioned factors, some victims may end up with more than initially offered, even after compensating their lawyer. 

One client of Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro, & Hall LLC experienced this firsthand, though outcomes vary for individual cases. Insurance adjusters first offered them $250,000 for their injury, but their experienced legal team was able to recover a $1.85 million settlement. The client was left with much more than they would have upon accepting the first offer. 

Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney To Oversee Your Case

Given the potential financial benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney, why wait to seek legal advice after an accident? Contact Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC online or call 716-848-8000 to schedule a free consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

How much is my personal injury case worth?

The value of a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact the injuries have on your life. It’s best to consult with an attorney for an evaluation.

How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?

The time it takes to settle a personal injury case varies. Some cases may be resolved quickly through negotiations, while others may take longer and involve litigation. Factors include the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to settle.

Do I need to hire an attorney for a personal injury case?

While it’s possible to handle a personal injury claim on your own, hiring an attorney can be beneficial. Attorneys have experience with insurance companies, understand legal procedures, and can advocate for your best interests, potentially leading to a higher settlement.