After experiencing a personal injury, your first thoughts may be, “How will I pay for these medical bills?” or, “When can I go back to work?” Followed shortly after by, “Do I need a personal injury attorney?” Not every accident claim requires the help of a personal injury attorney boston ma but in many cases, involving a lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and maximize compensation. Here are some considerations to help guide your decision.
What Are the Benefits of a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The first thing to point out is that there is no such thing as a guaranteed outcome; if an attorney guarantees that he or she will secure a certain amount of money for you, run the other way. Personal injury lawyers are specialists in areas that injury victims need the most. They help clients understand the process by valuing a claim, provide a buffer by communicating with insurance companies and opposing parties, offer advice on how to keep proper documentation, take stress out of complying with exacting court procedures, arrange for expert witnesses when needed, argue the case in court, and even manage liens by service providers to maximize recovery. Not every claim ends in a lawsuit, but the value of a lawyer can still be immense. Some professional estimates are that insurance companies pay claims 3.5 times higher when a lawyer negotiates on behalf of the claimant.
When Is A Personal Injury Lawyer Unnecessary?
There are a few situations where it may not be worth it to retain a lawyer. If you were an accident but were not injured, you might not have a large enough claim to warrant an attorney, but it would be wise to speak with one to be sure. In that situation, you should probably also visit with a medical specialist to be sure there are no latent injuries for which you will not be able to be compensated once you sign a settlement agreement and release.
If the opposing party’s insurance company has offered its policy limits, there may be no more you can collect from that party, so a lawyer may not be able to improve your situation. However, be aware that there are sometimes additional coverages available, or other potential defendants who may be liable. For instance, Massachusetts requires drivers to carry four types of auto liability coverage and there may also be additional coverage in special situations such as if a vehicle was being driven for work purposes.
When Is the Best Time to Retain a Boston Accident Lawyer?
It is crucial to hire your lawyer at the beginning of the process, even before dealing with insurance adjusters. This way, your attorney can step in on your behalf and be the insurance company’s first point of contact. Once you advise the adjuster or the other party’s lawyer that you are represented by counsel, they may no longer contact you personally. Seeking a lawyer ASAP secures your best position and increases your likelihood for maximum compensation.
