Not all car accident claims require an attorney to obtain a fair settlement, but there are many circumstances in which hiring an attorney is the smart choice. When you’re faced with the decision of whether or not to seek legal assistance in your accident case, there are some important questions to ask yourself when determining what to do.
Is Legal Representation Necessary?
If you’re unsure if it’s worth your time and money to hire an attorney, here are some questions to ask yourself that might hold the answers you need:
- Is fault being contested? If the other driver is claiming you’re partially at fault for the accident, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf. Being assigned a lower fault percentage can greatly increase your ability to collect damages.
- Can you easily pay your out-of-pocket expenses? If you have minimal medical costs that your insurance doesn’t cover, you might be comfortable absorbing this expense on your own. However, being faced with a bill that creates financial hardship makes hiring an attorney in your best interests.
- What future expenses will you have? If you’ll continue to need medication, physical therapy, or household help because of your injuries, an attorney can maximize your compensation and help secure your financial future.
- Do you have the time to learn about car accident and personal injury law? Even a fairly routine claim will require you to invest several hours in researching relevant laws and presenting your case. If your case is complex, you could easily spend the equivalent of several full work weeks negotiating a settlement. Hiring an attorney to handle this task lets you focus on recovering and moving forward with your life.
Can You Afford to Hire an Attorney?
Personal injury attorneys typically accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so hiring one requires no up-front expense. When your case is settled, your attorney will accept a percentage of the settlement as payment for his services.
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.