As a personal injury attorney, I hear this question almost daily. Most clients have spoken with their insurance company and think calling the adjuster is all they need to do to handle their claim quickly and efficiently. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most insurance companies don’t have your interest at heart. Hiring an attorney isn’t a “last resort” option. Without an attorney on your side, you could face costly mistakes in settling your case. Most injury lawyers will take your claim on a “contingent fee basis.” What does that mean? It simply means if your attorney doesn’t recover money for you, you may owe nothing. Be sure to read your contract to find out exactly how your fee agreement will be handled. You may be responsible for costs concerning your case, perhaps for medical records, etc.
Waiting too long to retain an attorney could hurt your case. You might make costly mistakes that could harm your settlement. Usually, we immediately send an investigator to take photos of the accident scene and interview witnesses. Preserving evidence before it’s lost or destroyed may be critical to your case. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations gives you 3 years to file a law suit regarding your case unless it involves a wrongful death in which case you have 2 years. There are exceptions that your attorney will discuss with you.
National insurance statistics state that auto accident recoveries are 3.5 times higher when you hire an attorney to handle your auto accident case. Most injured clients ask if they will have to appear in court. Usually, the answer is, “No.” Many accident claims are handled out of court in a settlement agreement.
Certainly, one of the most asked questions is, “How much will I get for my injury?” The answer isn’t simple. If it were, you probably wouldn’t need an attorney. Assuming you’ve been injured, your settlement would depend on the amount of the defendant’s insurance coverage, your own personal insurance, the extent of your injuries and your recovery. An experienced personal injury lawyer is better equipped to calculate your damages than you would be. Medical payments coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and the insurance coverage carried by the at-fault driver are all factors that could play into the value of your settlement. There is no set formula to determine the amount you may receive for your injuries, but the insurance adjuster is NOT on your side. Rushing to settlement could be your biggest mistake. Check with an experienced personal injury attorney, you’ll be glad you did.