Read This Before Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Personal injury law covers a pretty wide range of accidents and injuries in a variety of scenarios. Most people know that they might have a claim against the person or entity that caused them harm, but it’s important to take certain factors into consideration when making the decision to pursue legal action.

The information below provides valuable guidance about injury claims – and how hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your case may be the best decision you can make for yourself, and the well-being of your family.

Your chance at a better outcome increases when you hire a lawyer

Insurance companies are known for trying to escape liability. The profit they make is the difference between the premiums you pay and the claims they refuse to pay. Tactics insurance companies employ to deny your claim include:

• Turning fault back toward you. Any statement you make to the insurance company can be used against you in an attempt to place blame on you. This includes any statement you make that the insurance company can gain access to, including social media.
• Delaying your claim. Maybe the adjuster isn’t returning your calls, or they’re “waiting for documentation.” Companies drag out the claims process to force your hand when you have bills to pay, hoping you’ll settle for less. An attorney can keep your case moving.
• Obtaining your signature. Did you know that if you sign anything an insurance company gives you before your own lawyer reviews it, you are giving up your legal rights? Once you sign, there’s little to nothing an attorney will be able to do to remedy the situation.

Personal injury attorneys know how to counteract these tactics and keep your case on track. The moment an insurance company receives notice that you have an attorney, they know their attempts to offer you a lowball amount or to slip out of liability altogether have come to an end. Personal injury lawyers can accurately value claims, negotiate favorable settlements, and take your case to trial if the insurance company is unreasonable.

Proving fault can be a challenge

In a personal injury case, proving the party who harmed you was negligent is the key to a successful outcome. Without that, you have no case. While photos, video, witness statements, and documentation might provide enough, experienced attorneys know how to find subtle proof of fault in more difficult cases.

Finding that crucial evidence to gain an advantage in settlement may require a deep dive into the facts of your case. Utilizing expert investigative resources may be needed to pinpoint the cause of your injuries and resulting damages.

Delay may cost you

The statute of limitations for personal injury in Arizona is two years from the date of injury. In some cases, like claims against the city or state, injuries that happen on the job, and some specialty claims, you may face deadlines as short as 180 days! If you miss this deadline, you may lose your ability to collect any compensation at all. You should contact an attorney for a consultation as soon as possible after your accident.

The longer you wait to retain an attorney, the more opportunity arises for an insurance company to box you in by using innocent statements against you when determining fault. Attorney involvement cuts your direct communication with the insurance company. Additionally, as more time passes, your recollection of important details will begin to fade and can potentially damage your case.

Injured parties may be more protected with a personal injury lawsuit

Just because you’re injured, it doesn’t mean your day-to-day responsibilities stop. If your injuries are substantial, you may not be able to return to work right away – or at all. You might need the aid of a home health care worker or your home may need to be outfitted for mobility issues. Aside from your physical recovery, now you have mounting bills and financial stress.

A personal injury attorney knows that filing a lawsuit is sometimes your only option to protect your financial future, which may also affect your recovery progress. Don’t take the risk of trying to settle a claim yourself. Insurance companies rely on wearing down injured parties, forcing them to settle for less than they should.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, talk to the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Plattner Verderame, P.C. today. We can help you determine if you have a strong case, and then work with you to secure the compensation you deserve. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation in our Phoenix or Tempe office, reach out to a member of our firm by calling 602-266-2002 or by completing our contact form.