No one expects to find themselves in an accident or injury situation. However, accidents and injuries happen every day – often as the result of another person’s negligence.
If you have been injured, it is important to hire a qualified personal injury attorney in Carrollton ga. There are several things you should look for in an experienced lawyer to best ensure that your case is successful.
Knowledge of the Law
The most important role a personal injury attorney performs is helping injured victims understand their legal rights. This can include explaining statutes of limitations, which are time limits on how long an accident victim has to file a claim.
An attorney can also provide an objective perspective to help their clients make decisions that aren’t clouded by the fear, frustration and stress many accident victims experience. They can also work with health care professionals to place a value on the extent of an accident victim’s injuries, and ensure that compensation demands reflect their full impact.
In addition, an experienced attorney can assist in determining which parties should be sued for their negligence, such as car manufacturers, retailers who sold unsafe products and even other individuals who contributed to the cause of the accident. This is vital to maximizing compensation. An attorney can negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company or lawyers to secure a fair settlement.
Negotiation Skills
One of the key roles injury lawyers play is negotiating with insurance companies on their clients’ behalf. They know how to effectively present the most compelling evidence that improves a person’s chances of recovering fair compensation for their losses.
During settlement negotiations, it’s important to focus on the measurable damages you have incurred, such as medical treatment costs and lost wages. An experienced injury lawyer can help you calculate the dollar value of these measurable damages and ensure that you receive adequate financial compensation.
It’s also necessary to consider non-measurable damages, such as pain and suffering. Outside factors can also impact the settlement or award, such as social movements and changes in attitudes toward certain types of injuries. For example, increasing awareness of sexual assault or harassment may lead to more emotional distress claims. This type of claim could result in a higher award for these non-economic damages. In some cases, an attorney may even need to bring in outside experts to support your claim.
Experience
A personal injury attorney has years of experience navigating complex legal systems and obtaining fair settlements for their clients. The attorneys at a personal injury firm will review your medical records and consult with healthcare professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.
They will utilize this information to negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that your damages account for all past and anticipated future expenses as well as a fair amount of pain and suffering. They can also advise you on other damages you may be entitled to, such as mental distress or lost wages.
When dealing with personal injury cases, it is easy to enter the process with high expectations and unrealistic expectations of what can happen in court. A personal injury attorney can manage these expectations, so you do not get frustrated or disappointed with the process or your results. They can also assist you in determining which parties to sue for your injuries, particularly if there are multiple parties involved.
Ability to Secure a Fair Settlement
When it comes to your physical and financial well-being, a personal injury attorney can take the burden off of you by dealing with insurance companies, building a case for trial and determining a fair settlement value. This can save you a lot of time and stress.
They can advise you about what documents and other materials are needed to support your claim, such as medical records, photographs, eyewitness testimonies, expert opinions and more. They can also help you understand how your damages would be calculated if your case goes to court and recommend a reputable accountant if accepting a settlement will impact your taxes.
Your lawyer can also help you document your emotional suffering to ensure that it is reflected in your final settlement. Although quantifying emotional distress can be challenging, courts recognize it as an important part of a personal injury claim and consider it when awarding compensation. This is separate from tangible economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages.