Ever been injured and asked yourself, “should I get a lawyer?”
It happens to millions of people every year, and there’s rarely a simple yes or no answer. Sometimes you know you need legal help, and other times it seems like overkill.
What if we told you the wrong choice could cost you thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars?
What you’ll discover:
- Let’s start with the real talk
- Serious Injuries (Or Worsening Ones)
- Insurance Company Games
- Multiple People or Parties Involved
- Losing Work (And Income)
Let’s start with the real talk
Statistics show about 91% of people with attorneys actually get paid a settlement. Only 51% of people with no legal help recover any payout.
The bigger point? The payout value for people with a lawyer is nearly three times higher than for those without one.
Add up all these cases and you’ve got a $57.3 billion personal injury legal market.
There’s a reason this is one of the most litigious sectors in the law. These cases can involve a ton of money and have major consequences for victims.
So, when do you really need a personal injury lawyer? You’re about to find out…
Serious Injuries (Or Worsening Ones)
Ok, you probably guessed this one. But, you’d be surprised how many people try to “tough it out.”
Any time you need to go to the hospital or emergency room, see a specialist or surgeon, or get ongoing medical treatment for your injury, it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer. It’s non-negotiable.
Serious injuries equal larger claims and more complicated insurance companies that will fight hard to minimize any payouts. You need a skilled advocate on your side.
And “serious” means:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head or brain trauma
- Spinal cord or nerve damage
- Permanent scarring
- Injuries that require multiple doctor or ER visits
The Problem…
Injuries that seem “minor” at first can often turn into a big problem later on. That “minor” neck or back pain from your car accident could lead to chronic issues that affect your job and quality of life for years to come.
The smart play? Get a personal injury lawyer involved early on, even if you think you’re good. They can keep a close eye on your situation and jump in if you need help.
Insurance Company Games
Insurance adjusters are not your friend. Yes, they might sound friendly on the phone, but their job is to pay out as little as possible. End of story.
When they start pushing you to settle quickly for far less than you deserve or refusing to cover key costs, that’s when you need a lawyer.
Lawyer up if:
- They’re pressuring you to accept a quick settlement
- The settlement offer seems too low
- They’re asking for recorded statements repeatedly
- They’re outright denying liability when it’s clear
- Contact or communication suddenly stops
Insurance companies know you’re an easier target if you don’t have a lawyer. They’ll throw out some big, impressive sounding numbers that are really just a small fraction of what you deserve.
But did you know about 95% of personal injury cases are settled outside of court? Insurance companies would rather pay a fair settlement than go up against a seasoned lawyer in court. Leverage that to your advantage.
Multiple People or Parties Involved
If more than one person was injured, more than one vehicle was involved, a contractor was involved in your workplace injury, or multiple insurance policies come into play, get a lawyer.
These cases quickly become legal quagmires where each party tries to shift blame onto the other. Insurance companies pass the buck while you get left with nothing in the middle.
Personal injury lawyers know how to navigate the maze of liability issues and make sure you don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Losing Work (And Income)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity add up fast.
Any time your injury is keeping you out of work for more than a few days or even reduced hours at work due to medical appointments, pain, or other limitations, it’s time to call an attorney.
It’s not just your paycheck, it’s:
- Future earning potential
- Missed promotions
- Lost benefits while out of work
- Reduced productivity and future earning capacity
Most people vastly underestimate these costs. A personal injury lawyer has the experience and resources to help properly value your lost income claims.
The Other Side Has Lawyers
If the person or company that caused your injuries has a lawyer, you need one too.
Otherwise, you’re going into a legal battle with one arm tied behind your back. The other side’s lawyers will use every legal trick to pay you as little as possible, or nothing at all.
It’s time to level the playing field. Personal injury lawyers typically work on contingency fees, so you pay nothing unless they win. No financial risk in getting the best help possible.
Liability Is in Question
“It’s not our fault” is the insurance company’s favorite phrase.
If there’s any question or dispute about who caused your accident or injury, it’s time to hire a lawyer who knows how to investigate, gather evidence, and build a strong case.
Obtaining video surveillance footage before it’s wiped, interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh, working with accident reconstruction experts, reviewing police reports for mistakes, and gathering maintenance records for faulty products are all examples of evidence collection.
The evidence preservation clock is always ticking. Wait too long and key proof of the other party’s liability and negligence could be gone forever.
Settlement Process Is Overwhelming
Personal injury cases are paperwork, deadline, and procedure mines.
Miss one deadline, improperly file a single form, and your entire case could be blown up.
Two to three years is the typical state statute of limitations for filing suit, but many of these other deadlines come much sooner.
You’ll be juggling:
- Requests for medical records
- Insurance company forms and correspondence
- Witness statements and depositions
- Documentation of lost wages
All while you’re trying to recover from your injuries and get your life back to normal. Somewhere, something’s got to give. Don’t let it be your legal rights.
They’re Offering a “Quick Settlement”
Insurance companies love a quick settlement. That’s because the average payout is far lower than what a fully developed claim is worth.
If you get contacted by an insurance adjuster days after your accident with a settlement offer, that’s a MASSIVE red flag.
They’re hoping you’ll take that offer before you even understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Here’s the issue.
Some injuries have symptoms that take weeks or even months to develop. Soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even psychological trauma fall into this category.
Accept that quick settlement, and you’ll have permanently waived your right to any more compensation, even if your condition worsens.
The Bottom Line on When to Hire an Attorney
Look, personal injury law exists for a reason.
When someone else’s negligence turns your life upside down, you deserve fair compensation to help put the pieces back together.
The signs are usually pretty obvious. Serious injuries, insurance company games, disputed liability, and cases with multiple parties all point to a need for professional legal help.
Key point:
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, so you don’t pay a dime unless they win your case. There’s zero financial downside to getting a consultation and understanding your options.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation. The $57.3 billion personal injury market exists for a reason. These cases involve real money and real consequences.
Get the representation you deserve. Your future self will thank you.