Knowing you have grounds for a claim does not translate into winning it. Personal injury claims are more complex than most people realize.
Proving liability often requires detailed evidence, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of legal precedents.
These are some of the reasons why you are better off leaving a personal injury lawyer to deal with the complex nitty-gritty of your lawsuit. Since the process can be complicated, speaking to Jeffrey Phillips of Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers can prove to be immensely useful. Keep reading to learn more.
How a Lawyer Evaluates Your Case
Just because the other driver rammed into your vehicle does not mean they are liable for damages. You may also have a role to play. Remember, Arizona follows the pure comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages even if you are found partially at fault for your accident.
However, your percentage of damages is reduced in proportion to your share of liability. These are some of the factors a lawyer will look at while evaluating your case. After their evaluation, they will let you know if you have grounds for a case.
Lawyers Will Guide You Through the Process
You may think a personal injury lawsuit involves filing paperwork and waiting for results. It’s far more complicated than that. For one, you need medical records, police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and sometimes even accident reconstruction to prove liability.
A personal injury lawyer can use their resources to collect this evidence and prepare it for submission. On top of that, they will help ensure that the legal paperwork is drafted correctly, filed within the statute of limitations, and sent to the defendant.
Lawyers Calculate the Damages You Are Entitled To
To ensure you receive fair compensation, your lawyer will also help you calculate damages, both tangible and intangible. For economic damages, they will consider your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any out-of-pocket expenses when determining the final figure.
They will use the multiplier or per diem method to calculate your pain and suffering damages. They’ll also consider mental health ailments like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.
Lawyers Negotiate With Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Insurance companies are never on your side. They will often try to undermine your claim to get you to settle for less. And without a lawyer who knows their tactics, it’s easy to fall for them.
Never negotiate with insurance adjusters without an attorney. They will use their judgment, experience, and negotiation skills to fight for your rights and fair compensation.
Lawyers Use Their Resources to Fight Your Case
Personal injury cases, especially complex ones, often require expertise from different professionals. For instance, a truck accident may have multiple levels of liability. Your attorney may leverage their resources and connect with an accident reconstruction expert. These experts will investigate and shed light on the crash factors. That’s not all. A medical expert may offer insight into the extent of your injuries and how they may affect your life in the future.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is the Smartest Move
No one is going to stop you from filing your personal injury lawsuit independently. But this is never the right move, even in straightforward cases. You are better off hiring a qualified attorney to help you with the claim.
If you’re unsure where to find a personal injury lawyer, start by asking friends and family. Has anyone worked with an attorney before? What was their experience? Can they share a recommendation?
If that doesn’t lead to a match, Google it. Many online directories list reputable attorneys, making it easier to find one with the right experience for your case.
Conclusion
Working with a personal injury lawyer gives you a real shot at justice and fair compensation. They know the law, handle the heavy lifting, and protect you from being taken advantage of. When your health and future are on the line, having an expert by your side can make all the difference.
