There are many situations that may require the help of a personal injury attorney —whether it’s dealing with the aftermath of a car accident or a medical malpractice issue, there is a wide variety of potential personal injury cases. But if someone has yet to work with a personal injury lawyer, they may not quite understand what they do. So whether you’re in need of a personal injury attorney or are interested in becoming one, here are just a few of the many tasks personal injury lawyers can tackle.
Gather And Sort Evidence
For any type of personal injury claim, there needs to be evidence to help prove fault. If you were in an accident or sustained an injury due to someone’s negligence, you may compile evidence like medical records, police reports, and even pictures of the scene. From there, it’s a personal injury lawyer’s job to sort through this evidence. They will look at the evidence and decide what can be used to help build a stronger case and what may hurt the case. Additionally, they may reach out to medical professionals or witnesses for further evidence to add to the claim. Evidence plays a crucial role in the chances of a claim’s success.
Investigate Claims
Before a lawyer decides to take a case, they will thoroughly investigate the claim. Most attorneys only get paid once a settlement has been secured, so they are careful about which cases they take on. They will usually screen a potential client, looking at the evidence and deciding if there is merit behind the claim. This is to ensure both the attorney and client have the best possible chance of a successful settlement.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is perhaps the most important, and most challenging, aspect of a personal injury claim. Insurance companies will usually offer compensation that is lower than what is actually deserved—and without an attorney, people may end up taking what the insurance company offers. But an experienced personal injury lawyer will look into the insurance policy details and figure out the compensation that should be given. Motorcycle lawyers in California will use their experience to speak with insurance companies and determine a favorable solution. Having an attorney negotiate with insurance companies will also protect clients from making a mistake, like settling for a lower compensation or even giving a recorded statement.
Draft Pleadings
If negotiations with insurance companies don’t go as planned, a personal injury claim may be filed against the defendant. This pleading needs to include important information, like legal arguments for fault and the desired compensation. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to draft a correct pleading and give their client the best chance possible of receiving compensation. The lawyer will also help decide what move to make next if the defendant counters the complaint.
Provide Representation In Court
Those who receive their online criminal justice degree will also be responsible for representing their clients in court. If the personal injury claim does not get settled outside of court, there will be a trial. During the trial, attorneys are responsible for filing paperwork on time, providing the court evidence, calling witnesses, and more. Going through a trial can be a long and difficult process, so clients need to ensure they have a reputable and trustworthy lawyer by their side.
Many people make the mistake of thinking they can handle personal injury matters by themselves. But without the help of a personal injury attorney, people may find themselves struggling to work with insurance companies and risk walking away with little to no compensation for their injuries. So anyone with a personal injury situation should hire an experienced lawyer to help with their case, no matter how small it may seem.
