What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?

7 June 2021
 Categories: Law, Blog

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After being involved in an accident, the first thing is to inform your insurance company before proceeding to gather photographic evidence. Afterward, you need to get in touch with a personal injury attorney who will ensure you are compensated for any damages and losses resulting from the accident.

Personal injury lawyers handle the following cases:

  • Automotive accidents

  • Aviation accidents

  • Mass transportation accidents 

  • Bike accidents

  • Pedestrian accidents

  • Boating accidents

  • Nursing home neglect and abuse accidents

  • Medical malpractice cases

Here are a few specific ways a personal injury attorney can help your case.

Investigating Claims

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis meaning they only get paid after their clients have been compensated. Their fees are usually a percentage of the compensation. This means that the financial burden of the case lies on your attorney. For this reason, attorneys scrutinize each case before taking it on to assess if it will result in a win.

Gathering Evidence

In order to build a compelling case, your attorney will gather all evidence that is relevant to your case. This may include witness statements, police reports, camera footage, medical records and bills, photographic evidence, and even evidence reconstruction experts. Evidence will help hold the other party accountable and make them pay for your troubles.

Carrying Out Negotiations With Insurance Companies

Personal injury lawyers have experience negotiating, especially with insurance companies. Your attorney will help review the details of your policy and calculate the amount of compensation you deserve depending on the circumstances. 

It is also your lawyer's role to communicate with the insurance company and prevent you from doing anything that could jeopardize your claim. Giving a recorded statement, for instance, could lower your chances of getting compensated.

Sending Demand Letters

After thoroughly investigating your claim, your attorney may send a demand letter to the insurance company. Stated in this letter are the facts surrounding the accident as well as a demand for a certain amount of money to cover the damages suffered as a result of the plaintiff's injury.

Representing Clients During Hearings

In cases where the insurance companies refuse to settle, the case will proceed to trial. Hiring a personal injury lawyer gives you peace of mind regarding court processes you may not be familiar with.

Getting involved in accidents can be traumatizing for survivors. Although it doesn't reverse the situation, it is only fair that accident victims be fully compensated for their losses. Contact a local personal injury attorney, like Carter & Fulton, P.S., for more information regarding your case.