If you’re ever injured in an accident in Louisville, and were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. The first step after an accident is always to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Once everyone is safe, it’s important to find a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and fight for compensation right away.
To recover maximum compensation for your losses, it’s important to understand what a personal injury lawyer is, when to obtain one, and how they can help you through the process.
What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The role of a Louisville personal injury lawyer is to ensure that all liable parties are held responsible for causing the accident and that the victim and/or their family is fairly compensated for any losses. This could entail financial damages, such as current and future medical expenses and lost wages, and/or property damage. Compensation could also include non-economic damages, such as emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment. If the accident was caused by reckless behavior, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Types of Cases Handled by a Personal Injury Lawyer
While most people associate personal injury lawyers with vehicle accidents, they are qualified to handle any cases that fall under tort law. Tort is a legal term used in civil litigation that means any act, whether committed by accident or on purpose, that causes injury and/or property damage to someone else. Common types of personal injury cases beyond vehicle accidents include work-related accidents, slip and fall incidents, animal attacks, medical malpractice, product liability, and the wrongful death of a loved one.
Skills and Expertise of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Licensed lawyers must spend many years studying law before passing the bar exam in their state. From their years of practice, lawyers develop skills in case investigation, interviewing witnesses, and court representation. A personal injury lawyer will have expertise in tort law and specialized skills such as negotiating with insurance companies and working with expert physicians.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer?
You may be wondering if you can handle your personal injury claim on your own. However, even minor accidents can have complications and the personal injury claim process can get complex. It’s also likely that the defendant and their insurance company will have a legal team, so having a personal injury lawyerwill put you on equal footing.
Still unsure? Here are some more advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer:
Legal knowledge and expertise
A personal injury lawyer in Louisville will have insider knowledge of the laws and deadlines that apply to your unique case. They’ll also have the skills and expertise to gather key evidence and employ the right experts to negotiate maximum compensation.
Help with negotiations and settlements
Insurance companies will be more interested in increasing their profits than looking out for what’s best for you. They are also known for taking advantage of victims without lawyers. Instead of trying to engage with them, it’s better to have a personal injury lawyer who is an expert negotiator to get you an optimal settlement.
Handling paperwork and legal procedures
The insurance claims process can be cumbersome. Having a personal injury lawyer who knows how to file the proper paperwork and follow the correct legal procedures can prevent any conflicts or delays.
Representation in court
While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the court system and prepared to go to trial.
Emotional support during the process
When you’re recovering from an injury or the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want is to deal with more stress. A personal injury lawyer will not only take care of filing your claim and negotiating a settlement on your behalf but can also provide emotional support and peace of mind.
When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
There are some instances in which hiring a personal injury lawyer may not be necessary, such as in the event of a minor fender-bender that resulted in minimal damage. However, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance if your case is complex or the damage is more severe, such as in the following situations:
Serious injury or death
Some accidents, such as tractor trailer-involved accidents, can result in more serious injuries or casualties. Sometimes minor injuries can develop into more serious ones over time. The damage may be more long-term or permanent and will require greater compensation to cover lost wages and medical care in the future.
Complex legal issues
Some cases might be more complicated because they involve multiple liable and/or injured parties. Likewise, it is not always clear who is at fault and to what degree, which warrants a more thorough investigation.
Unresponsive insurance company
Insurance companies are notorious for employing tactics to delay the claim resolution process and get the injured party to accept less money than they deserve. Having a personal injury lawyer will help you be taken more seriously.
Difficulty obtaining compensation
If the insurance company refuses to pay for damages, a personal injury lawyer can send a demand letter requesting compensation. If they still don’t respond, your lawyer can take more serious action such as filing a lawsuit with the appropriate court.
After an Accident, contact a Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer
No matter how simple you think your case is, it’s always a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer in your corner to protect you against the insurance companies. Even if you are unsure whether your case warrants legal representation, there is no harm in contacting a lawyer for a free consultation.
Here at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we are proud to be the personal injury lawyers Louisville residents can count on to take on the insurance companies. In fact, we have obtained multi-million-dollar settlements for more than 20 clients over the last 5 years. Plus, with our Bigger Share Guarantee® , we won’t get paid until you do.
If you or a loved one have suffered injury or loss due to the actions of someone else in or around Louisville, contact Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today!