One of the first questions our new clients ask us is whether they need to hire a lawyer. Some people think they’re legally required to have an attorney file any legal action on their behalf. The truth is that you have every right to handle your own accident claim. However, you have the best chance of recovering damages if you retain the best auto accident lawyers in Riverdale.
If you watch a lot of television or movies, you may be under the impression that all you have to do is sue somebody and you’ll automatically receive damages. The actual process of suing somebody is a lot more complicated than that.
Here, we’ll discuss why it’s important to hire a lawyer and some of the benefits of hiring an injury attorney in Riverdale. We’ll also explain how to find the best auto accident lawyers in Riverdale. There is a lot at stake, so you don’t want to leave it in the hands of someone who doesn’t know the law in Georgia.
The Insurance Company Will Take You More Seriously if You Hire a Lawyer
When you file your insurance claim, one of the first things the insurance adjuster will check is to see if you have an attorney. If they find out that you’re handling things on your own, they may try to take advantage of you. They could deny your claim outright. Or they may try to get you to accept a low settlement.
It’s important that you hire a lawyer in Riverdale to review anything they ask you to sign. They typically try to get claimants to sign a settlement release without having their attorney review it. This document will ask you to sign away your rights to pursue the defendant for additional monies down the road. You may be desperate for cash and sign it without thinking twice. They’re banking on you to do this. Once you sign that release, you’re prohibited from going back for more money later.
The problem with this is that you have no idea if you’re going to need future medical care. In the days and weeks following your accident, you may feel fine. If you don’t see a doctor, there’s no way to know how bad your injuries really are. Once you hire a lawyer and you show them this release, you won’t be so quick to agree to the terms of the settlement offer.
You Don’t Want to Be at a Disadvantage in Court
Even if you don’t agree to settle your claim, you’ll still be at a serious disadvantage if you don’t hire a lawyer. If your claim is denied, you’ll have no choice but to file suit. If you attempt to handle this pro se, you will be at a definite disadvantage in court.
Just because the other side has an attorney and you don’t, the judge won’t give you special treatment. They won’t feel bad for you. In fact, they’ll hold you to the same standard as the defendant’s attorney.
If you make any mistakes, the judge will penalize you. For example, if you don’t file the right forms, they will dismiss your case. If the defendant’s attorney files a motion to dismiss and you aren’t prepared, the case could be dismissed with prejudice. This means you won’t be allowed to refile your case later.
At this point, there won’t be anything our injury attorneys in Riverdale can do to help you. That’s why it’s a good idea to at least meet with an attorney before you make any final decisions on whether to hire a lawyer or not.
The Best Auto Accident Lawyers in Riverdale Will Negotiate a Settlement on Your Behalf
As much as you may want your day in court, the best outcome is for you to settle your case. If you hire a lawyer, they will work hard to settle the case with the other side. Settlements are preferable to trials for a number of reasons.
First, trials can be very expensive. The money your attorney spends on trial is money you won’t get at the end of the trial. Second, trials can take a long time to resolve. The court dockets are extremely crowded, especially since things were put on hold for COVID.
If you hire a lawyer and settle your case, you’ll get your money in a lump sum. You also don’t have to worry about losing in court. If you agree to a settlement, you may receive less than your full demand. However, guaranteed money is always preferable to possible money down the road.
If Need Be, Your Injury Attorney in Riverdale Will Go to Trial on Your Behalf
As mentioned above, if all else fails, your injury attorney in Riverdale will have no choice but to go to trial. If the defendant refuses to settle, or their settlement offer is ridiculously low, this will be your only option.
While a trial isn’t ideal, you’re in a much better position if you hire a lawyer to have by your side. They won’t be intimidated by the insurance company’s legal team. Nor will they feel compelled to settle for less than you deserve.
Call and Speak with an Experienced Injury Attorney in Riverdale Today
If you or your family member have been hurt in an accident, you may be entitled to legal damages. It all depends on the facts of your case. If you want to know how strong your case is, you should meet with an experienced injury attorney in Riverdale right away. All you have to do is call and ask if you can schedule your free, initial consultation. One of our attorneys will sit down with you and review your case. They’ll answer any questions you may have about the case and whether you need to hire a lawyer.
Since the first meeting is free, you have nothing to lose. In fact, you don’t pay your attorney anything until your case settles. The defendant is going to have a team of lawyers working for them. You don’t want to be at a disadvantage. That’s why we recommend you hire a lawyer so make sure you contact our firm sooner rather than later.
