Should you Handle Your Own Personal Injury Claim?

Hiring personal injury attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of accident due to another’s negligence, you may be asking yourself, “can I act as my own personal representative in pursuing a personal injury claim”?  This may also be referred to as pro se litigant or self-representation and would be in lieu of having an experienced personal injury lawyer. Before making that decision, consider what this could mean for you.

Will you find it difficult to be objective about your own case? As the pro se litigator, you need to objectively focus on the facts even if something is not in your favor.

Do you have the time needed to put together a comprehensive, effective case? It involves more than just collecting documentation, photographs and/or video, medical records, statements and other forms of evidence.

If these two things do not sway you, then consider the following.

Questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600.


Personal Injury Claim – Do You Handle it Yourself?

This is a general overview and does not cover every point in detail.

Full and fair compensation. Without a lawyer who can advocate on your behalf, you may not understand what should be offered and end up accepting a settlement that is too low.

personal injury claim negligence accidentLegal rights and options. A lawyer can help you make sense of your legal rights and options, advising you on the best course of action to take along the way. This will save you from misinterpreting or misunderstanding the laws involved, making decisions that are not in your best interest or making mistakes that could affect the credibility of your case. Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected.

Insurance companies. Insurance companies and the claims adjuster(s) may take advantage of you. Always remember, insurance companies are for-profit companies. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, which means, if you don’t understand how they work, you can be at their mercy. Most personal injury lawyers understand how insurance companies operate and can use that to your advantage.

Legal process. Filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if your accident resulted in serious or long-term injuries.  A personal injury lawyer understands how and when a claim should be processed and filed. S/he will gather all the evidence needed to prove your case in court. S/he will know where to find medical records and will have access to police reports and can obtain all the information necessary.

Deadlines. There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim and states have different time restrictions before a claim becomes invalid. If you miss these important deadlines, you can lose your right to seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer knows the laws and deadlines inside and out and will ensure they are met.

Expert witnesses. Expert witnesses can provide valuable testimony on your behalf. Without a lawyer, you may not have all the tools you need to prove your case, such as access to the right expert witnesses.

Legal skills and knowledge. Putting a case together requires legal skills and knowledge, such as the art of negotiation, what evidence to gather, how to investigate your claim, how to build a case strategically,and knowing how to hold responsible parties accountable.

Experienced personal injury lawyers know the legal system inside and out and will take the time to learn everything they need to know about your injury. When injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, when liability is unclear or there are other factors involved, you might want to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer.


Why Choose Nash & Franciskato?

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You want to take the time to concentrate on recovering from your injuries and that may include extensive rehabilitation. In the meantime, a personal injury attorney can focus on the tasks needed to obtain a fair settlement for you and that may mean going to trial.

When you need an assertive yet compassionate personal injury lawyer, contact the capable counsel of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.

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Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

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