Why It Pays To Consult A Lawyer For Small Injury Claims
Many people will run to a lawyer when they sustain serious injuries (such as broken limbs) in an auto accident, but not 'minor injuries' such as back pain. However, it is not wise to make a hasty decision on when to consult a lawyer and when to accept an offer on your own. Even if you are not planning to retain an accident attorney, you can still benefit from a consultation with one. For example, you may still need the lawyer because:
It's not all about Physical Injury
When classifying an injury as minor or major, you are likely to focus only on the physical injuries. However, this is not the only form of injury that the responsible defendant or insurance company should compensate you for. Pain and suffering damages, which includes your emotional distress, should also form part of the compensation. What is more, these damages aren't easy to estimate or quantify, so you aren't probably qualified to label them as minor.
Your Injuries May Get Worse With Time
One disadvantage of not consulting a lawyer for a minor injury is that the injury may not be so minor after all. This is especially likely to be the case if you have not received professional medical attention and just received home treatment. There are some injuries that may seem minor, but they reveal their true colors after some time.
An example is a concussion, a head injury that may seem minor immediately after the accident. However, the potential complications of a concussion are dire. Experienced injury lawyers have dealt with similar cases in the past and may advise you on what to do.
A Lawyer Will Boost Your Settlement
You are likely to receive a serious (read substantial) offer from the insurance company if you have legal representation than if you are negotiating on your own. This is because having a lawyer sends a signal to the insurance company that you are serious and may even sue it. If you have minor injuries, then you are already facing the prospect of a small settlement. Do you want to reduce it further by not hiring an attorney?
If you are involved in an accident and sustain a minor injury, then you need to get medical attention and then consult an attorney (like those at Stapleton Law Offices). The lawyer will evaluate your case and help you get an estimate of its worth. After that, you can decide whether to retain him or her or handle the case on your own.