If you are injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence or misconduct, it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. While you’re not required to hire an attorney, not having a San Francisco personal injury lawyer on your side may put you at certain disadvantages. Read on to learn more about the risks involved when injured victims handle personal injury cases by themselves.
What Do Personal Injury Attorneys Do?
Personal injury attorneys help individuals navigate the legal aftermath of accidents. They specialize in various areas, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and workplace injuries.
San Francisco auto accident lawyers provide legal guidance, thoroughly investigate claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court, if necessary. They ensure your rights are protected and that you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the potential risks of not hiring a San Francisco personal injury lawyer.
You May Risk Losing Out on Full and Fair Compensation
Personal injury victims who handle their cases may miss out on their opportunity to secure the full and fair compensation they are entitled to. Insurance companies are motivated by their bottom line and often attempt to minimize payouts. On average, people with a personal injury lawyer typically recover 3.5 times more compensation than those who represent themselves.
Without a skilled attorney advocating for you, you may likely be offered a settlement that falls short of covering all your damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to recover the maximum compensation available.
Legal Complexities Involved in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases involve intricate legal nuances that can be challenging for individuals without legal expertise to navigate. An experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney is well-versed in the complexities of these cases. Before hiring a lawyer, it’s crucial to ask them if they have recent experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you were hit by an Uber driver, you would want to work with an experienced attorney who has won rideshare accident cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers.
Legal Paperwork and Missed Deadlines
In California, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is 2 years. The legal process for personal injury lawsuits requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict deadlines. Failure to submit the necessary paperwork or meet crucial timelines can have severe consequences for your case. An experienced personal injury attorney will ensure that all the legal documentation is completed accurately and promptly. They will work to prevent any unnecessary setbacks and resolve your case in a timely manner.
Emotional and Mental Distress
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Having a personal injury attorney by your side can help alleviate the stress associated with the claims process and allow you to focus on your recovery and your family.
Lack of Time and Resources
Pursuing a personal injury case demands time, effort, and resources. Without a lawyer, you may find it challenging to gather the necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare a compelling personal injury case. An auto accident attorney has the expertise and resources to handle all aspects of your case efficiently.
The Other Driver’s Insurance Company May Try to Assign Blame or Deny Your Claim
Insurance companies are known to employ various tactics to minimize payouts, including shifting blame onto the victim. A personal injury lawyer can counter these strategies, protecting your rights and ensuring that you are not unfairly held responsible for the accident. A skilled auto accident attorney can help you build a strong case to prove the other party’s negligence.
The Insurance Companies May Try to Drag Out Your Case
Insurance companies may attempt to dispute liability and prolong the personal injury claims process, hoping that claimants will settle for less than they deserve. With a personal injury attorney advocating for you, they are less likely to engage in misleading tactics that can lengthen the timeline of your case.
What Damages Are Recoverable In a Personal Injury Case?
In a personal injury case, injured victims may pursue damages for their economic and non-economic losses. Auto accident victims may pursue the following damages in a personal injury lawsuit:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are monetary losses caused by the accident, and can include the following:
Medical expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills related to the injury. This can include hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and physical therapy.
Lost wages: Injured victims can pursue compensation for lost income as a result of their recovery.
Property damage: Compensation for damage to personal property resulting from the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective losses that can be difficult to calculate without the expertise of an experienced attorney. These kinds of damages can include:
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the reduction in the victim’s quality of life.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on relationships with family or spouse. This can include the loss of love, support, guidance, and affection.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in an accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim to pursue compensation for losses including funeral and burial costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
A San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney Can Advocate for You in Your Time of Need
In times of distress, having a compassionate advocate on your side is invaluable. A San Francisco personal injury attorney not only handles the legal aspects of your case but also provides support and guidance. They will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and safeguard your best interests during this challenging period.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Won’t Offer a Fair Settlement?
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an experienced personal injury lawyer can take legal action to pursue your rightful compensation. This may involve filing a lawsuit and presenting your case in court. Experienced trial lawyers will build and present a compelling case in court on your behalf. They will provide the strategic legal advocacy you need to win your case.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Common car accident injuries include the following:
- Whiplash
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
Call an Experienced San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The risks associated with not hiring a San Francisco personal injury lawyer are significant. From the potential loss of compensation to navigating the complexities of legal proceedings, the assistance of a skilled attorney is invaluable.
At Golden State Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping injured victims obtain justice. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. If you’ve been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to call our San Francisco law firm today.
