A personal injury attorney is a professional who offers legal representation to people who get injured in an accident. The goal of a personal injury lawyer is to get compensation for the accident victim. The finances gained through a settlement can help with medical bills, lost wages, injuries suffered, and the pain and suffering one has to endure due to the damages.
Personal injury lawyers practice in tort law which involves all civil litigation due to wrongdoing and injuries caused by intentional and negligent acts. Some of the most common practice areas for personal injury lawyers include traffic accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and slip and fall accidents.
Fundamentals of Personal Injury Law
A personal injury lawyer wears many huts, and you will be glad they do if you ever need to hire one. Some of their primary functions include:
- Explaining your rights. When you hire a North Bergen Personal Injury Attorney, they will explain the impact of an accident and different legal issues on your rights. Personal injury laws vary from one state to another, especially regarding the statutes of limitations or the impact of comparative negligence on a case.
- Offer advice. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the system just like a professional tour guide. They can help you understand the legal procedures, insurance jargon, and medical terms, making it easier to deal with the documentation involved in personal injury cases. They can help issue a statement to the liable party’s insurance company and seek medical treatment to document the connection between injuries and accidents.
- Court representation. Most personal injury cases rarely end up in a trial. Many settle even before filing a lawsuit. However, if an insurance company tries to hardball you or denies the claim, the only way you can recover and receive compensation is through a civil trial. The litigation process comes with different complications, procedures, and rules of evidence you must adhere to, and only a professional can do this without risking the case.
The other responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer include conducting an investigation, connecting with medical professionals, assessing the damages, and working through different legal processes.
When Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Not every case needs the input of a lawyer. If the damages are minimal, you suffered no severe injuries, and you receive an acceptable settlement offer, spending money on a personal injury lawyer does not make any sense.
However, what may appear to be a simple case can turn into a complicated legal battle that needs you to hire a personal injury lawyer. In most cases, you will need their services if the insurance company denies the claims or if the claim involves multiple parties.
Additionally, you may need to consult with a lawyer before accepting settlement since insurance companies will always try to minimize the payout. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if it is a fair settlement.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to victims of an accident. Their responsibilities include explaining your rights, providing advice, representing you in court, investigating the case, connecting with medical experts, assessing the damages, and handling the different legal procedures.
Although not all cases need one, you will have to hire a personal injury lawyer if the insurance company denies the claims or involves multiple parties. Contact a North Bergen Personal Injury Attorney to learn more about your legal rights.