The Right Time to Call: When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you really need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, insurance companies, lost income – it’s a lot.

Couldn’t you just handle this claim yourself and save on legal fees? Possibly, but there are compelling reasons to have an experienced attorney on your side.

Keep reading as we walk through what constitutes a personal injury case and when to hire a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured.

What is a Personal Injury Case?

Simply put, personal injury law covers situations where someone gets hurt due to another person or entity’s negligent actions.

For example:

• You slip and fall on a wet floor in a store that failed to put out warning signs.
• Someone rear-ends you at a stoplight because they were texting while driving.
• A defective medical device implanted in your body malfunctions, causing complications.

The key point is that someone else acted carelessly in a way that directly led to your injury. Their behavior was negligent in some form, making them potentially liable for any resulting damages.

Damages can include physical harm, medical treatment costs, lost income if you miss work, pain and suffering, and more. If the at-fault party’s actions hurt you, they may have a legal obligation to help make you whole again.

Should You Hire a Lawyer or Go Solo? Benefits of Working With an Attorney

Handling your claim without legal help may be possible in some cases, but knowledgeable personal injury attorneys provide important benefits:

• They’re masters of injury law and procedures.
• They can properly value your unique case and fight for maximum compensation.
• If negotiations fail, they can take your case to court and represent you at trial.
• Most injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning no payment until they win your case.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but severe injuries, insurance struggles, or looming statutes of limitations indicate you should probably make the call.

When You Need a Heavy Hitter: Situations That Call for a Personal Injury Attorney

Still wondering if your situation warrants hiring legal help? Here are common scenarios where speaking with a personal injury attorney is highly recommended:

You Have Injuries

If you have been injured in an accident, contact our law firm for a free case review. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they can worsen over time. Our attorneys will evaluate your situation to determine if you have a potential claim.

Don’t downplay your injuries or assume you don’t have a case. Take advantage of our free consultation to understand your legal options. We are here to help you recover fair compensation for your accident injuries.

The Insurance Company is Dragging Its Feet

Insurers aren’t always incentivized to promptly pay out large claim settlements. If you feel the adjuster is giving you the run-around, making unreasonable requests, or purposely delaying the process, bringing in a lawyer sends a clear message.

Putting an attorney on the case often motivates insurance companies to treat your claim seriously and offer a fairer settlement sooner.

The Statute of Limitations Deadline is Looming

In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit before your claim expires. Depending on your specific circumstances, the deadline may be even sooner. Missing this critical cut-off means losing your right to sue and any chance of compensation. Consulting a lawyer ensures you meet important filing deadlines.

You Lack the Resources or Ability to Handle It Alone

Pursuing fair compensation requires gathering evidence, documenting your injuries, negotiating with insurers, and possibly going to court. This demands time and energy which may be impossible if you’re still recovering from your injuries.

Personal injury lawyers have the resources and staff to fully investigate your claim and build a strong case on your behalf. And because most work on contingency, you can get experienced legal help even if money is tight after missing work. Don’t let limited personal resources stand in the way of getting the maximum settlement you deserve.

Your Claim Involves a Government Entity

If your injury claim is against a government agency, there are special notice of claim requirements before filing a lawsuit. An attorney understands these unique rules and can ensure proper protocols are followed within strict deadlines. Don’t risk having your case dismissed on a technicality.

Contact Pasternack Injury Law Group Today

Suffering an injury through no fault of your own is never easy. Hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your claim may not be mandatory but is often advisable.

A lawyer can help investigate your case, deal with insurance negotiations, determine what your claim may be worth, file a lawsuit if warranted, and ultimately work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

At the Pasternack Injury Law Group, our personal injury lawyers have been successfully representing injured clients for years. Don’t leave money on the table or struggle through complex legal processes alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our experience work for you.