In many cases, they realize too late that they should have sought the services of a New Orleans personal injury attorney and the statute of limitations to bring a claim has expired.
Insurance Companies' Motives
Another thing that accident victims fail to realize is that insurance companies are a business. Insurance agents are not there to ensure that the victim's needs are provided for on a long-term basis. It is their job to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible.
It's not uncommon for insurers to pressure an accident victim into accepting a less than ideal settlement offer. However, a New Orleans personal injury attorney understands the rights of accident victims and knows the ins and outs of negotiating with insurance companies. Having their education, skills and experience on your side will offer you the best chance at getting fair compensation.
Investigating the Accident
If you're considering representing yourself in a lawsuit, consider what must go into it. Do you have the time and resources to investigate the claim? Are you physically up to the task, considering your injuries? It is the responsibility of the person filing a lawsuit to prove their claim, and a thorough investigation is needed to achieve this.
A New Orleans personal injury attorney has the tools necessary to successfully investigate your claim, including speaking with witnesses, getting the insights of reconstruction experts, and gather evidence. Exhaustive investigation is the best recourse to convince a judge and jury to award you the compensation you deserve.
Negotiating A Settlement
If you've been injured in an accident, the ideal scenario is that the responsible party offers fair compensation to settle the claim. They may even have legal representation to assist in this.
Even if you feel that the settlement offer is fair, it's vital to have an attorney experienced in negotiations to be on your side. While the settlement may seem reasonable, a New Orleans personal injury attorney will be able to tell you if the offer is sufficient to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and more.
Contingency Fee
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a New Orleans personal injury attorney is that it will be expensive. In reality, injured people typically don't pay anything unless they win the lawsuit.
Typically, your lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation to review your case and determine whether filing a claim is the right option for you. If it is a viable option, your attorney will work the case with no cost until a settlement is paid or jury award received. Then, your legal fees will be deducted from the compensation you received, with no up-front or out-of-pocket costs.
Get help from New Orleans personal injury attorneys today by scheduling a free consultation with The Lambert Firm. Their experienced New Orleans accident attorneys can help you recover the compensation you're entitled to.