There’s never a good time to sustain an injury, and it’s always worse when it wasn’t our fault. We may have received inadequate training, been given faulty equipment or suffered at the hands of a reckless or drunken driver. When another party was negligent, it’s often possible for someone to file a claim for compensation.
Sometimes people deny that it was their fault, and insurance companies frequently resist paying out. When you’re feeling unwell and vulnerable – and facing mounting medical bills – a legal battle can be the last thing you feel like having. If you’re in this situation right now, this article will help you understand why hiring a personal injury lawyer is your best next step.
They Have The Knowledge And Expertise
These attorneys understand the laws, procedures, and legal processes involved. It can put your mind at ease knowing your case will be handled properly from start to finish. In turn, you can focus on your greatest need, which is to receive medical treatment and recover from your injuries.
Ohio is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States and it has a population of around 11.8 million people. It’s possible to go online to discover an Ohio personal injury law firm and you can often have live chats and request free case evaluations. Lawyers’ websites often show how much money they’ve recovered from previous claims, also displaying FAQs, client reviews, and photos of the teams.
They Know The Evidence To Collect
Lawyers need to collate and produce this in a way that helps them win the case. This evidence may include police reports, medical evidence, witness statements, and photos.
Police Reports
They can be crucial evidence when it comes to winning your claim. They are produced if the Police were required to attend an accident scene, for instance, on the freeway.
If the accident occurred as the result of another driver breaking traffic rules (e.g. speeding or running a red light), these reports can provide vital evidence to support the claim. If you were not at fault and there is evidence from police records that prove it, your lawyer will use those documents to strengthen your case.
Medical Evidence
Medical reports are another useful resource that can be used in court to show how badly you were hurt and why treatment was required. These reports can include x-rays, hospital records, doctor’s notes, specialists’ reports, prescriptions for medication, or specific treatments like physiotherapy sessions. This evidence can support your claim regarding pain, suffering, trauma, or a loss of enjoyment of life.
Witness Statements
They will come from people who saw you prior to, during, and/or following the accident. This evidence provides first-hand information about how bad you looked and why the incident occurred in the first place.
Photos
They can be used to prove how badly you were injured and to show the scene after the accident. They may include details of the vehicle damage and road debris. The photos may also show the actual road conditions, e.g. signs or warning devices which were not in operation at the time of your accident. Alternatively, the pictures may show that the road was poorly maintained, e.g. by having potholes, loose gravel, overhanging trees, or poor lighting.
They Know What To Claim For
In order to receive the maximum financial compensation due to you, it’s imperative that the lawyer knows what to claim for. As well as pain, suffering and emotional trauma it could cover loss of income (if you were unable to work following the incident).
In terms of medical costs, this could include hospital bills, medical equipment (wheelchairs or prosthetics), medical devices, and medication. The lawyer will also claim for the cost of any future medical treatment or house modification (e.g. stairlifts, wheelchair ramps) that may be required.
They Can Fight Reluctant Insurance Companies
If you were to handle the case on your own, it would mean dealing with multiple insurance companies over a sustained period of time. A personal injury lawyer can deal with all such communication on your behalf, and also negotiate a fair financial settlement. Added to that, they can advise you whether to accept or reject any early settlement offers.
As you can see, there are many compelling reasons why it’s best to employ a personal injury lawyer to support your claim. Statistics confirm you are more likely to win – and to win more money – if you use one. You will then be able to move on with your life as your health returns.