In the wake of an accident, filing a lawsuit against the person or agency that caused you harm can connect you to vital compensation to build a path forward. You have probably heard about the benefits of hiring a law firm, but you may still wonder what a personal injury lawyer actually does. An attorney serves various purposes on your behalf before, during, and after the claim’s or court process.
Our award-winning team has proudly served communities throughout the United States. With over 40 attorneys on our roster, our knowledge, experience, and dedication are expansive, providing our clients with many advantages. The tireless and driven efforts of our personal injury attorneys have earned them many accolades, including positions on the distinguished Super Lawyers list and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers listing issued by the National Trial Lawyers’ Association.
Investigates the Source of a Person’s Injuries
One of the critical functions that a personal injury lawyer fulfills is thoroughly investigating the underlying cause of an injured party’s complaints. When someone gets hurt in an accident, finding out if they have a legal claim starts with understanding what happened in the first place. Specific details—such as who was there, when, and what led to the incident—can significantly impact whether the casualty can file suit against those responsible for their harm.
A proactive legal professional can use a wealth of tools to uncover crucial evidence, such as:
- Traffic reports
- Police records
- Witness statements
- Cellphone records
- Tucking company logs
- Nearby video surveillance
All of this can be used to piece together the chain of events that led to the casualty’s injuries. Beyond informing the lawyer of what occurred, these pieces of information also illuminate details about whether the person has a legal right to damages. A lawyer can use their carefully trained eye to swiftly and meticulously gather these materials to help shape a potential case in the casualty’s favor.
Negotiates With the Insurance Company and At-Fault Person or Business
When someone is harmed by an auto accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or medical negligence, it can thrust them into a challenging and confusing situation. Many people and companies may be reaching out to the casualty to ask them questions and try to get them to sign documents. In many cases, the injured party may not fully understand the forms people are asking them to sign and may not know whether it is in their best interest to do so.
A dedicated personal injury attorney can clear up any points of confusion and equip an injured individual with powerful knowledge and recommendations to steer them in the right direction. Additionally, a seasoned lawyer knows how and when to push back against an over-zealous insurance company that is trying to get the casualty to sign something that does not align with their priorities.
When a settlement takes more from the injured person than it gives them, the attorney can guide negotiations in a different direction. And if the insurer will not budge and accept a fair deal, a determined lawyer can initiate a lawsuit against the at-fault person or business to pursue a better outcome.
Protects the Injured Person’s Legal Rights in Court and During Negotiations
In an ideal world, those to blame for the casualty’s injuries would pay them fair compensation at the outset; however, this is often not how it goes. Instead, the insurer and those who caused the harm in the first place may try to force the person to waive their legal rights by signing a subpar settlement agreement. However, a personal injury attorney representing the casualty can help safeguard the person’s rights and shield them from these coercive and unfair practices.
An experienced lawyer understands the jargon and fine print in these settlements and waivers and can share this knowledge with the casualty. Additionally, the advocate can make objections during the court proceedings and file essential documents—such as motions, petitions, and notices—on time to help the case progress smoothly. For example, when a negligent party causes someone else harm, the lawyer can help them meet state filing and notice deadlines.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney To Find Out How They Can Help
Being hurt through no fault of your own can feel frustrating and disempowering. But filing a lawsuit gives you a powerful tool to stand up against unfair and unjust practices, such as doctors who ignore your complaints and drunk drivers who think they are invincible. The most effective way to learn more about what a personal injury lawyer does and, specifically, what they can do for you is to reach out to a trusted law firm.
Our legal team at Price Benowitz has been a beacon of hope for the injured for decades, delivering results and a level of client service we are proud of. When you are in pain or experiencing a detriment because of someone else’s action, contact our personal injury attorneys to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
