When you are involved in a personal injury accident like a car crash or are hurt on the job, it can be frustrating to deal with insurance companies. However, after much back and forth, you finally receive a settlement offer. After reviewing your medical expenses and factoring in lost income, you may realize that the offer from the insurance adjuster significantly undervalues your injuries. However, they tell you that’s the best they can do, so you must accept, right? Wrong! Even if you have insurance, you’ll want to enlist the help of an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer to help ensure you receive the best deal possible.
Why Is it Important to Consult a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident?
Even though you have insurance that can help cover medical expenses, you may not fully understand the process of settling with the negligent party’s insurance company. As such, you may not know the full extent of the compensation you are entitled to based on the injuries you’ve endured. Generally, an insurance adjuster will try to undervalue the magnitude of your injuries by offering a low settlement number.
If you accept a settlement offer without understanding how severe your injuries are, you will be unable to receive additional funds. However, if you have an attorney to guide you during this process, they can help advise you on whether or not you should accept the offer you’ve received. Similarly, they can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to help ensure you receive the best compensation possible. To do this, they will examine policy details that those unfamiliar with the law may not understand.
However, if you cannot settle with the negligent party, you must proceed to trial. Here, you will present your case to a jury and judge while the defendant tells their side. You must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they are responsible for the injuries you sustained while proving the severity of your damages.
What Else Can an Attorney Do to Help Me?
Not only will your attorney provide guidance on the best course of action to take following a personal injury, but they can also help prepare a pleading which is the legal complaint filed against the defendant. They will collect evidence and information regarding the accident that you may not have access to. This includes finding witnesses, taking photos, and accessing police reports.
Whether your case proceeds to trial or you are able to settle, it is imperative to have the assistance of an experienced attorney on your side. At the Law offices of Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, our legal team will work to provide you with quality legal advice and representation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.