Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident that led to a personal injury? If so, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. With so many questions swirling around your head, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what steps to take next. As Bellingham personal injury attorneys with decades of experience, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about personal injury cases to help guide you through this challenging time. From understanding your legal rights to navigating the claims process, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions and get back on track as quickly as possible. Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall incident, or any other type of personal injury case – let us be your go-to resource for answers and support!
While it is possible to settle a personal injury claim without an attorney, know that you will almost always get a much smaller settlement. Research conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that those who hired a lawyer had settlements several times bigger than those who settled directly with the insurance adjuster. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to settle for as little as possible, while the personal injury attorney’s goal is to settle for as much as can be negotiated as he is paid a percentage of the settlement.
Each personal injury case is valued differently depending on many factors including the severity of the injuries, the expenses incurred as a result of the injury and state injury laws. The only way to find out what your injury case is worth is to contact a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer for a free assessment.
No! This could seriously harm your case. Always contact an accomplished personal injury lawyer before signing any documents.
Look for an attorney who has focused a large portion of his or her cases on personal injury for many years. Check online reviews or ask your friends or family for referrals before narrowing down your choice. Ask the attorney about his or her success rate and trial experience and whether there is a legal team on board to help handle your case.
In many cases, a person’s injuries will equal or succeed many thousands of dollars in out of pocket medical expenses. Once a personal injury lawyer takes on a case, often he or she can negotiate a lien with your medical providers, health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. The lien establishes that your medical bills will be paid out of settlement or trial. This process will prevent harassing phone calls from creditors, save your credit rating and stop outstanding medical bills from being sent to collections while your case is being resolved.
Yes. If your car insurance policy has uninsured motorist coverage you can make a claim or if the person who caused the accident has assets you may be able to recover. A personal injury lawyer can advise all of your settlement options.
While your case may take longer to finalize if you hire a personal injury lawyer, you will most likely receive a settlement several times larger than what you could negotiate on your own. Most cases are resolved before trial becomes necessary.
We look forward to answering all of your questions and speaking with you about your legal needs. When you call our office or send us a message through our consultation request form we will provide a FREE initial consultation and case evaluation. Our attorneys offer home and hospital visits with evening and weekend appointments available.