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Before You Decide To Go It Alone Read This!
Making a injury claim is both simple and complex. On the surface is can seem straightforward. You claim with the insurance company your medical bills and lost income. However, this is just the surface, and a personal injury lawyer will go beyond the surface with your claim submitting damages you may not be aware of and likely recover more for you that you could do on your own.
Injury claims often require investigation and proof of liability. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help to insure that you claim is documented and that no mistakes or omissions jeopardize your claim.
At a time when you should be concerned with your physical recovery and the well-
If your claim is disputed, and a court case is required, remember this adage: "A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client". Handling a court case with no legal experience will likely result in a loss.
Hiring a Maryland personal injury lawyer will help insure your claim runs smooth and efficient, helping to lead to a speedy recovery.
You have decided you need a lawyer and you have found some prospects to contact. Now what do you look for in a…
Before you can ask the right questions you need to find a personal injury lawyer to speak to. Where you find a lawyer can increase the liklihood that you...
Continue Your Education Here
By now you have a good idea of how to find a good lawyer and how to spot a not so good lawyer. Here is where you learn to spot the really bad ones, the ones that should be avoided at all costs.
Studies show that cases settle or end for higher amounts when a lawyer is involved. Additionally injury claims often have steps that need to be taken and deadlines to be met and if they are not done correctly or on time, the claim could be barred forever.
So in summary, if you do not mind possibly settling for less than you deserve or if something goes wrong and you lose the claim you will not be that hard put, by all means, try to handle the claim yourself. You could possibly save some money in fees, as long as you are willing to take the risk.
There is one situation where the services of a Maryland lawyer is advised. If your case is worth more than $5,000, you are advised to seek the services of a lawyer. The reason is that you can take your own claim to small claims court (District Court) in Maryland for up to $30,000. But if you claim more than $5,000, the rules of evidence will be enforced at trial. This means that you will be required to submit evidence, question witnesses or parties and adhere to the rule of the court, JUST LIKE A LAWYER would have to do. This is very difficult without legal experience and the insurance company on the other side knows this and it will factor into their evaluation of your claim.
Do I Need A Lawyer?
Studies have shown that people who represent themselves settle for the insurance company’s first offer over 60% of the time. Lawyers know that the first offer is usually not the highest they are willing to pay.
It is not surprise than that claims that involve a lawyer settle for on average 40% more than claims that do not involve a personal injury lawyer.
Did You Know?
Few lawyers will tell you you do not need a lawyer, except maybe the really good ones. There are situations after a car accident or other injury where a lawyer may not be necessary.
The answer to the question boils down to what your injury claim is worth to you and what it would mean to you if you did not recover or recovered less than you deserve.
Let me explain:
Insurance companies hire professional claims adjusters and investigators to handle claims made for injuries by victims of their insured driver's negligence. They are usually very good at their job and will likely outsmart and out negotiate you if you make a claim against them for your injuries.