The personal injury market in the US was worth about $53.1 billion in 2022 according to IBISWorld. With so much money on the line, hiring a personal injury lawyer to help with your claim can make a big difference. Attorney Jay S. Knispel a renowned NYC injury lawyer, shares six key ways having legal representation can benefit your case.
Assessing Liability and Building Your Case
A personal injury lawyer will investigate your accident and gather evidence to determine who is at fault. Things like police reports, videos, photographs, and witness statements can help prove liability. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong case by gathering the right supporting documentation. About 57% of injury victims receive payouts from $3,000 to $25,000 according to Nolo. With proper evidence and case building, a lawyer can help you secure compensation at the higher end or exceed this range.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Around 67% of personal injury compensation comes from settlements according to Nolo. This means negotiations with insurance companies play a huge role. An insurance provider will likely make you a low offer at first. But with a lawyer negotiating, victims who held out for a better deal ended up with settlements $30,700 higher on average versus those who took the first offer. A lawyer can negotiate firmly on your behalf to maximize your payout.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, a personal injury lawyer can take your case to trial. Only about 3-4% of injury cases go to trial according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. But if this becomes necessary, a quality attorney knows how to effectively argue your case in court to help you obtain maximum compensation.
Increasing Your Chances of Winning
Having legal representation significantly boosts your chances of a favorable outcome. Around 91% of those with an experienced injury lawyer receive settlement payouts versus only 51% without representation according to Nolo. In addition, people with lawyers end up with payouts nearly three times higher on average compared to those without legal counsel.
Navigating Complex Laws and Regulations
Attorney Knispel states that personal injury laws can be complex and confusing, especially for someone without legal experience. A personal injury attorney will know all the intricate legal rules and regulations that may impact your case. They can ensure everything is handled correctly so procedural errors don’t negatively affect your claim.
Saving You Time
Pursuing compensation for an injury claim takes considerable time and effort. All the evidence gathering, document filing, negotiations, and potential trial preparation add up. A lawyer has the resources to handle the legwork, freeing you to focus on recovery. On average, tort lawsuits take 23 months according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Hiring a legal team saves you time and stress.
The value of hiring a personal injury lawyer is clear. With legal guidance, you can build a strong claim, negotiate optimal settlements, increase your chances of winning, understand complicated regulations, and save time. A small upfront investment in an attorney pays off exponentially in the compensation you ultimately receive for your injury case.