If you have been in an accident – whether you have been in a car wreck, have been bitten by an animal, have slipped and fallen, or any other kind of accident, you may need a personal injury lawyer. Being the victim of an accident gives you certain rights, and in many cases, you have the ability to seek compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help you build your case, make your claims and determine liability, and achieve your settlement.

Many people, however, wonder about whether or not they should pursue a personal injury case if they are in an accident. Is it worth the time and effort to hire a lawyer, document the details of the accident, and deal with the insurance company? In most cases, the answer is yes.

Insurance companies usually do not pay out the full compensation due to accident victims – in fact, they usually only offer the bare minimum to these victims. If you are in an accident, relying on the insurance company to cover the costs will rarely prove beneficial. Furthermore, individuals rarely have the specific legal knowledge to negotiate with insurance companies about their policies and their claims. In such an instance, it is useful to have a personal injury lawyer arguing your case with the insurance company.

Accidents are extremely common and can happen to anyone at any time. Deaths from accidents and unintentional injuries are the fifth most common cause of death in the United States, and last year, almost 30 million people went to the emergency room because of accidental injuries. The costs associated with these injuries can be extremely high, especially when you consider the costs of the emergency room (which alone can cost around $1000) or hospital room, medicine, and physical therapy required after an accident. Nor do these costs include the emotional damage that accident victims and their families experience.

If you have been in an accident, it is often in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer about your case. Your lawyer will be able to act as a liaison between you and the insurance company in order to guarantee that you receive the settlement you deserve.

First, your lawyer will work with you to determine who is at fault, or who is liable, for the injury. In many cases, if you were not responsible for the accident yourself, your lawyer will help define who is in fact responsible. Your lawyer will then help you negotiate with the insurance company of the responsible party in order to ensure that the company gives you a fair settlement. If the company refuses to pay the amount you think you deserve to cover your injuries or damages, then your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit against the company until your lawyer and the company have reached an agreement.

Given how common accidents are, it is important to know your rights if you should ever find yourself the victim of an accident. Working with a personal injury lawyer will help you negotiate with the insurance company, maximize your settlement, and ensure that you receive the full compensation that you deserve.