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Handling a Personal Injury Claim on Your Own vs. Hiring a Lawyer

January 6, 2022Personal Injury

If you plan on filing a personal injury claim, you may wonder if you should hire an attorney. Many people believe that these cases are straightforward and can be resolved without a lawyer. However, those who choose self-representation are often unprepared for the legal process.

Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult without an attorney on your side, especially if you are still recovering from your accident. In these situations, it is important to hire a lawyer who can represent your best interests and guide you through each stage of litigation.

Attorneys Understand the Legal Process

When you file a personal injury claim, it is likely your first time entering the litigation process. The civil litigation system can be very complex, and there are several requirements that you will need to meet in order to pursue a lawsuit. Completing paperwork, attending meetings and negotiations, gathering evidence, and meeting deadlines can be very difficult.

Personal injury lawyers have significant experience handling these types of claims. They understand the process and the different tasks required at each stage. Your attorney can guide you through your claim and help you prepare for each stage. As a result, you can avoid delays and errors that would otherwise impact your ability to recover compensation.

Attorneys Have Time and Resources

To successfully prove a Georgia personal injury claim, you will need to establish the at-fault party’s negligence. Proving that the defendant caused your accident can be very difficult, depending on the complexity of your case. You may need to conduct an in-depth investigation into your accident, which could take a lot of time and require significant investments.

Personal injury law firms have the time and resources to handle these investigations. Your attorney and his or her team can review documents, visit the scene of the accident, and gather all relevant pieces of evidence to craft a compelling case in your favor. He or she will also leverage powerful resources, such as expert witness testimony, to further support your claim.

Attorneys Can Handle All Communications

During a personal injury case, you will likely need to negotiate with insurance companies, defense attorneys, or the defendant. You will also need to communicate with the court, witnesses, and other relevant parties in your case. 

By hiring a lawyer, you will not need to handle these communications, reducing your stress. Instead, your attorney will represent your best interests in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, leveraging his or her skills to support your claim.

Attorneys Can Calculate Your Injuries and Damages

One of the most important steps in a personal injury claim is calculating your potential settlement. With an accurate estimate of your damages, you can evaluate any offers you receive and ensure that you recover adequate compensation. However, it can be difficult to assess these losses alone.

A lawyer will have significant experience calculating damages and evaluate settlements. He or she will analyze your claim and identify all potential avenues to compensation, crafting an accurate estimate on your behalf.

Contact a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer

There are certain situations where handling your own personal injury case may feel appropriate. In many cases, however, it is important to have an attorney on your side who can guide you through the litigation process and fight for your right to maximum compensation. As soon as possible following your accident, contact an Augusta personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.