When faced with injuries from an accident, one of the crucial decisions you’ll need to make quickly is whether to hire a personal injury lawyer. Many people wonder if legal representation can actually lead to a higher settlement. A study by the Insurance Research Council found that settlements for clients with legal representation were 3.5 times higher than those without lawyers. There are plenty of instances where the settlement obtained can be 10 or more times higher than what is offered without a lawyer. A more reputable personal injury law firm will often obtain a better outcome for your case.
Understanding Settlements
A settlement in a personal injury case is an agreement reached between the injured party and the responsible party (or their insurance company) to cover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Settlements are often negotiated out of court, and the amount ultimately paid to the injured party depends on the strength of the case presented, and the negotiating skill of the parties handling the negotiations.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers specialize in tort law and are adept at navigating the complexities of personal injury cases. They bring a deep understanding of the law, of the legal procedures for obtaining compensation, and of negotiation tactics that are crucial for securing a favorable settlement. Personal injury lawyers are also skilled in fully articulating the extent of the economic losses, injuries and their impact on the client’s life, which is essential for obtaining just compensation.
Statistical Evidence Shows Personal Injury Lawyers Obtain Far Larger Settlements
Research indicates that injured parties who hire personal injury lawyers generally receive substantially higher settlements than those who represent themselves. For example, a study by the Insurance Research Council found that settlements for clients with legal representation were 3.5 times higher than those without lawyers. This statistic underscores the tremendous value a skilled attorney can bring to a personal injury case. There are plenty of instances where the settlement obtained can be 10 or more times higher than what is offered without a lawyer. In many cases, a more reputable personal injury law firm will obtain a better outcome.
Our Success Stories
At The Hassell Law Group, in many cases our involvement immensely and directly benefited the client’s compensation and settlement outcome. Some of our recent case results include:
- $12.5 Million+ confidential settlement for a woman who was seriously injured in a head on collision caused by a commercial truck driver
- $4.9 Million for a farm worker in his 50s who was seriously injured in a car accident
- $4.6 Million for a physician who sustained an impalement injury in a trip and fall accident
- $4.5 Million for a woman in her 60s who sustained a surgical brain injury after being struck by a vehicle while in the crosswalk
- $1.5 Million for a 76-year-old gentleman hit by a car in a cross walk in San Francisco who struck his head, lost consciousness and sustained a concussion and a knee injury
- $1.5 Million for a San Francisco rideshare driver who sustained a concussion and required collarbone surgery after being hit head on by a reckless driver.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Maximize Settlements
Skilled personal injury lawyers employ various strategies to maximize settlements:
Thorough Evidence Collection: Gathering all relevant evidence to build a strong case, including witness statements, video footage and photographs, DMV records, medical records, expert reports, and accident reports.
Expert Consultations: Collaborating with medical experts to fully assess the extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
Skillful Negotiations: Using proven negotiation skills and the legal process itself to counter low settlement offers and argue effectively for a fair amount of compensation.
Litigation: Insurance companies understand that personal injury lawyers can file a lawsuit against their insured at any time. Avoiding costly litigation is an incentive for insurers to treat you fairly when you are represented by a competent personal injury lawyer.
Furthermore, personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis and earn a percentage of what they recover, meaning their fee is driven by the settlement amount. This aligns the lawyer’s interests with their client’s interests, and motivates the lawyer to achieve the best possible financial outcome for their client.
Conclusion
Hiring a personal injury lawyer does more than just alleviate the stress of dealing with insurance companies, the claims process and legal proceedings; it levels the playing field and significantly increases the likelihood you will receive a much higher settlement. The expertise, negotiation skills, and strategic preparation provided by a personal injury lawyer will ensure that your case is as strong as possible.
Reach Out- We Can Help
If you’re unsure about the potential of your case, or if you’re contemplating how to proceed with a personal injury claim, reach out to The Hassell Law Group. Contact us at (415) 334-4111 or visit our website for a free consultation. Let our skilled legal team help you secure the best possible outcome and obtain full compensation for your injuries.
The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.
Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident?