If you or someone you know was hurt in an accident, you might be wondering if you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the severity of your injuries, who is at fault, and any insurance complications—along with a variety of other factors—chances are good it’s worth reaching out to one. 

Erie Injury, your go-to attorneys for personal injury, car accidents, and workers’ compensation, is here to help. In this post, we’ll cut through the chaos and discover what you need, several situations that may call for a personal injury lawyer, and what you can do to recover mentally, physically, and financially.

An Overview of Accidents

According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, the United States experienced 173,040 preventable deaths, 48.3 million injuries, and $1,097.9 billion in costs in 2019. Within those thousands of deaths and millions of injuries, there are a wide variety of circumstances that may have called for the involvement of a personal injury lawyer. 

1. You’re Suffering From Severe Injuries

When it comes to being injured in an accident, minor aches and pains may be a symptom of more severe issues. For instance, a bruise could actually be a broken rib, while a backache could signify a herniated disk.

Some injuries can turn out to be worse than what your primary care provider initially thinks, making it crucial to get a second opinion. You never want to settle your own case without consulting with a personal injury attorney.

If you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will rightfully deter you from prematurely settling a case until you are aware of the full extent of your injuries. A lawyer will also inform you of pain and suffering damages that you may be entitled to claim during a case, such as the following:

• Physical Injuries
• Medical Treatments and Prognosis
• Emotional and Mental Pain
• Employment Leave of Absence

Your lawyer will use a number of documents and records to help demonstrate the full value of your case:

• Medical Bills, Records, and Prognosis
• Witness Testimonies (e.g., friends, family members, third-parties)
• Photos of Your Injuries
• Psychiatric Records

2. Alcohol Was Involved

The Dram Shop Law/Liquor Liability in Pennsylvania states that the establishment or licensed individual who serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person may be responsible for injuries and damages. Alcohol consumption can lead to the occurrence of a number of different tragedies:

• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Car accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Drownings
• Bar Fights
• Slip-and-Fall Incidents

If you have suffered injuries by the actions of an individual under the influence, a personal injury lawyer will be able to walk you through your case.

3. You Don’t Know Who’s at Fault

Legal liability—or fault—refers to who is responsible for the accident or injury that has occurred. While the court ultimately determines legal liability, a personal injury lawyer will investigate all the parties at fault in order to properly present your case. Even if responsibility for an accident or injury is unclear, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help perform an investigation. 

Liability is most often determined by:

• Negligent Acts (absence of executing reasonable care)
• Failure to Comply With the Law
• Product Defectiveness
• Routine Maintenance (e.g., properties, buildings)

4. There Are Insurance Complications 

If the insurance company denies your claim, you may feel as if you’re left to navigate your finances and injuries on your own. However, with a personal injury lawyer, that isn’t the case. More often than not, insurance companies deny claims due to uncertainty regarding liability. Your lawyer may effectively help you dispute the insurance company’s decision. 

There are several other reasons for claim denial with insurance companies, such as:

• Failure to File a Timely Claim
• You’re Not Represented by a Lawyer 
• Absence of Proper Investigation
• Claim Exceeds Your Coverage Limits
• Failure to Receive Immediate Medical Attention
• You Committed Fraud

Insurance complications do not begin and end at claim denial. Complications can also take the form of payment or response delay, low settlement offers, and reluctance to negotiate.

5. Potential for a Large Payout

Specific cases and claims can result in significant settlements before they reach a court and become a lawsuit. A skilled personal injury leverages his or her reputation, skills, and knowledge of the law to help encourage the defendant to offer a fair settlement before litigation is necessary. That said, a skilled personal injury attorney is similarly prepared to reject an unfair settlement, file suit, and try the case in Court, if necessary. 

Choose Erie Injury

If you’re struggling with a case and need assistance with an auto accident, personal injury, a work injury, or even Social Security disability benefits, the attorneys at Erie Injury are here to help.

We have a seasoned team of attorneys available, and you only pay if we win your case. Don’t let uncertainty or finances stop you from pursuing a personal injury claim. Call us today at 1-800-999-0750 or visit us at one of our three locations for a free case evaluation.