Top Reasons to Hire a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
In order for someone to be successful in any type of legal proceeding, they need good counsel and support. Philadelphia personal injury lawyers provide this by helping their clients file claims quickly, accurately, and with confidence that all laws have been followed properly.
They also help guide them through the often confusing process of dealing with insurance companies and adjusters, who don't always act in good faith. Additionally, some injured individuals may not know how or where to start when it comes to filing a lawsuit against another party responsible for their injuries.
A qualified Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will assist these people as well. Finally, hiring a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer gives one peace of mind, knowing there's someone on their side fighting for every cent owed to them.
Have you recently suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own? Are there significant costs involved with this injury, including medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering?
In the state of Pennsylvania, you're entitled to compensation if you find yourself in this type of situation. The party responsible for your injuries, whether it be directly, indirectly, or on their property, should have insurance for these situations.
Their insurance company is obligated by law to award you with a fair settlement to cover all of your expenses. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer is mandatory during these situations. This article will discuss the top reasons to hire a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer and how they benefit you during this process.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Provide Support & Guidance Throughout The Process
The first step towards getting compensation from those at fault is making sure that all rules were followed during the incident. This means gathering evidence such as medical records, photos, and witness statements so that everything possible was done to document what happened.
Experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers understand that sometimes victims aren't familiar with many aspects of civil procedure, which makes it difficult to pursue claims alone. That's why most will offer free consultations, even if no damages are sought. There, they'll walk you through each step needed to protect your rights and get fair results.
Insurance Companies Don't Always Act In Good Faith: Get a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
Unfortunately, insurance companies have long used certain tactics to try and delay paying legitimate claims. One tactic involves denying coverage altogether until after litigation has begun.
However, once the case goes before a judge or jury, insurance companies must prove that the individual they insure isn't responsible through a number of different strategies. They might try to prove that the victim acted out of negligence and it was entirely their fault for the injury.
However, a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will have a strategy for disproving all of these claims. They'll be equipped with a strong case backed by solid evidence and perhaps the testimony of experts.
Because of this, most insurers now settle cases out of court instead of waiting them out in court. If your claim isn't dismissed outright, then typically, a settlement agreement will be negotiated between both parties (you and the insurer).
Often, settlements include language stating that neither the insurer nor the individual they insure is admitting liability or wrongdoing. However, because insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, they tend to negotiate lower amounts than what would be awarded if found liable.
An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will help you in this regard as well. Often, the insurance company will attempt to lowball the victim if they don't have proper representation.
Sometimes they'll even resort to bullying, intimidation, or scare tactics to force you into taking the lowest amount possible. Having the right Philadelphia personal injury attorney in the Philadelphia area will show strength from the beginning.
One of the most important aspects of cases like these is that you must show the insurance company that you won't be intimidated or lowballed.
Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help With All Aspects Of Your Claim
Most personal injury attorneys handle multiple types of accident cases, including car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, construction site negligence, product defect claims, and motorcycle accidents, among others. While everyone handles different issues, most work in similar ways.
First, they gather information about the cause of the accident. Then, they assess whether the victim had a duty to take action beforehand, i.e., wear seatbelts, drive safely, avoid hazards, etc.
Next, they determine whether the victim exercised reasonable care under the circumstances. For example, did he fail to see a stop sign or red light prior to hitting it? Did she fall down stairs due to poor maintenance or lack thereof? And lastly, whether someone else contributed more significantly to the severity of the actual harm incurred.
Attorneys Will Give You Confidence Before Filing A Lawsuit
Some might feel intimidated by going forward without representation, while others may worry about how much money needs to be spent upfront. Either way, it shouldn't scare anyone away from doing something right.
It takes time, energy, and resources, just like anything else worth pursuing. Hiring a professional helps ease fears associated with starting a new legal endeavor. Most won't charge unless and until damages are recovered. Some even waive fees entirely. This makes the whole process easier on you, but it creates trust since you're working together toward a common goal -- financial security.
Your Attorney Is On Your Side During Negotiations
While negotiating with insurance representatives, your attorney acts as your advocate. He or she fights hard for your best interests and understands that negotiations are stressful enough without adding added pressure.
As we mentioned earlier, insurance firms often use threats, intimidation, and high-pressure techniques to intimidate customers into accepting unfair offers. However, when going head-to-head with insurance reps, personal injury attorneys remain calm and collected, allowing them to listen carefully and devise an effective strategy against these providers.
After all, they've likely gone through the same thing themselves. Their years of experience allow them to identify key points and present them effectively. In addition to reducing stress levels, this approach often leads to better outcomes for the client.
They Understand How To Handle Complex Cases
If your claim warrants it, a personal injury attorney will request a copy of your police report(s) along with additional documentation related to the incident. From here, his or her job becomes to determine who caused the accident and any resulting damages, ensuring that proper procedures were followed throughout the entire process.
Since personal injury attorneys deal with hundreds of cases annually, they know exactly what steps to take to win yours. They do it all, whether it's proving liability, obtaining expert testimony, collecting physical evidence, or documenting treatment expenses. What's more, they know how to analyze complex data and develop strategies accordingly.
How Much Does It Cost To File A Personal Injury Case in Philadelphia?
Normally the costs come down to the amount the attorney recovers for you. There will be additional fees associated with the case, including the cost of court fees and the price of filing certain legal documents through the county/city.
Instead of operating on an hourly scale, the attorney will work for a percentage of the final amount awarded to you. Normally, this is somewhere in the ballpark of between 30 and 40%. However, it's important to note that additional fees may be incurred during the case.
If the attorney has to hire experts or interview certain individuals who charge for their services, this may extend beyond the initial percentage they initially advertised. Regardless, it's important to get any fees in writing.
Make sure the percentage amount is clearly highlighted in the paperwork. Additionally, if there is a possibility for further expenses, this must also be highlighted and outlined.
At the end of the case, it's important to get an inventory of all of these costs and have them presented to you in an itemized sheet or report of some form.
What Happens After I Retain An Attorney in Philadelphia?
After retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer, expect prompt attention. While initial meetings are completely confidential, calls and texts are answered within 24 hours.
Upon meeting with him or her, your attorney will review the details surrounding your case. Depending on your situation, he or she may recommend taking immediate action. If so, expect to receive documents immediately thereafter.
Typically, paperwork includes copies of relevant reports, photographs, letters sent to defendants, and receipts. Should further investigation be required, expect to meet again soon.
At this point, your attorney will evaluate your options and begin drafting the necessary documents. Expect updates once progress begins.
During this time, keep track of deadlines and follow-up appointments. Be prepared to answer questions pertaining to your case as they arise. Lastly, stay informed!
Researching online is easy nowadays and doesn't take too long. Keep abreast of local news stories involving personal injury lawsuits filed locally. Doing so could lead to important developments that affect your case, so stay vigilant!
When you need an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer, there's only one firm for the job. Mattiacci has years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. Whether it's a result of a vehicle accident, on someone's property, or otherwise, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Us for a Free Consultation From an Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
Don't take insurance companies on without help. Contact Mattiacci Law today.